What's That Noise?
- Squeaking or grinding coming from the front or rear of your car can indicate that your brakes are getting low. The squeaking can be the brake pad indicators to alert you that it's time to replace them. When brakes start grinding it could be one of your brake calipers seizing up, which can also include smoke coming from your brakes! When this occurs, do not continue driving on them. Get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible to have the brakes looked at.
- Clicking from either the front or rear of the car could be an indication that your axles are going bad. The axles contain lubricants in them and when the "boots" become torn or worn out, the grease leaks out of your axles creating dry conditions that could affect your steering and transmission. The axles are connected to the transmission and wheels to make your car move forward and backward. It's important to replace them once the grease has entirely leaked out or preferably before they become dry.
- A "roaring" sound is in indication that your wheel bearings may be failing. This bearing holds the wheel onto the car. When the bearings are wearing out, the wheel will wobble creating a roaring sound. It's imperative that this be addressed. On certain vehicles an alignment may need to be performed after a wheel bearing has been replaced.
- Belts can sometimes produce a "squealing" sound upon starting your vehicle. Sometimes the noise will go away after driving for a while, but don't let that continue, this is most likely due to belts that have stretched over time. Depending on their make and model, cars and trucks can have one large serpentine belt, or up to 4 individual belts. These belts are commonly known as the air conditioning belt, the power steering belt, the alternator belt and the air pump belt. All of these belts should be inspected annually to make sure they are not cracked or worn.
- Did you know that sometimes your suspension can also make noises? Creaking and excessive bounce are indications that your cars struts and shocks may be worn out. If you are going over speed bumps and hear some clunking and squeaking, it could be coming from your suspension components; there are tie rods, sway bar links, control arm bushings and ball joints. All of these can make noises, have them checked at a repair facility before it's too late and does damage to your car or truck and keep your family safe on the road.