A weird car noise is enough to send most drivers into a panic, especially those who do not know a lot about cars. Well, you have a legitimate reason to be scared. In some instances, it could be a sign of a problem that needs immediate attention. However, there are also instances wherein these noises are not a reason to be alarmed.

Here are some of the most common car noises you can hear while driving.

1. Squealing Engine Noise
2. Bad Noise from the Brake
3. Clicking While Turning
4. Loud Tire Noise

In the rest of this post, we will have a quick look at some of the most common car noises you can hear while driving. We will not only identify the causes but also dig deeper into the best things you can do. Some of the solutions can be completed even on your own, while there are also more complicated things that are best to be handled by an experienced mechanic.

Common Car Noises

Squealing Engine Noise

This is the type of noise that can be heard almost in an instant after turning on the engine. As we all know, the engine is the heart of the car. Therefore, when there is a noise coming from the engine, you should immediately check it out. It is a serious problem that could be costly to repair when not resolved as soon as possible. This could also put your safety at risk.

Among others, the worn-out serpentine belt is one of the most common causes of squealing engine noise. Through years of driving, it could have already given up. Sometimes, all that you have to do is to readjust the belt.

However, a replacement is warranted when it is old or worn out. This is necessary because the belt controls the other parts of the engine system, such as the compressor and alternator.

It is also possible that the problem is with the belt’s tension. If the tension is too tight, it could put more stress on the different parts and can be the reason for the noise. If it is too loose, on the other hand, it can make a wobbly sound. A quick inspection and readjustment of the tension will help.

Aside from the serpentine belt, the failure of other accessories to function properly can also be blamed for the weird noise made by the serpentine belt. The pulleys, for instance, could be the ones that are causing the noise.

Bad Noise from the Brake

Another common noise you can hear would be from the braking system. If you have parked outside and you hear the noise shortly after driving, this may not be a cause for concern. The rotors could have been rusted because of the buildup of moisture.

Going to the more serious concerns, a bad brake noise can be caused by worn-out brake pads. In the case of some brake pads, they come with an indicator providing an immediate warning when it is already calling for a replacement. Small steel clips will make a noise to let you know that it is time to have new brake pads. The backing plate at the back of the pad could become thicker over time, which can compromise your car’s braking system. If they are not damaged, there can also be a noticeable noise when you use low-quality brake pads.

Another reason for the noise in the brakes would be stuck solid objects. They can be stuck between the caliper and the rotor. More often than not, you will hear a grinding noise when this is the problem. In most cases, a small rock or debris is the problem.

Lubrication can also help to address the problem. When the caliper bolts are unlubricated, they can produce a grinding sound every time the brake is applied. To minimize friction and noise, lubrication is necessary.

Clicking While Turning

When you turn the car and hear a noise, the first thing that needs to be done is to determine the source. Did you hear it from the front, middle, or back? There are some clicking noises that are normal, such as when you turn emergency flashers.

However, the most common reason for a clicking noise when you turn is the constant velocity (CV) joint. They function like the arms and legs of the car, ensuring that the engine system’s movements will be well-coordinated. Therefore, when the CV joints fail, it is not uncommon to hear a noise when turning or accelerating. This could be because of the lack of grease, causing friction. In worse situations, the joint can already be damaged, and it is time for a replacement.

The failure of the bearing hub is one more thing that should be looked at. The axle hub has the main function of shouldering the load as the vehicle turns. When it fails, there will be a clicking sound. Replace the hub or have it adjusted to fix the issue.

Loud Tire Noise

There are several reasons why the tires make a noticeable noise when you are driving. It could be because of compressed air on the tire treads. It can also be because the car is having difficulty carrying the load, especially if it is towing something.

On a more serious note, there are three things that could make the tires make a noticeable sound. One of the reasons would be uneven wear. This means that there is uneven contact between the tires and the road, making the tread unbalanced. There can also be a problem with the alignment of the tires. If you have not had wheel alignment in a long time, it may now be the time to have one to prevent the air chamber from making a noise. Lastly, it could also be because of a problematic wheel bearing. This is the most serious of the three problems. You can often hear this sound when you are changing lanes.

