What Causes Loud Throttle Noise and How to Solve It?
4 Answers
The causes and solutions for loud throttle noise: The throttle is either too dirty or damaged. It is recommended to clean the carbon buildup on the throttle or replace the throttle. The car's throttle is generally located at the engine intake, behind the engine air filter and in front of the intake manifold. The main function of the throttle is to control the amount of air intake, which in turn affects the amount of fuel injection. An increase in air intake leads to an increase in fuel injection. After a period of use, both the throttle and fuel injectors can become dirty. A dirty throttle or fuel injectors can result in symptoms such as weak acceleration, loud noise, increased fuel consumption, and engine shaking. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary, but it does not mean that the more frequently the throttle and fuel injectors are cleaned, the better.
Recently, my car's throttle body has been making unusually loud noises, and inspection revealed that carbon buildup is the main cause. Sludge generated from long-term engine operation accumulated at the edges of the throttle plate, causing a clattering sound when opening and closing. I sprayed carburetor cleaner on it myself, then wiped it clean with a soft cloth, and the noise immediately reduced significantly. Additionally, a dirty air filter can allow impurities to be sucked into the throttle body, increasing wear, so I also replaced the air filter while I was at it. Regularly performing these two maintenance tasks can basically prevent throttle body noises. If the problem persists, it’s necessary to check for wear on the throttle shaft.
I've encountered throttle noise issues several times, with three common causes: hardware aging, carbon buildup jamming, or sensor failure. My old car first made a buzzing sound, and upon disassembly, we found the throttle shaft sleeve was worn causing play - replacing the entire assembly fixed it. Another time there was a clicking noise during cold winter starts, which was resolved after cleaning carbon deposits. Now I check the throttle's smoothness of opening/closing every 30,000 km, while also testing the position sensor's data stream for abnormalities. I recommend not waiting until the noise becomes severe to address it, as this could potentially damage the intake manifold gasket.
Throttle body noise is usually a sign of poor opening and closing. Last week, while helping a neighbor check his car, it made a squeaking sound during acceleration. Upon disassembling the throttle body, carbon buildup was found caked like cement around the pivot. Soaking it with a specialized cleaner for twenty minutes, followed by thorough scrubbing with a toothbrush, eliminated the noise after reassembly. If cleaning proves ineffective, it could indicate spring fatigue or motor failure, necessitating replacement parts. During maintenance, remember to inspect vacuum hoses for cracks, as leaks can alter throttle body operating pressure and cause noise.
