What Causes the Abnormal Noise from the Oil Pump?
3 Answers
It may be related to the viscosity of the engine oil. At low RPM, the oil pump pressure cannot reach the normal level, resulting in insufficient tension of the hydraulic tappet and causing abnormal noise. Below is a detailed introduction about engine oil: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and act as a shock absorber in the engine. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of a car. Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, providing certain new characteristics, making them an essential part of lubricating oil. 2. Performance: Lubricity, low-temperature operability, viscosity-temperature characteristics.
Abnormal noises from the oil pump are usually not a good sign, mainly caused by wear or damage to internal components, such as excessive bearing or gear clearance, which can lead to squeaking or buzzing sounds. Insufficient oil is another common reason; if the oil level is too low or the oil has aged and thickened, the oil pump struggles to operate and may produce continuous noise. Another possibility is the presence of debris, such as engine carbon buildup or small fragments stuck in the pump, as foreign objects can cause serious issues. If not addressed promptly, inadequate lubrication system oil supply can accelerate engine wear, and in severe cases, even damage bearings. I recommend checking the oil dipstick immediately to confirm oil level and quality. If the oil is too dirty, change it right away. If the problem persists, take the car to a professional shop to test oil pressure with diagnostic tools—don’t delay. Regular maintenance, including periodic replacement of the oil filter and high-quality oil, can help prevent such issues, as engine repairs can be quite costly.
Friend, a loud oil pump noise is likely due to insufficient oil or the pump itself aging. My car used to have this issue—it would make a buzzing sound as soon as I started it, which was really alarming. A simple solution is to first check the oil dipstick. If the oil level is low, top it up or change the oil immediately, and most of the time, the noise will disappear. If it's not an oil issue, it could be due to worn pump gears or loose components, which would require disassembly for inspection or even replacement. Don’t ignore these small noises during daily driving, as they indicate inadequate lubrication, which can eventually damage the engine. I’ve picked up a few tricks myself, like using higher-quality oil to reduce sludge buildup and sticking to regular maintenance to avoid bigger headaches. The safest bet is still to have a professional mechanic take a look to ensure you’re driving safely.