Regular service and maintenance will be important to solve the problem of loud tire noises. From the alignment of the wheels to the replacement of the bearings, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. Otherwise, the tires will not just keep on making annoying noises but will also be less fuel-efficient and can even end up compromising your safety. It significantly minimizes the roadworthiness of the vehicle.

As has been mentioned in this article, there are four major common car noises – squealing engine noise, bad brake noise, clicking noise when turning, and loud tire noise. Some of the problems may not be serious, but in most instances, you need to be proactive in resolving the issue before it will be costlier to repair and to ensure that you stay safe and sound while on the road.

If you hear a noise every time you hit the brake, it is customary to assume that there is something wrong! After all, when it comes to automotive, anything that sounds unfamiliar may mean an issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

The squeaking sound from the brakes may be annoying and a sign of danger. With a bit of patience, a little time, and a few things, such as clips, dampening paste, jack stand, brake pads, and grease, you can fix the problem independently. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Inspect for loose parts
2. Use a dampening paste
3. Replace the brake pads
4. Check the brake rotor

With this, keep reading as we talk more about car brake noise and what you can do to address the problem. While some would instantly run to their local mechanic for assistance, with a bit of patience and a little time, you can fix the problem on your own.

Reasons for Car Brake Noise

Before anything else, let us first look at some of the most common reasons why the brake is making unwanted noise. Understanding the root cause of the problem will make it easier for you to determine the best course of action possible.

When the noise seems to be a grinding sound, you first have to pull over and perform a quick inspection of the car. Your safety can be compromised if you continue driving. The cause could be a damaged brake pad. Meanwhile, if there is a thumping sound from the car’s rear part, the rear drums could be damaged. On the other hand, if you can hear a scraping noise, you may have picked up a rock. If it is squealing or thumping, the possible reason is that the rotors are rusted and need to be replaced.

However, note that not all noises should be a reason to be alarmed. In some situations, they are just ordinary. For instance, if you have just installed high-performance carbon metallic brake pads, it is expected that they will produce noise. Also, when the brake heats up, there is nothing unusual about the noise it produces.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fix Car Brake Noise

Before we proceed with the steps, here are some materials you will need to prepare to complete the task. Take note that the materials required will depend on the problem that will be fixed.

• Shims or clips
• Dampening paste
• Jack stand
• Brake pads
• Grease

1. Inspect for Loose Parts

First, you have to wiggle the different components of the car’s braking system. Chances are, there are just loose parts. If there are parts that are wiggling, all that you have to do is to tighten them. Otherwise, they will vibrate, and this is where the car brake noise can originate. If the clips or shims are loose, make sure to replace them.

2. Use a Dampening Paste

Excessive vibration from the moving parts of the brake can be the culprit for the annoying noise. With this, one easy fix that you can take into account is the use of a dampening paste. First, you need to apply the paste on the back of the brake pads. Once applied, this will create a layer to cushion the moving parts to minimize vibration and eliminate noise.

3. Replace the Brake Pads

One of the most common problems that cause car brake noise is worn-out pads. In most cases, they have a wear indicator, which will make it easy for you to know if there is a need for a replacement.

When replacing the brake pads, the first thing that you have to do is to buy a new one. They can be made of different materials. Find one that is suitable for your car and that is known for being effective in noise reduction. Once you have chosen a pad, park the car, allow it to cool, and raise it using a jack stand. At this point, remove the caliper assembly and the worn-out brake pads. Before installing the new brake pads, apply grease first, minimizing friction. Next, replace the caliper assembly, install the tires, and you are now done!

