What Causes Abnormal Noises When Driving a Car?
4 Answers
Abnormal noises while driving a car can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Noise on rough roads. Cause: Problems with the shock absorber. 2. Rhythmic noise during driving. Cause: Friction sound due to the brake pads being too close to the brake disc. 3. Unnoticeable noise at low speeds but uniform abnormal noise at high speeds. Cause: This phenomenon occurs when a wheel bearing is damaged. 4. Rhythmic noise at low speeds, which diminishes at high speeds. Cause: Inaccurate four-wheel alignment, leading to significant tire wear during long-distance driving, resulting in uneven tire wear and abnormal noise.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered quite a few abnormal noise issues. The most common ones are in the chassis area - aging shock absorbers creak, loose steering knuckle balls click when turning, and tires with stuck pebbles make constant tapping sounds. The engine compartment also needs attention - loose belts squeal, and broken exhaust hangers sound like banging on an iron bucket. When brake pads wear to their limit, that metal scraping noise is particularly harsh. I remember on my last long-distance trip, the rear wheel bearings were humming; I thought it was a tire issue, but upon disassembly, I found the bearings had disintegrated. Such problems are best not delayed. During maintenance, have the mechanic tighten all the chassis screws and check the rubber bushings - replace them if they're aged to prevent the noises from worsening.
Last time I was driving on the highway, I suddenly heard a humming noise that became more noticeable when accelerating. After inspection, it turned out to be a faulty left front wheel bearing. Now whenever I hear any abnormal sounds, I immediately pull over and roll down the window to locate the direction: if the noise comes from the front, it might be a loose belt or cracked engine mount bushings; sounds from the rear are likely due to a loose exhaust pipe or rear suspension issues; a clunking noise when going over speed bumps usually indicates a bad lower control arm ball joint. Daily usage also requires attention – for example, a creaking sound when turning the steering wheel to full lock comes from the power steering pump, and unfixed items in the trunk can amplify impact noises. I remember once forgetting to remove the jack from the trunk – the loud banging noise during bumps almost scared me.
Abnormal noises are mostly caused by worn parts, posing safety hazards. Loose wheel hub bearings can cause high-speed shaking, deformed brake discs reduce braking efficiency, and worn suspension ball joints affect handling stability. Particularly, steering wheel noises must be taken seriously as they may indicate steering column or tie rod failures. It is recommended to regularly inspect chassis connecting rubber parts, as they tend to crack and produce noises after exceeding 5 years. When driving, avoid deep potholes as sudden severe bumps can loosen components. Upon detecting noises, promptly record their characteristics: whether continuous or intermittent, occurring during uphill or downhill driving, to facilitate quick problem identification during repairs.
