What Causes Wheel Noise?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons and solutions for the clicking noise from wheels: Small stones in tires: For minor cases, you can use a screwdriver to remove small stones from the tread grooves yourself. If there are many stones, during maintenance at a 4S shop or repair shop, ask the technician to deflate the tire and tap it to make the small stones in the tread grooves fall out. If slightly larger stones are stuck inside, gently pry them out with a screwdriver. Engine noise: Replace the engine mounts to prevent engine vibrations from transferring to the car body, reducing vibrations and naturally eliminating noise. Severe wear: If the "clicking" sound from the valves persists even when the engine is warm, it's necessary to open the engine valve cover to inspect the wear on the camshaft and pushrods. If obvious wear marks or damage are found, replacement and repair work will be required.
Last time on the highway, my car wheels were also squeaking. I thought it was just pebbles stuck in the tires and cleaned them myself, but after driving a few kilometers, the clunking noise got even louder. When I took it to the repair shop, they found that the left front wheel bearing was shattered. The mechanic said this issue could be minor or major—it could just increase fuel consumption and wear out the tires, or worse, the wheel could lock up completely. Actually, there are many common causes for abnormal wheel noises: pebbles stuck in the tread make a tapping sound, worn-out brake pads cause screeching, bearing problems create a humming noise, and loose suspension ball joints produce a thud when going over bumps. Now, whenever I hear any unusual sounds, I pull over to the emergency lane to check. Staying safe is more important than saving time.
As a freight truck driver, I've encountered too many types of wheel noises. Metal scraping sounds usually indicate worn-out brake pads or stuck calipers, resembling sandpaper grinding; humming noises are mostly caused by insufficient lubrication or damage to the wheel hub bearings; clunking noises require checking the shock absorbers or aging suspension arm bushings. Once, my truck produced a low-frequency thumping sound, and upon inspection, it turned out to be loose wheel hub nuts. Remember, rhythmic noises synchronized with vehicle speed while driving are often wheel-related, while noises when turning the steering wheel while stationary mostly indicate steering gear issues. It's best to carry a small hammer and tap the tires before driving to check for solid sounds.
My new car started making clicking noises from the wheels just six months after purchase. The 4S dealership claimed it was due to small stones stuck in the tire treads causing road noise. After personally cleaning them out with a key, it was quiet for two days until it started clunking over speed bumps. Upon re-inspection, they found the ball joint on the control arm was loose—tightening the bolts fixed it. Wheel noises are like the car talking: squeaking could mean brake pad warnings, clunking suggests checking for loose suspension bolts, and humming often indicates bearing wear. Addressing these promptly is crucial—last year, a friend ignored such noises and ended up with a tire blowout on the highway.