4. Check the Brake Rotor

If the problem is not with the brake pads, it could be with the brake rotor. If it is damaged, the brake pads can jump and chatter, which could be the origin of the noise you are hearing. The grease in the rotor or the surface’s roughness can be the reason for the noise. If the rotors can still be salvaged, a rotor lathe can smoothen the surfaces. Chances are, you can find a local auto shop for this service. On the other hand, when the problem is severe, it is best to have the rotor replaced. Especially if the sound is more of a metallic grind, chances are, the problem is with the rotor.

Pro Tips

Aside from those that have been mentioned above, below are some of the tips that you have to keep in mind when it comes to dealing with car brake noise:

• During the inspection, if you want to be sure that the problem is the brake rotor, one thing that you should do is measure the thickness. If it is too thin, this is a sure-shot sign that it needs a replacement. Unfortunately, at such a point, it is already fragile and can break anytime.
• Know the right time to replace the brakes, which will prevent them from being noisy as a result of wear and tear. The lifespan of the brakes will depend on a variety of factors, such as the extent of use and the driving conditions. In most cases, you need to replace it after driving about 15,000 to 100,000 miles. The same thing is true when it comes to the replacement of brake pads.
• If the brake noise is heard early in the morning when you drive the car upon leaving the house, do not panic. Chances are, the humidity is to be blamed, as it can make the rotors moist. Often, after applying a few brakes, the problem will be gone. If it persists, take this as a sign that there is indeed something that is wrong.

Wrap Up

Indeed, a car brake noise can be a sign of a serious problem. Nonetheless, this does not mean that you should run to the nearest mechanic in the neighborhood to help you out. Instead, take note of the things that have been mentioned above for a quick fix that can be done even on your own.

If you are having trouble starting your vehicle, the problem could be originating from the starter, battery, alternator, or another part of your vehicle’s starting and charging system. Before you begin replacing these parts, it would be mandatory to inspect each one of them first. You can either bring your car to a professional, or you can follow the easy steps we have provided for you in this post.

In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about how to check your starting and charging system. Here are a few steps you need to follow to check the starting and charging system. 

1. Put the battery on a charger. 
2. Check the dashboard.
3. Check all the fuses.
4. Check the battery cables.
5. Check the connectors to the alternator.
6. Inspect the belt. 

Since you will be working under the hood, we also laid out some safety precautions for you to take note of. We will be providing you with information on what symptoms to look out for and the steps on how to perform the inspection. Read on if you want to know more.

Safety Precautions

Working under your vehicle’s hood could be fatal and very dangerous, especially if you neglect the following safety precautions:

• Set the parking brake.
• Ensure that the automatic transmission is in the park and the manual transmission is in neutral.
• Always use jack stands when you lift your vehicle.
• Remember to always chock the wheels to prevent them from rolling.
• To avoid burns, let your engine cool down first before you perform any type of repair or maintenance.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing, as well as jewelry, which could easily get caught in the moving parts or might bridge an electrical connection.
• Always wear proper eye protection.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Before you begin checking under the hood, it is important to discuss first the common symptoms your vehicle might be experiencing. Knowing the following symptoms will give you a hint that there might be something wrong with your vehicle’s starting and charging system. Here’s what you should take note of:

1. Noise Comes from the Engine

You could be hearing strange noises like a rumbling sound caused by the damaged alternator bearings. It could also be a squealing sound caused by a loose or worn drive belt.

2. The Battery Could be Dead or Discharged

Another reason why you are experiencing problems with starting or charging your vehicle could be the battery. It may be because it is already dead, or it may not be holding a charge anymore, which is very common when you have a bad alternator.

3. The Starter Might Not be Functioning Properly

If the starter is not functioning the way it should, it just makes a clicking noise. To add, it does not turn as strong as it should. If there is not enough charge in the battery, it would only make sense that the starter would not be able to properly crank the engine.

4. The Headlamps And Interior light Could Appear Slightly Dim.

These lights may appear to get brighter as the engine speed increases. The alternator or charging warning light on your dashboard may or maybe not be turned on, and all you can hear is a clicking sound when you turn the key. This might also be because the starter is not getting enough electrical current to operate properly.

