Everyone gets a little gunshy when trying to describe a problem or concern they are having with their vehicle. Something useful you can do when describing the problem to your local mechanic, google, or even your favorite GreaseMonkey, is attempt to make or describe the sound.
Engine Noises
Tick- while some ticking is normal on modern engines, if it becomes louder than normal you could have some issues. Check your oil level, and refer to a tech if necessary. Possible causes are valve train problems, low oil, or faulty vent valves.
Squeal- often times if you hear a squeal, it’s your belt. Get that changeed out before I take off mine, and go all 1950s dad on you. Sometimes you may have a coolant leak that is getting your belt wet and causing it to squeak, so be sure to check your coolant level with a cold engine DON’T CHECK HOT.
Whine- a whine coming from your engine bay is often a sign or problems with your power steering pump, or transmission. Either way you will want to get this figured out fast. A power steering pump problem, the whine will be more pronounced if you turn your steering wheel all the way to one side. Otherwise it’s more likely a transmission concern.
Pops and Bangs- Usually a popping noise from the engine bay is a sign of a massive misfire or backfire. These can both be detrimental to your engine, so you should shut it off immediately and diagnose the issue or tow it to a shop.
Tin Rattling or Chugging- Often times if an exhaust heat shield is damaged, bent or loose it will result in a tin rattling or tapping noise. This is usually an easy fix. A chugging noise is usually the result of backfires or catalytic converter clog. Louder exhaust style noise than you have installed (your Accord starts sounding like a muscle car) is often linked to exhaust leaks.
Driving Noises
Humming- this is rarely a cheap noise. Humming can be coming from your transmission, rear differential, tires being worn unevenly, or suspension parts failing. Best to get it figured out quickly.
Womp Womp- usually if you hear a womp womp noise, it’s due to a flat tire, unevenly worn tire, bad ball joints, or a very bad wheel bearing. These can all be safety hazards so don’t sleep on it. Wheel bearings can be checked by jacking the tire off the ground and pushing it bck and forth with hands on the top and bottom of the tire. The second way to check them that will be noticeable earlier in the wear is spin the tire while you hold the spring behind it. If you feel a ton of vibration in the spring, that bearing is bad.
Clunks and Bangs- If you hear clunks when you go over bumps or pot holes, it’s often due to worn sway bar links, struts (and strut mounts), or shocks. If it progresses to a bang, the part is severely worn and needed replaced last month.
What To Do
If you are noticing these noises, it’s time to either take it to a shop or diagnose and repair it yourself. Keep following along and we will dive more into how to fix and diagnose these problems.
Feel free to DM or tweet me on Twitter @BowTiedGreaseMonkey or ask away in the comments if you want to tackle the job yourself as well. Some noises can be rough to diag via text, but we can at least point you in the right direction.
I’ve been less active on the substack as I wasn’t sure yet how I was going to differentiate it from the website, but I’ve got some more solid ideas now. Expect more educational content on how parts and systems work in your vehicle, and how to diag or repair them.
Go out there and get Greasy