What Causes Abnormal Noise in the Front Wheels of a Car?
3 Answers
Abnormal noise in the front wheels of a car could be due to issues with the drive shaft or the brake pads reaching their safety limit. Here is some information about new brake pads: 1. Replacement Conditions: Brake pads are critical safety components in the braking system. New brake pads are approximately 1.5 cm thick and need to be replaced when worn down to 3-5 mm. 2. Function: Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most crucial safety components in a vehicle's braking system. The effectiveness of the entire braking system largely depends on the brake pads, making high-quality brake pads essential for the safety of both the driver and the vehicle.
Last time my car's front left wheel was making a clunking noise, the mechanic spent quite a while checking it. Worn-out brake pads screech like metal scraping, and uneven brake discs also cause squeaking sounds. If you hear a thumping noise when going over speed bumps, it's most likely due to aged shock absorber top mounts - cracked rubber sounds like hitting a broken gong. When wheel bearings fail, the faster you drive, the more it sounds like an airplane taking off with a humming noise. For chassis components like loose lower control arm ball joints, they'll creak when turning. The scariest was when a screw got stuck in the tire tread, making a rhythmic tapping sound like a metronome while driving. None of these noises are minor issues - get to a repair shop immediately and have them put the car on a lift for proper inspection.
We female drivers are most afraid of these kinds of sounds! Last month, my front right wheel also kept making a tapping noise, and later I found out it was a small stone stuck in the tire. If you hear a sharp whistling sound when braking, it's basically the brake pad wear indicator telling you it's time for a replacement. A loud clunk when going over bumps might mean the stabilizer bar bushings are cracked. If there's a squeaky noise like a mouse, check if the steering tie rod dust cover is torn. A bulging tire can also produce a rhythmic thumping sound. Remember, don't push it like my friend did—she kept driving long distances with a bad wheel bearing and ended up paying more for towing than the repair itself.
