grinding noise while driving
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CAR GRINDING
Hearing your car grinding noise while driving make a grinding sound when you start, turn or stop can be very disconcerting. When you hear your car grinding it means something is wrong with one or more of its parts. This can make driving your car unsafe, because you never know when the car part that is making the grinding sound will break or otherwise fail. If you hear a grinding noise coming from your car, your first step should be to determine what is causing it. You can either take it to an auto repair shop to have a thorough diagnostic workup done or, if you are mechanically inclined, you can try to figure it out yourself.
THE RIGHT TOOLS, TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY
In order to safely and accurately determine why your car is making a grinding sound when you start, turn or stop, you need the right tools, training and technology. At our auto repair shop, we have a wide range of top of the line tools designed to fit and fix every part or system in your car. We also have well-trained, highly skilled, experienced, auto repair technicians with the expertise to repair or replace the part that’s making the grinding sound. We also have the latest diagnostic machines and technology that can quickly and accurately identify the cause and location of the grinding sound in your car.
THE MOST COMMON CAUSES
When your car is making a grinding noise, most often that means there is a problem with the:
- Brakes
- Wheel Bearings
- Power Steering Pump
- Water Pump
- Alternator
Transmission grinding can also be the problem at times. If you have some experience working on cars, you can investigate to get a better idea of the source of the grinding sound and if it’s safe to drive your car to the shop to have it repaired or you need to have it towed. There is a simple 4 step process you can follow that can help you figure out where the grinding sound is coming from and how safe it is to drive the car.
A SIMPLE FOUR STEP DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
To get an idea where the grinding sound in your car is coming from, follow this simple four step diagnostic process. All you will need is a two- or three-foot piece of rubber hose or some other firm, hollow tube.
STEP ONE
Open and prop up the hood of the car. Start the car. Does the grinding noise begin right away? Is it constant as long as the car is running? If the grinding sound has already started, go to step two.
STEP TWO
Standing in front of your car, locate where the alternator, power steering pump and water pump are in your engine. Check the owner’s manual if you need help identifying these parts. Once you have found the parts from which the grinding sound is most likely to come, put one end of the rubber tubing to your ear. Take the other end and put it close to the alternator, the water pump and the power steering pump, one after the other. This can help you pinpoint which one of them is making the grinding noise. Make note of which one the noise is coming from so it can be repaired or replaced.
STEP THREE
If the noise is not coming from the alternator, power steering pump or water pump, the next step is to take a short test drive to see when the grinding sound occurs. Driving
slowly and carefully in a safe area, step on the brakes and listen carefully. If you hear the grinding sound, you may have worn brake pads or a damaged rotor. Replacing your brake pads and/or machining or replacing your rotor is something we can do quickly, easily and inexpensively at our shop.
STEP FOUR
If the source of the grinding sound is not the brakes, there is one more simple test you can perform. Continuing to drive slowly and carefully, make a right turn and then a left turn. Should you hear the grinding noise when making these turns, the wheel bearings is probably the problem area. This is a major safety issue that you should have one of our professional mechanics address immediately.
SAFETY FIRST
While it is possible to save some money by attempting to address brake grinding or any of the other causes of the grinding sound in your car for yourself, unless you are properly trained and have the right tools and equipment, to protect your safety and the safety of others in your car and on the roads, it is best to bring your car to a reputable auto mobile repair shop like our to have the repairs done professionally.
Brakes, wheel bearings and transmission grinding are serious issues that are safest if handled by specially trained, experienced, auto repair technicians like the members of our team.
VERY IMPORTANT COMPONENTS
The alternator, brakes, power steering and water pump and transmission parts that most often make grinding sounds are very important components. Making sure they are in good working order requires professional mechanics with advanced skills and the appropriate tools and equipment to make the necessary repairs. Our automobile repair specialists will quickly and accurately pinpoint the source from which the grinding noise is coming and take the right actions to get rid of it and make sure that those very important components are in good working order.
Listen up!
Full of moving parts, your vehicle is a symphony of sounds and movement. From the roar of the engine when you start it to the sound your anti-lock brakes make, you know what noises are normal for your car and what sounds are out of the ordinary. Strange noises are your car’s way of telling you that something is wrong and needs attention.
When you start hearing an unusual grinding noise coming from under your vehicle, you know it’s time to pay attention. Grinding noises are associated with rotating parts and rotating systems. Any part or system that rotates can cause grinding. If your car starts making grinding noises, don’t wait to get it checked out, get it taken care of before it turns into a bigger issue.
Top causes of grinding noises under your car
The two most common causes of grinding noises under your car are worn brake linings or failing wheel or hub bearings. Whichever action creates the grinding noise is the affected system that needs repair.
How your brakes can cause a grinding noise
Disc brake pads and drum brake shoes are a frequent contributor to grinding noises. Grinding noises appear when the brake friction material or brake linings have worn away and the steel brake rotor is rubbing against the metal brake pad backing. This causes metal-to-metal contact when the brakes are applied, creating a grinding noise.
This grinding is generally a very loud noise and will only grind when your brakes are applied, making the diagnosis very simple. Typically, the grinding noise will come from either the front or rear brakes, but not generally both. The repair for grinding brakes is simply a brake job or brake overhaul on the affected set of pads.
How your wheel/hub bearings can make a grinding noise
Designed to serve as a buffer between the axle and wheel, wheel or hub bearings eliminate friction between these parts. If your wheel bearings are worn, it can cause a grinding noise while turning the vehicle. Poor steering and handling and uneven tire wear are just some of the effects of failing wheel bearings.
Other culprits
If the brakes or wheel/hub bearings aren’t causing the grinding noises, it’s time to explore other parts that could be the source of your issues.
Water pump – A failing water pump can causes a grinding noise while the engine is running. Without a fully functioning water pump, your car can overheat. If you suspect that your water pump is failing, schedule an appointment with your mechanic before further damage is done to your vehicle.
CV joint – A worn CV (constant velocity) joint can cause your vehicle to make grinding noises when making tight turns at slow speeds. Left unattended, a damaged CV joint can fail, leaving you with a vehicle that is stuck in park. If it fails while you’re driving, it can lead to a loss of control. Don’t waste any time in getting your vehicle in to your mechanic if you think this is the cause of your grinding noises.
Alternator – Grinding noises can also be a sign that the alternator is wearing out. Modern alternators have a decoupler pulley system that helps save fuel but can make a grinding noise that is hard to find. Designed to charge your car’s battery and power the electrical system, a failing alternator can leave you on the side of the road with a dead battery.
Air conditioning – AC compressors can also be a source of a grinding noise. You may only notice it when your air conditioning system is on. Be sure to get it fixed since it not only keeps you cool in hot weather but it also helps remove moisture from your windows in the winter.
