Squeak, squeal, bump or bang. At some point, your vehicle is going to produce strange sounds, and those sounds are usually a warning that it requires a bit of help. Regrettably, the noise doesn’t usually disappear, and it often gets more costly the longer you let it go.
Yes, we’ve all been there, the uncomfortable moment when we struggle to describe the peculiar noise our vehicle is making to the service technician, only to have them look at us as if we’re completely lost.
Well, the folks at Becker Body Shop, located at 6811 Park Road in Hummels Wharf, PA have come up with a list that should help you better explain what’s going on with your vehicle to better the success rate of the technician in discovering the issue.
One more thing. Be sure to be able to describe WHEN the noise occurs and under what conditions. It will save diagnostic time — and money!
Clunking while driving
If you detect a clunking noise when you drive over a bump, this might indicate that your suspension is defective. This could point to:
- Worn-out shock absorbers: These absorb vibrations from the wheels when driving in rough terrain. If damaged, you’ll pick up on tapping noises.
- Damaged struts: If noises take place while steering, this may well signal the struts are worn-out.
- Worn-out leaf spring shackles: These assist in off-roading and if they bend or break, can lead to the clunking sound.
- Damaged control arms: If worn out, control arms can trigger your wheels to move out of alignment, leading to a clunking sound steering.
Squealing noise when driving
You could detect a high-pitched squealing originating from your tires when you step on the vehicle’s brake pedal. This happens when the brake pad wear indicator may well be rubbing adjacent to the rotor. This is not a crisis. The brake pad indicator is simply present to warn you when your brake pads are worn down and should be replaced.
If this is the issue, as mentioned, you’re not in instant peril but you should have your brake pads replaced soon. Keep in mind that most brake pad noises are symptoms of trouble, and some can be worrisome. So, it’s best to get it checked by a professional technician.
Loud noise when starting
You start the engine and it wails like an ill-tempered cat, “rur, rur, rur.” In all probability, your battery is unable to find juice and is laboring to power the engine.
Actually, this is less of a safety issue and more of a convenience matter as your vehicle might very well end up not starting tomorrow, next week or next month. It’s difficult to make a precise guess. A slow engine crank coupled with this ill-timed noise says your battery is on the fritz. It may simply be beyond its heyday and needs replacement.
Head over to Becker Body Shop for a free battery test and we’ll let you know how much life is left in your battery.
Giant, groaning yawn
When you turn the steering wheel, your vehicle moans as if it just woke up from a deep-seated sleep. The steering wheel could also feel rigid and unresponsive. In all likelihood, something in your power steering system is creating friction. The folks at CarTalk tell us that your power steering pump might be shouting “Good-bye.”
Should you be alarmed? Absolutely. This is a sizeable safety concern. You need to have your power steering system checked a.s.a.p. As the problem gets worse, you’ll gradually lose control over your vehicle’s steering. You might also initiate added harm to the rest of the power steering system.
Humming
Every enthusiastic driver fancies the purring of a vehicle engine. Occasionally, however, what you believe is a purring sound may well be a very low humming noise. This is particularly true if you’re going faster and the humming grows in volume, quite similar to a plane taking off. You can turn one way, thus increasing the noise, but the humming fades when you turn the opposite way.
If this is the situation, set a speed at which you’ll coast. Keep an eye on your RPM and speed gauges as they climb the more you accelerate; then remove your foot from the gas pedal. At this point, your RPM should drop and so should the humming. However, if the sound persists, it’s not your engine purring. More likely, it’s a wheel-bearing making noise. These bearings work as a cushion between the axle and the wheel, producing a smooth surface for the wheel to rotate on. Over time, though, they can war out or become damaged, leading to a variety of problems. You should get a mechanic involved a.s.a.p.
Rattling noise
Is your vehicle producing a rattling noise? First – check the trunk. Loose stuff banging around might be the source. If not, there is likely something wobbly under your vehicle, maybe in your exhaust system.
A prime example? An unexpected jolt, running over a sizeable object, or age and rust could mean the hangers that hold up your exhaust system have come undone, resulting in the exhaust system rattling against the vehicle body or, even worse, the road.
Depending on the extent of damage, you might end up repairing or replacing the catalytic converter, muffler or other exhaust components.
Squealing noise while driving
Are you hearing a noisy squeal from under the hood? Can this be a cause for concern? Absolutely, say the folks at Becker Body Shop, since this is most probably the serpentine belt, which powers many of your vehicle’s major systems. A squealing serpentine belt is one that could be about to break or isn’t powering the engine’s accessories properly. This includes the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. When an old serpentine belt snaps, drive torque to all of these accessories is lost and you’re left, let’s say, “up the creek” with a vehicle that won’t go or could even overheat.
Clicking from underneath the vehicle
Another scary sound is a clicking sound that grows louder when you turn the wheel. If you’re hearing this, it’s apt to be your CV axle shaft boot that lubricates and protects the CV joint. If it’s not in appropriate condition, you’ll begin to hear a clicking. This is a serious issue because the CV joint will ultimately fail and, if it does, you’ll need to replace the complete axle shaft. So, if you’re hearing a clicking noise that surges as you accelerate and lessens as you slow, get to an auto mechanic as soon as possible.
Unusual sounds could likely mean something is wrong with your vehicle. That’s why you should arrange for routine maintenance and repairs to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition for as long as possible.
Need some vehicle body work? Look to the professionals at Becker Body Shop at 6811 Park Road in Hummels Wharf, PA.
