Shake, Rattle and Roll - Part 2

Sounds my car makes and what they could mean

The “hummm” of your car or truck has turned into a “clank,” “thunk,” or “grumble.” What to do? Let’s try to translate its language (with recommendations from popularmechanics.com).

7. The Thinker: ThunkThunkThunk
Listen carefully. If you hear the “ThunkThunkThunk” at one or both front corners of your car when turning sharp corners slowly, it might be a loose or worn CV joint. Go directly to your service station. If the joint fails completely, your car will stop suddenly. It’s time for a replacement.

8. The Clunker: CLUNK
Do you hear a front end “clunk” when parking or when going over small bumps? The ball joint connecting the suspension arm is not lubricated and there is metal-to-metal contact. Time to contact TP Brake & Muffler and have them replace the ball joint.


9. The Grouch: GrumbleGrumble
Is there a grouch grumbling in the front of your car when it’s idle? It could be the water pump bearings. When they fail completely, the fan may slice a chunk out of the radiator and make it leak. It’s time for a new pump.

10. The YoYo: Yyyyoooooowwwwrrrrrrr
There’s a yo-yo roar under the hood! You notice it when you turn the steering wheel to the left or right and then hold it there. The power-steering hydraulic fluid is being dumped into the reservoir. It’s supposed to do that. But, do check the power-steering fluid level in the pump.

11. The Cowboy: YEEEEeeeeeaaaaawwwppp
Right after you start your car, you might hear the “YEEEEeeeeeaaaaawwwppp” of a belt squealing under the hood. It could be a loose belt, a bad tensioner or misaligned pulley. Do not take any long trips and make an appointment with TP Brake & Muffler to have it looked at.

12. The Rumble: RummbbleRummbble
If you hear some rumbling going on from the back of your vehicle, it’s probably your muffler. It’s probably your exhaust system – a hole in the muffler or somewhere on the pipe – which is not only annoying, but may present a health hazard for the vehicle occupants. You may have to replace the corroded pipe or attach a new muffler.

13. The Rattle: RattleRattleRattle
 You’ve stopped for a red light and you hear what sounds like a box of rocks rattling around. You may want to get your catalytic converter checked.