How to Solve Car Abnormal Noises?
3 Answers
Here are several situations and solutions for car abnormal noises: 1. Body noise: This problem is usually caused by insufficient body stiffness, resulting in deformation during driving, friction or shaking between the door and the frame, or friction between steel plates due to poor welding. Applying adhesive strips on doors and windows or placing rubber pads on friction areas may reduce or eliminate the noise, but these are temporary fixes. Some cars may also have loose body components causing noise, which can generally be resolved by tightening screws. 2. Engine compartment noise: There are many possible causes for noise here. A sharp belt squeal is usually caused by belt slippage. If there is a metallic friction sound when the engine is running, it may indicate damage to the generator, water pump, or power steering pump bearings. A hissing sound during engine operation could be due to a blocked exhaust system, vacuum tube leakage, or breakage. Note that if the noise comes from inside the engine, it is best to send the car to a professional for inspection. 3. Transmission noise: If there is a "rustling" sound from the transmission while driving, which disappears when the clutch is pressed, it indicates a transmission issue, possibly due to worn bearings or gears, or bearing spots. 4. Tire noise: Tire noise has a certain rhythm and increases with speed. A dull "thud" sound is often caused by tire tread deformation, bulging, severe wear, or insufficient pressure. A "clicking" sound may indicate small stones stuck in the tread. If the tire makes a "whooshing" sound and the car shakes noticeably or pulls to one side, it is likely a tire blowout, requiring immediate replacement. 5. Suspension noise: If there is a "thumping" or "clicking" sound near the wheels when driving over bumps, it is usually due to shock absorber issues or loose suspension components. It is crucial to have this checked at a professional repair shop, as suspension components affect both ride comfort and driving safety. 6. Engine guard noise: Screws on moving parts can become loose. If you hear a "rattling" noise near the grille, check if the engine guard screws are loose or if the guard is rubbing against the underbody. Tightening the screws and placing cardboard-like materials in the noisy area can easily eliminate the noise.
I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter car noise issues. The first thing to do is find a quiet place to park and check, pull the handbrake tight, get out and listen for the source of the sound. For example, a squeaking noise from the hood area might be due to a loose or dirty belt—replacing the belt is simple; a clunking sound from the wheel area is often caused by a stone stuck in the tire or a loose wheel hub—just remove it or tighten it; a screeching sound when braking is usually worn brake pads that need replacing; a thumping noise from the chassis might mean the suspension is aging and parts need replacement. When handling it yourself, wear gloves—small issues can be fixed easily, but for major problems, don’t delay—take it to a repair shop for a thorough check by a professional. For regular maintenance, remember to check fluids and tire pressure every six months to reduce such minor issues, saving money and giving peace of mind.
I always prioritize driving safety and never ignore any abnormal noises. Once I hear strange sounds, such as squeaking or knocking, I immediately slow down and pull over to a safe spot. I check the source of the noise: engine area sounds may indicate insufficient oil or dust ingress; suspension noises during turns could mean a dangerous shock absorber failure; interior plastic noises are usually just loose parts that can be fixed with some foam padding. If the sound is sharp or unusual, I never continue driving and call for a tow truck instead. I learned my lesson the hard way when I ignored minor noises that later led to a tire blowout. I've developed a habit of popping the hood weekly to clean out dust and checking chassis bolts monthly to ensure they're tight. Timely repairs save lives - never delay major issues for minor inconveniences.
