What Causes the Rustling Sound When the Car is Running?

[ElenaLee]

It could be a bearing failure. In this case, a "rustling" sound will be emitted, which may turn into a "rattling" or "whistling" sound in severe cases. Deformed tire treads, bulges, severe wear, or tire pressure outside the standard range may all cause radial jumping of the tires during driving, resulting in abnormal noise. The tires need to be replaced or the tire pressure adjusted. During normal driving, it is important to regularly check the condition of the tires. Below are some related explanations: 1. Steering wheel noise: Poor lubrication of the steering column, resulting in high friction; insufficient power steering fluid; check if there is an issue with the universal joint; aging and hardening of the rubber bushings on the chassis suspension stabilizer bar links; aging of the steering tie rod ball joints, which need replacement; if a "clicking" noise is heard when turning the steering wheel, it indicates a problem with the steering gear, which needs to be replaced promptly. 2. Causes of body noise: It could be due to poor material stiffness of the body itself, which deforms over time and causes friction with other components, resulting in noise. In this case, simply applying adhesive tape to the friction area can usually alleviate the issue. Another possibility is that prolonged driving has caused some components to loosen, in which case the loose parts need to be identified and secured.

[LeMatteo]

Once my car made a rustling noise while driving, and it took me a while to figure out the cause. The most common reason is small stones and sand stuck in the tire treads, causing a rattling sound when the wheels rotate—usually because they weren’t cleaned properly during car washes. Carefully remove them with a screwdriver or tweezers, being careful not to damage the rubber. If the noise persists, it might be due to worn brake pads or debris stuck on the brake discs, creating a similar friction sound. Loose suspension components like tie rods or bushings can also produce a rustling noise when driving over bumps, serving as a warning sign. It’s advisable to check these issues promptly; ignoring them could lead to more expensive problems like bearing damage. Simple maintenance can often resolve the issue—just remember to wear gloves for safety before working on it.

[StJourney]

With over twenty years of driving experience, I'm particularly vigilant about such rustling noises, especially when they relate to safety. The sound may originate from the braking system, such as excessively worn brake pads or debris caught in the caliper, becoming more noticeable during low-speed turns, which can easily lead to delayed braking. Loose suspension components like swing arms can also produce rustling sounds on bumpy roads, and in severe cases, wheel wobbling can compromise control. I've encountered similar situations before, and fortunately, timely repairs prevented accidents. At high speeds, such noises amplify the danger, making it crucial to prioritize inspection. Develop a habit of listening for unusual sounds before and after starting the car daily. If any issues are detected, seek professional inspection at a repair shop immediately—spending a little now can ensure safety later.

[OCharles]

After spending a long time in the auto shop, that sandpaper-like sound is often caused by mechanical components. Worn-out wheel hub bearings or lack of lubrication are the most common culprits—you'll hear a humming turn into a gritty noise during operation, especially when turning. Belts in the drivetrain, like the AC belt, can also make noise if loose or cracked, so checking the tensioner is a must. A dirty brake system or misaligned parts can create friction noises too. Diagnosis is simple: drive slowly with windows down to locate the sound source, or lift the car to inspect rotation. Early lubrication for bearing issues can extend their lifespan, but don’t delay to avoid bearing failure and bigger problems. Regular 10,000-km maintenance and lubrication can prevent most noises.