What Causes the Gurgling Rolling Sound While Driving?
3 Answers
The gurgling rolling sound while driving originates from the suspension system in the chassis, indicating issues such as looseness, aging, or shock absorber failure in components like ball joints, rubber bushings, or shock absorbers. When this phenomenon occurs, it is advisable to take the vehicle to a repair shop to inspect whether the ball joints are loose or the bushings are cracked. Additionally, a wireless electronic stethoscope can be used to monitor noise decibel levels from other suspension components to identify the source of the gurgling sound. To address the gurgling rolling sound, owners should promptly clean the sliding rails. The sunroof's sliding mechanism is track-based, and over time, dust and sand particles accumulate in the contact surfaces and gaps of the rails. If not cleaned regularly, the "gurgling" sound will persist. Owners can use cotton cloth or gauze to wipe the rail tracks and apply a small amount of grease after cleaning.
I just dealt with a similar issue last month. A gurgling sound while driving is most commonly caused by a faulty wheel hub bearing. Especially when the sound changes during turns, it's usually a sign the bearing needs replacement. It could also be due to uneven tire tread wear, making it feel like you're rolling an oval-shaped object. Another possibility is aging shock absorber top mounts causing such muffled noises—my neighbor's car had this exact issue. My advice is, don't ignore the sound; get it checked promptly. Last time, I had them lift the car to spin the wheels and listen for abnormal noises, then checked tire wear patterns. Turned out the right front wheel bearing was excessively worn—replacing it fixed the problem.
That rumbling noise is indeed quite annoying. The time I encountered it, it suddenly appeared on the highway. My first thought was a tire issue, and upon closer inspection, I found many small stones stuck in the tire treads, causing a clicking sound while driving. Another time, while driving slowly in the neighborhood, I heard a continuous rumbling noise, which turned out to be a deformed brake rotor shield rubbing against rotating parts. I suggest you pay attention to when the sound occurs—is it more noticeable during acceleration or when driving at a constant speed? If the sound's rhythm changes with the vehicle's speed, it's likely an issue with wheel-related components. I make it a habit to check my tires and undercarriage every month to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
