What are the causes of abnormal noises while the car is moving?
3 Answers
There are several reasons for abnormal noises during car movement, including inaccurate four-wheel alignment and damaged wheel bearings. Below are detailed explanations of the causes of abnormal noises during car movement: 1. Inaccurate four-wheel alignment: When the four-wheel alignment is inaccurate, it causes significant wear on the tires, leading to uneven tire wear and resulting in abnormal noises. 2. Damaged wheel bearings: Abnormal noises can occur when a wheel bearing is damaged. Long-distance driving places high demands on wheel bearings. Bearings that are of poor quality or have been used for an extended period may fatigue and become damaged under prolonged high-speed operation, leading to abnormal noises.
I've been driving a taxi for decades, and car noises are all too common. The most frequent issues are with the suspension—like worn ball joints that creak when turning, or damaged shock absorbers that thump on bumpy roads. Uneven tire wear or low pressure can cause a humming noise at high speeds. The brake system often causes trouble too—thin pads squeal, and loose calipers rattle. Aging belts squeak, and bad wheel bearings produce a continuous hum when turning. Loose interior parts are even more annoying, rattling over small bumps. My advice is to listen to the location and timing of the noise—high-speed noises are often bearings, low-speed noises are usually brakes, and bumps often mean suspension issues. Timely repairs are crucial—I've seen rookies ignore noises and end up with costly chassis damage.
As a car enthusiast who loves tinkering with vehicles, I first troubleshoot any abnormal noises myself. There are many possible causes: incorrect tire pressure or wear can cause a humming sound; loose suspension bolts may result in squeaking when turning; worn brake pads will emit a high-pitched screech as a warning; a loose belt produces a chirping noise. DIY inspection is convenient—start the engine and listen, if there's chirping it's likely a belt issue; when hearing braking noises at low speeds, roll down the window to check if it's coming from the front wheels; noises on bumpy roads suggest checking the chassis hangers or exhaust pipe. Last time, I discovered a rear-end rattle was caused by a broken exhaust pipe bracket, which I fixed myself with tools. Learning basic DIY skills can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems—abnormal noises are often early warning signals.