How to Check Your Starting and Charging System?

Below you will find the steps for checking the starting and charging system. These are all very easy-to-follow steps and will never require you many tools and equipment. Here’s what you should follow:

• Make sure that the battery is in good condition and has a full charge. If it’s not, put the battery on a charger or take it to your local store for free charging and testing.
• Check the dashboard for the warning light gauge or LED readout. These might already give you a clue to the problem your car is experiencing.
• Check all the fuses and fusible links. Generally, a blown fuse interrupts the flow of electricity, which causes a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. Locate the fuse box and ensure that there are no blown fuses. You will know if it’s blown if you notice a break or a gap in the wire filament.
• Check the battery cables. Make sure that you have cleaned it well and reconnect them if necessary. Remember to always disconnect the negative terminal first and when reconnecting, always reconnect the negative terminal last. If you see that these cables are damaged, have them replaced immediately.
• Check the connectors to the alternator and make sure that if they’re loose, tighten them up so that they are snug and secure. Remember to never disconnect a battery cable while the engine is still running, as it may cause damage to the other components.
• Inspect the belt. In case you are not familiar, it is the one that drives the alternator pulley, and obviously, if it’s not doing its job, there could be something wrong with the belt. You must look for cracks that are blazing on the belt, which is an indication that the belt is failing.

You might also want to check the movement of the belt tensioner for rough spots where it seems to hang. To add, check if the spring has no tension, as well as the bearing inside, for excessive wobble or noise.

• Watch out for contamination, as these components can easily be damaged by fluids that leak into them. Typically, these leaks are caused by coolants that leak from the pump, or they could also be caused by the steering fluid from a hose or leaking pump.
• You might also want to check for burnt areas or any sign of overheating. This can be caused by a charging system strain caused by electrical accessories.
• After you have checked these basic procedures, you might want to retest the vehicle for further investigation. If the problem persists, you should consider replacing the battery, starter, alternator, or cables to fix these problems.

If you are not confident doing these tasks on your own, you might want to consider having it checked by a professional. In addition, if you are having trouble checking for signs, it would also be better to bring it to your mechanic to have it thoroughly inspected.

Conclusion

Knowing the basic steps on how to check your starting and charging system will come in handy, especially if you are trying to cut costs in having your vehicle inspected and repaired. Preventive measures like these have always been proven to decrease maintenance costs, as well as time and effort. You just need to follow the above steps to be able to do this job right the first time.

The dynamo is a powerful yet simple type of generator, which, interestingly, was fitted to older vehicle models. Nowadays, most modern vehicles are fitted with an alternator. You may think that the battery provides power for your car, but that’s not always the case. While the battery provides electricity to start the car, it is the dynamo that generates energy that feeds the electrical system.

Loss and decrease of output from the dynamo will certainly drain the battery simply because the current is not being replaced. The ignition light, which glows faintly, usually indicates a decrease in generator output. You may want to check the fan belt to see if the ignition light turns on and it stays on. However, if you find that the problem is related to the carbon brushes you need to disassemble the dynamo to perform further inspection and, if necessary, repairs.

In this post, we would also be talking about how it works, as well as how to remove and inspect it. We hope that after you have read this post in its entirety, you will be able to perform this relatively easy task on your own. Read on if you want to know more.

How Does a Dynamo Work?

Before we proceed with the discussions, we should first talk about how a dynamo works. A dynamo is an electricity generator, particularly producing direct current. Typically, the stator is the permanent magnet, while the rotor, often called the armature, is wound and is connected to a commutator. This also has a set of electrical connectors, known as brushes, that are made of carbon.

Electromagnets, often called field coils, are stationary in a dynamo. Typically, the current is generated in the armature, which is generally considered an extra set of coils that are attached to the shaft and turn inside the field coils.

