I am hearing a rotational noise when the car is moving. Sounds like a piece of paper or plastic shopping bag might be stuck somewhere underneath the car. I inspected the car yet again, and I found nothing, as usual.

Except this: There appears to be some plastic stuck to, or coming off of, the left front wheel (underneath the hubcap). Possible explanations: 1) the wheels came from the factory with a plastic on them; 2) some plastic got up under there while I was driving and the wheel was hot enough to melt the plastic onto it. I will inspect further.

Anyone have any input on this?

 

your explanation sounds the most likely. I'd remove the wheel and inspect what's going on if that's the area the sound is coming from.

If the car is new, just take it by the dealer. Odd sounds are covered under warranty (especially in the first 12 months).

 

I had something similar happen to my Fit a couple of months ago, but the sound was much worse than what you're describing. I got a piece of gravel stuck between the rotor and rotor shield and it sounded like the bearings in one of the front u-joints was going out. I was happy when the garage called and said that was all it was.

-Dustin

 

@Dustin: I think I remember that. That was weird, too.

 

Steve, ever heard of "wall service"? Guys would bring their motorcycles into the motorcycle dealership complaining of "weird noises." Dealer takes the bike in and promises to check everything over thoroughly. After the guy leaves, the dealer leans the bike up against a wall and leaves it there all day. Guy comes back, takes the bike for a test ride and can't believe how great it runs. He's so happy that the dealer was able to fix it.

For me, the whole point of owning a Fit is never having to go to the dealer. These cars are pretty straightforward, and I haven't got a day to waste riding the bus.

 

The placebo effect is strong. Oil changes can do the same thing for just slightly more cost. Same with premium fuel.

 

Maybe. But my point was that dealers are criminals and morons.