The fight against annoying noises in the vehicle!

Recently updated on January 27, 2022 at 10:41 am

Rattling, rattling, rattling, ticking and co. - in short, strange noises from the vehicle that weren't there before and you don't know where they're coming from? Here are a few typical causes summarized for you, which should help you to localize the origin of the noises in order to then successfully eliminate them. Noises that don't exactly go with the music coming out of the speakers or the engine are just annoying and sometimes even really dangerous. They arise when the vehicle or rotating components in the vehicle move in any way - or better said when one dynamic movement sets in motion.

First look for yourself, then go to the workshop!

1. jump to -> Noise - underside of the vehicle
2. jump to -> Noise - Powertrain
3. jump to -> Noises - landing gear
4. jump to -> Noises - body
5. jump to -> Noises - vehicle interior

But before you take the trip to the workshop, you should first check whether the source of the noise is possibly in the vehicle interior. If that is the case, you can safely save the workshop costs and you won't get annoyed about it afterwards. It is advisable to turn the entire vehicle upside down (but not literally, please) and the vehicle interior, i.e. the passenger compartment and trunk including the spare tire recess, must be properly cleaned out. PS: The problem definitely comes from the realm of the Bremsanlage or the Wheel bearings? Then read our report on "Squeaking noises when driving a car - that could be the reason!" by.

The elimination process:

All loose objects in the vehicle interior have been removed or have been attached to the places intended for them. But can you still hear the noise? Then it is clear that there must be a functional component in the vehicle that is causing the noise. Other possible sources of noise are listed below to help you orientate yourself, localize and remedy unusual vehicle noises. However, we emphasize that the tips can of course not be generalized. The possibilities and also the personal feeling (one recognizes a squeak, for the other it is a rattle, etc.) way too complex.

Noise from the underside of the vehicle

1. Type of noise:
   Clinking / rattling from the underside of the vehicle (especially during load changes and potholes)
   Possible causes:
   Exhaust system rubber mounts defective
   Remedy:
   Replace defective rubber mountings.
2. Type of noise:
   Rattling / rattling from the middle of the vehicle (especially when using the accelerator)
   Possible causes:
   Broken honeycomb in the catalytic converter / loose chambers in the front or rear silencer
   Remedy:
   Tap the exhaust system with your hand or a rubber mallet to locate it. Replacement of the defective parts.
3. Type of noise:
   Clinking / clinking while the engine is running
   Possible causes:
   Loose / broken clamps
   Remedy:
   Visual inspection and if necessary tapping for localization. Retighten / replace the clamp.
4. Type of noise:
   Hissing / blowing from the engine compartment
   Possible causes:
   Cracks in the exhaust manifold (mostly hairline cracks) / loosened flange
   More detailed diagnosis: distribute smoke over the exhaust manifold (if there are leaks, smoke turns over at the point)
   Remedy:
   If the flange is loosened, retighten the screws, if necessary replace the elbow. Replace the manifold if there are cracks (an exchange in the workshop is recommended) - Back to top

Noises in the drivetrain of the car

1. Type of noise:
   metallic clacking shortly after the start
   Possible causes:
   Hydraulic valve lifters with insufficient oil pressure
   Remedy:
   If the click disappears after a few seconds, no action is required. If the clacking remains permanently audible, a tappet may be defective and you should visit the workshop. Too little oil can also be a possibility.
2. Type of noise:
   Grinding / grinding clutch noise when pedaling
   Possible causes:
   Defective release bearing
   Remedy: Exchange in the workshop.
3. Type of noise:
   rattling / rattling clutch when idling
   Possible causes:
   The torsion spring of the clutch disc is broken
   Remedy:
   Exchange in the workshop (promptly / immediately).
4. Type of noise:
   rattling gear in idle
   Possible causes:
   Backlash of the gearwheels / axial play of the shift sleeve
   Remedy:
   Should be examined more closely during the next vehicle maintenance in the workshop. The noise is usually harmless and the volume depends on the tolerance of the components.
5. Type of noise:
   Striking impulses when the load changes
   Possible causes:
   Motor bearings with play or worn
   Remedy:
   Retighten or replace bearings if necessary.
6. Type of noise:
   Howling while driving
   Possible causes:
   worn bearings in the gearbox or differential
   Remedy:
   Exchange in the workshop.
7. Type of noise:
   Tickling with the hood open
   Possible causes:
   Injection nozzles in operation
   Remedy:
   unnecessary.
8. Type of noise:
   Humming immediately after switching on the ignition
   Possible causes:
   Petrol pump in operation
   Remedy:
   unnecessary. - Back to top

