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Car Noise
By Joe Gutierrez
Those clunks, clanks, squeaks, and
rattles say a lot about a vehicle's health.
While most of us have seen talking cars in movies and cartoons, few of us
really believe that cars can talk. OK, there have been a few production cars
that told us the "door is ajar" and "the lights are on," but
as a general rule cars don't speak. They do, however, have their own
"language"—rattles, clunks, squeaks, and mechanical noises. When
your car starts "speaking," you need to listen.
· Buzzing:
Vibration of a loose fascia, vent, knob or wiring connector rattling against
ductwork usually causes this bee-like noise. Debris in the ductwork also causes
buzzing. High-pitched buzzing from under the vehicle usually means the heat
shield on the catalytic converter is loose.
· Clicking:
A metallic-sounding clicking noise that
becomes more frequent as the throttle is applied may be caused by bent or loose
fan blade hitting the radiator or protective shroud. This is especially true on
older vehicles with metal fan blades.
· Clunking or
thumping: A
heavy, metallic sounding noise that usually happens as the vehicle is put into
gear. On rear-wheel drive vehicles it can indicate a failing universal joint on
the drive shaft. Also, check for loose items stored in the trunk.
· Grating or grinding:
Metallic grating or grinding sounds
occurring when the brakes are applied means worn brake pads or shoes. Good
brakes are vital to vehicle safety. Get them repaired right away.
· Growling:
On older vehicles, a growling sound coming
from under the dash means a worn speedometer cable. In the engine, it can mean
the crankshaft bearings are worn. Growling sounds may also be an indication of
rear end problems.
· Hissing:
If it sounds like air escaping, it probably
is. Check the tires for a puncture or loose valve stem. Escaping steam from a
blown radiator hose also hisses. When checking for steam, open the hood
carefully. Steams burns can be nasty.
· Knocking:
A metallic knocking sound like a hammer
hitting a metal door could mean worn piston rod bearings, allowing the piston
rod to knock against the inside of the engine, destroying it in minutes.
· Pinging:
If the engine makes noises that sound like loose gravel in a tin can, you
probably have pre-ignition, a condition caused by improper timing or by using
the wrong octane fuel.
· Rattles:
These can be caused by anything from a loose
jack handle in the trunk to a broken or loose shock. Check for loose items
before seeing the mechanic.
· Squeaks:
Most squeaks are in the suspension system
and are caused by a combination of road dirt and a lack of lubrication. Pressure
wash the suspension and get a lube job. Spraying door seals with a Teflon
lubricant will usually cure squeaking doors.
· Squealing or
screeching: A
loose drive belt can cause a high-pitched squeal under the hood. If the sound
happens as the brakes are applied, the wear indicators are telling you the pads
are worn.
· Tapping or ticking:
A light metallic tapping or ticking sound
may mean that the valves aren't getting proper lubrication or need adjustment.
· Whirring:
A whirring, whirling sound may be an indication of pending automatic
transmission trouble.
· Whistle:
Caused by disturbed airflow around the vehicle, whistles can be difficult to
pinpoint. Anything from a loose molding, antenna, mirror, roof rack or slightly
open window can cause a whistle.
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