What to Do When There's a Slight Friction Sound from the Wheels at Low Speed?
2 Answers
It may be due to broken gear teeth or surface damage on the drive wheel. In this case, you should pull over and inspect. If the gear is damaged, it should be replaced promptly. If the car is in the running-in period, the differential planetary gears and the half-shaft gears may not be properly matched, leading to abnormal sounds during this phase. It could also be caused by improper operation, resulting in poor coordination of car parts and thus generating unusual noises.
I've also encountered this kind of hissing sound at low speeds before while driving, and it can be quite annoying. It might be due to brake pads that are too thin, slight unevenness on the brake discs, or friction caused by aging wheel bearings. I suggest first finding a safe place to park and checking around the wheels yourself for any small stones or debris that might be stuck. Gently rotate the tire to listen for where the sound is coming from. If you have the tools, you can try removing the wheel to check the thickness of the brake pads—if they're too thin, replace them immediately to avoid damaging the brake discs, which would cost more. Additionally, wheel bearing noise usually increases with speed and is most noticeable at low speeds. If the wheel feels loose when you shake it, the bearing might be damaged and need replacement. It's best not to delay fixing it; if something goes wrong at high speed, it could be dangerous. I delayed for a few days once, and the repair cost doubled, so it's better to find a reliable repair shop early to get it checked—safe and hassle-free.