Noises on the chassis of the vehicle

1. Type of noise:
   Humming / roaring in curves
   Possible causes:
   Defective wheel bearing
   More detailed diagnosis: hum in left-hand bends (right wheel bearing defective) / hum in right bends (left wheel bearing defective)
   Final diagnosis: jack up the vehicle and turn the wheel on both sides. Take hold of the wishbone with the other hand. If vibrations can be felt, the assumption is correct.
   Remedy:
   Exchange in the workshop.
2. Type of noise:
   Clacking / rattling when reversing
   Possible causes:
   The cardan shaft rubber bearing is defective
   Remedy:
   Exchange in the workshop.
3. Type of noise:
   Chattering in curves (especially at high speed and wet roads)
   Possible causes:
   ESP in control mode / control process
   More detailed diagnosis: simultaneous lighting of the ESP warning light in the cockpit
   Remedy:
   Drive on curves below the limit values. No defect!
4. Type of noise:
   Cracking / rubbing when cornering
   Possible causes:
   Defective wheel-side joints on the drive shafts
   Remedy:
   Exchange in the workshop.
5. Type of noise:
   Grinding / grinding when braking
   Possible causes:
   Worn brake pads drag on the brake disc
   Remedy:
   Renewing the brake pads and, if necessary, the brake disc (safety deficiency which must be remedied immediately).
6. Type of noise:
   Rumbling on bad roads
   Possible causes:
   Defective shock absorber / defective rubber bearings on stabilizers, struts or axle suspensions
   Remedy:
   Exchange in the workshop.
   Side note: If unusual noises occur on the chassis or on the braking system, it is recommended to visit a workshop immediately to ensure driving safety. - Back to top

Noise from the body of the vehicle

1. Type of noise:
   loud cracking when driving (especially when driving over potholes)
   Possible causes:
   dry door latches
   Remedy:
   Apply adhesive lubricant to the door latch and locking mechanism.
2. Type of noise:
   Thump at higher speeds
   Possible causes:
   The plastic cladding on the bumper / underbody cladding is loose and swaying in the airstream
   Remedy:
   Check components and fix them again if necessary.
3. Type of noise:
   Whistling / hissing in the area of ​​the A and B pillars
   Possible causes:
   Wind noise from airflow due to doors hanging at an angle / defective door seals
   Remedy:
   Realign the hinge pillars of the doors on the A pillar (if this is unsuccessful, visit the workshop)
4. Type of noise:
   Creaking / squeaking / whistling from the door or sunroof area
   Possible causes:
   Dry / brittle seals on the doors / on the sunroof
   Remedy:
   Lubricate all seals regularly with care products, replace old or broken seals if necessary.
5. Type of noise:
   rattling windshield wipers in light rain
   Possible causes:
   Old, hardened wiper blades
   Remedy:
   Replace the wiper blades. - Back to top

Noises in the vehicle interior

1. Type of noise:
   Rattling of the rear area with potholes
   Possible causes:
   Loose objects (tools, screws, etc.) in the trunk area
   Remedy:
   Remove loose objects in the trunk (especially in the spare wheel well), fix them or wrap them in a rag.
2. Type of noise:
   Creaking during coupling
   Possible causes:
   Pedal joints run dry
   Remedy:
   Lubricate the joints with silicone spray (never use oil or grease on plastic pedals).
3. Type of noise:
   Rattling in the dashboard while driving (especially on uneven roads)
   Possible causes:
   Cable strands swing behind the fitting and hit ventilation ducts and / or other components
   Remedy:
   If possible, fix the cables with cable ties or adhesive tape specially designed for cables. Otherwise go to the workshop.
4. Type of noise: Cracking near plastic cladding (doors, A, B, C-pillars)
   Possible causes:
   Plastic cladding rubs on vehicle paintwork
   Remedy:
   Underlay the contact points with felt or similar material / lubricate the contact point with silicone spray or wax
5. Type of noise:
   Squeaky seats
   Possible causes:
   Seat adjustment runs dry
   Remedy:
   Lubricate seat adjustment (if unsuccessful, consult a workshop for detailed and extensive lubrication).
6. Type of noise:
   Roaring noise from the door panel
   Possible causes:
   Loudspeakers in the door make the door panel vibrate
   Remedy:
   Remove the door panel and, if necessary, touch up the speaker fastening. Decouple the door card with the outer sheet metal using foam pads.
7. Type of noise:
   Creaking / crackling in the dashboard and in the center console
   Possible causes:
   Plastic panels rub against each other
   Remedy:
   Underlay the contact points with felt strips or similar material.
8. Type of noise:
   Rattling / ringing from the area of ​​the dashboard / center console
   Possible causes:
   Coin, screw or other small parts fell into the ventilation slots
   Remedy:
   Find and remove small parts - Back to top

So far so good! But what if the steering wheel vibrates suddenly when accelerating or braking? What if the whole vehicle shakes and you have no idea where the imbalance is coming from? Then maybe our contribution on the topic "Car vibrates or wobbles while driving - why?"!

Of course that had not happened yet!

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