In principle, how an alternator works is the same as that of a dynamo. However, the current proceeds into a commutator, which is a metal ring divided into segments linked to the brushes fitted in spring-loaded guides. With this, these two fragments touch the pair of carbon brushes and eventually feed current to these brushes.

As your engine’s armature turns, the direct current also changes its direction. However, by that time, other pairs of segments are already under the carbon brushes, in which the new pair is now wired up in a different direction. This process gives way for the current to come out in the same direction.

What Causes Dynamo Failure?

Probably the most frequent cause of why a dynamo fails is wear found on the commutator and carbon brushes. Typically, the carbon brushes are the first ones to wear. However, as they grow tinier, the spring pressure that holds them together with the commutator also weakens, eventually leading to uninterrupted sparking, referred to as arcing, amongst the commutator and the carbon brushes.

This sparking is likely the cause of quick wear of the commutator, which tends to pit the surfaces of its segments. In worse cases, the solder that is found in between the windings and commutator segments melts, which then causes a decrease in output. Loss and decrease of output from the dynamo will certainly drain the battery simply because the current is not being replaced.

The ignition light, which glows faintly, normally gives the warning that there is a decrease in the generator output. You may want to check the fan belt to see if the ignition light turns on and it stays on. However, if you notice that the problem originates from the carbon brushes, you need to disassemble the dynamo to perform further inspection and, if necessary, repairs.

Performing an inspection should be a lot easier if your vehicle’s dynamo is already fastened securely, which ensures that the whole unit will not be impaired. To inspect if there is wear on the brushes, you need to remove the endplate in which they have been mounted. In older models, on the other hand, you need to remove the metal band found on its casing.

The dynamo is typically linked together by lengthy bolts through the length of its casing. The heads extend from the endplate, and they come with screwdriver slots. You need to unscrew these heads to remove the endplate and give it a soft tap using a soft-faced hammer to be able to remove it. You may also grasp it gently using a screwdriver that is thin-bladed.

How to Reassemble the Dynamo?

Here’s what you should follow in reassembling the dynamo:

• Before you reassemble the dynamo, always make sure that the casing’s inside, as well as the field coils, are clean. You may use a brush to effectively remove dirt and dust found on the armature.
• In addition, ensure that the endplate, front plate, and ventilation holes have been cleaned.
• You may also need to replace the field terminal, which often features an insulating sheath where it passes through.
• You also need to inspect if there is any wear on the endplate bush, as well as at the armature shaft. In case you are not yet familiar, the bearings and bushes of the dynamo are similar to those found on the starter motor. If necessary, you may use a high melting point grease for lubrication.
• To add, you would want to check the armature and look for an indication of rubbing, especially on field poles.
• You also need to inspect the bearing found on the dynamo’s front plate. Do this step by spinning the plate as you hold the armature.
• Then, you need to check the windings in terms of continuity. You can use a circuit tester, which lights up if the windings are still intact.

How to Remove a Dynamo?

Removing a dynamo could be a very intricate process, and we are here to help you do this job right the first time. Here’s what you should follow:

• Before you remove the dynamo from your vehicle’s engine, you first should remove the battery. This is a very effective preventive measure against coincidental short circuits.
• You may need to slacken both the pivot bolt, as well as the adjuster-strap bolt.
• After, press the dynamo towards a side and then slip the belt from the pulley.
• You need to disconnect both the field and output cables. You should be aware that these cables come in different sizes. However, if they’re not, you may need to label them beforehand by using small pieces of tape to avoid confusion.
• Then, disconnect the radio suppression tools and application support to the dynamo while you are removing both the adjuster-strap bolts and bolts completely.
• After doing these steps, you may safely remove the dynamo from your vehicle.

Conclusion

If you found that your dynamo has wear on both the carbon brushes and commutator, it would be in your best interest to have it fixed, whether by a professional or on your own. Lucky for you, we have provided you with everything you need to know on how to fix a dynamo, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to remove and reassemble it back into the engine.