What Causes Abnormal Noises After a Car Goes Through Water?
4 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for abnormal noises after a car goes through water: 1. Water on brake pads: If the vehicle does not go through deep water and water splashes onto the brake pads, it is normal to hear abnormal noises when braking. 2. Foreign objects between brake pads and calipers: If the vehicle does not go through deep water, foreign objects such as plastic bags or mud in the water may get stuck between the brake pads and calipers, causing abnormal noises when braking. 3. Water ingestion in the exhaust pipe: If the vehicle goes through deep water, water may enter the engine through the exhaust pipe, preventing the fuel and air mixture from burning properly, leading to abnormal noises. 4. Foreign objects stuck in the chassis: If foreign objects get stuck in the chassis after the vehicle passes through a waterlogged area, abnormal noises may occur while driving.
I’ve also experienced strange noises when driving through water, mainly because water got into some critical areas. The most common issue is water accumulation in the exhaust pipe. If you’ve just driven through water and it’s trapped in the exhaust, starting the engine will produce a ‘gurgling’ or ‘popping’ sound, which can be quite alarming. Next is the engine area—if water gets into the pulley or bearings and causes rust, you’ll hear ‘squeaking’ or ‘clicking’ noises when they rotate. Moisture after driving through water increases friction between parts, making noise more likely. Then there’s the undercarriage: if water gets into the brake pads or suspension ball joints, you’ll hear ‘creaking’ sounds when braking or turning. After driving through water, don’t rush to speed up; drive slowly for a while to let the moisture evaporate. If the noises persist, head to a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid corrosion and major repairs. Always be cautious around flooded areas—don’t force your way through standing water to prevent these issues.
My car also made strange noises after driving through water last time, a kind of 'clucking' sound. After checking, I found that water in the exhaust pipe can cause noise; if there's water accumulation in the chassis parts like the exhaust pipe, the sound is louder; wet wheel bearings lead to poor lubrication, resulting in more strange noises when turning; water in the brake system causes a 'squealing' sound when braking. Driving through water can affect the exhaust pipe, engine, or suspension, with moisture accelerating rust or increasing friction, leading to noise. It's recommended to drive at low speeds after water exposure to evaporate the moisture, open the windows to listen for the source of the noise, and get it checked immediately if there's any abnormality. Raising the exhaust pipe or adding chassis protection before driving through water can prevent these issues. Don't wait for the noise to get worse before addressing it; regular chassis maintenance can reduce rust formation.
Water wading noises are often caused by exhaust pipe water accumulation or engine moisture. Water blocking the exhaust pipe produces a 'gurgling' sound; wet engine belts and rusted bearings create a 'squeaking' noise; electrical systems also make sounds when wet. After wading, drive at low speed for a while to evaporate moisture. If the noise is loud, inspection and maintenance are needed. Safety should not be overlooked.
