Mar 3, 2011
The only noise your car should make is a rich, satisfying roar as it carries you down the road. Anything else means there’s a problem. Head straight to your dealer mechanic at the first sign of strange noises. Here are some common sounds, and the problems usually associated with them:
- Clunking/thumping: Defective universal joint, prop shaft or rear differential.
- Heavy knocking/pounding from engine/drivetrain: Worn crankshaft bearings, bad connecting rod, or loose bolts in the gearbox torque converter.
- Engine pinging: Low quality fuel. Easily fixed by switching to a higher octane fuel, or check ignition timing.
- Metallic screeching/scraping: Worn brake pads.
- Squealing: Loose fan belt or compressor belts.
- Thudding/thumping: Loose pulleys or exhaust pipe.
- Low–pitched rumble: Wheel-bearing wear.
- Increasing engine ticks: Bad lubrication due to low or dirty oil.
- Whining: Differential or transmission wear.
Do your best to describe the problem to your mechanic. The clearer your description, the easier it will be for him to fix your car quickly and cheaply.
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