Sounds Like Trouble
SOUNDS LIKE TROUBLE
Squeaks, squeals, rattles, rumbles, and other sounds provide valuable clues about other problems and maintenance needs. Here are some common noises and what they mean. Any of them sound familiar?
Squeal- a shrill, sharp noise
- related to engine speed- check for loose fan belts; power steering, alternator, air conditioning, etc.
- related to speed of vehicle- check for brake sensor indicator hitting rotor; indicates brake pads are low and need replacing
Click- slight, sharp noise, either repetitive or singular.
- related to engine speed- loose or noisy lifter, alternator or waterpump bearing.
- on braking- possible loose brake caliper or loose or missing brake pad hardware
- related to speed of vehicle- possible loose wheel cover or loose wheel; check all lug nuts and remove wheel covers one at a time to verify which wheel
Rumble- low pitched rhythmic sound
- at idle and on acceleration- defective exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or muffler
- high speeds- possible wheel bearings, if noise changes when rocking wheel back and forth most likely front, steady droaning sound indicates more rear
Ping- high pitched metallic tapping sound related to engine speed. (spark knock)
- on acceleration- usually caused by using lower octane rating fuels. Also worn ignition parts such as spark plugs will create this lean engine misfire, also referred to as detonation
- universal joints that are going bad will also create variations of this- check for seized or loose universal joints or other drive line problems
Heavy Knock- rhythmic pounding
- when hitting gas indicates internal engine damage such as a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings; engine will need rebuilding or replacing
- in gear- may indicate a loose torque converter to flywheel mounting
Clunk- random thumping sound
- over bumps- indicates loose suspension components such as shock absorbers or struts
- steering components need to be checked if problem is only on turns; check for balljoints or other loose parts
- on hard turns- possible constant velocity joint or bad axle, check for cv boots that are ripped and washed out; axle will need replacing.
These are the best, most common explanations I can come up with. So do any of these sound familiar to you? Let me know if you have another that I can add to the list.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment