What Causes the Clicking Noise When a Car Starts?
4 Answers
The causes of clicking noise when a car starts are as follows: 1. Noise caused by rusted brake discs/pads: The brake disc and brake pad stick together due to rust, causing noise. This usually occurs after driving in rainy weather or prolonged parking. When the brake disc and brake pad rust and stick together, noise will occur upon restarting the car. This issue can be resolved by applying butter or special lubricating oil to the connection between the brake pad and brake caliper. 2. Excessive wear of brake disc and brake pad: Both brake discs and brake pads are high-wear items. Each time the brakes are applied, these two components rub against each other, leading to natural wear over time. When the wear becomes excessive, noise will naturally occur, so regular inspection and replacement are necessary. Typically, brake pads should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, while brake discs should be replaced every 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers.
I encountered a similar issue last time I was driving. There was a clunking sound when starting, and it felt like the chassis was shaking. Later, after inspection, it turned out to be wear in the ball joint of the suspension system. That part connects the wheels to the body and can loosen over time, making noise under the heavy load of starting and accelerating. It could also be the braking system, like rusted or stuck brake pads, which is especially common in damp winter conditions. If you hear noises when starting after the car has been parked for a long time, you should pay extra attention—if the brake discs are corroded, it could be even more dangerous. I recommend not driving too aggressively and finding time to take it to a repair shop for a thorough inspection on a lift. If suspension issues aren't fixed, stability during turns can decrease, increasing the risk of accidents. Safety first—early detection and early action can save you from expensive repairs later.
When I first started driving, I also encountered this situation - a sudden clunking noise when starting off, which really freaked me out. This abnormal noise is mostly caused by issues with chassis components, such as loose bolts or damaged shock absorber brackets. It could also be related to the drivetrain, like worn drive shaft joints causing poor gear engagement. A friend of mine ignored similar symptoms, and later his axle shaft completely failed, costing thousands in repairs. You'd better not delay - pay attention to unusual sounds during normal driving, test by gently pressing the accelerator when starting off. If the noise gets louder, go to a professional auto repair shop immediately. Safety comes first - cars are just transportation tools, and strange noises could be early warnings of major failures. Never take them lightly.
As a car enthusiast, I've encountered many cases of abnormal noises during startup while repairing cars. The main causes are loose suspension ball joints or connecting rods, which create a clunking sound when the chassis bears uneven force during startup. Worn drive shafts are also common, especially in older cars, where leaking oil seals lead to dry grinding of gears. The inspection method is quite simple: shake the wheel hub after parking to check for looseness, or warm up the car before starting to listen for the noise location. If it's a suspension issue, it's recommended to choose branded parts when replacing components for better durability. Ignoring such noises can accelerate tire wear and even affect steering precision, so early intervention is advised.
