What Causes the Rustling Noise in the Engine?
3 Answers
It might be due to a bearing malfunction, which can produce a rustling sound. Here is some relevant information: 1. Definition: A car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, acting as the heart of the car, determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid engines, among others. 2. Maintenance and Repair: Car engines require regular maintenance. When driving through particularly humid or dusty areas, it is also necessary to inspect and maintain the relevant components of the engine.
The engine is making a rustling noise, which makes me think there might be an issue with the drive belt. For example, my friend's car had a rustling sound upon startup, and upon inspection, it turned out to be a loose or slipping alternator belt, or the belt had aged and cracked, reducing friction and causing the noise. It could also be due to worn water pump bearings or a faulty air conditioning compressor bearing—when these components rotate with increased friction, they produce a rustling sound. Additionally, insufficient lubrication is another possible cause, such as a lack of oil in the power steering pump, where metal friction becomes more noticeable after the oil film breaks down. If the noise is louder during a cold start and diminishes after the engine warms up, it’s mostly related to the belt. Ignoring it could lead to belt breakage, causing the alternator to stop working, draining the battery, and leaving the car stranded on the road. So, as soon as you hear this sound, head to a repair shop for a professional check on belt tension and replacement of worn parts—don’t wait until a major problem occurs.
A rustling noise from the engine, I believe the most common cause is belt-related issues, such as loose power steering or alternator belts, which produce friction sounds during operation. I've also encountered cases of bearing wear, like insufficient lubrication in water pump or fan bearings causing rustling noises during rotation, especially worsening on bumpy roads. Additionally, it could be loose or unbalanced cooling system fan blades, creating vibrations and noise due to uneven rotation. Insufficient lubrication is also quite common; long-term neglect can lead to dried-up grease and increased bearing friction. If the noise changes with rising temperatures, it indicates potential system failure escalation—for example, belt slippage may drain the battery, preventing startup. It's best to inspect belt and bearing conditions every six months and replace them promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming major failures.
