My car is making a grinding noise while driving - What now? We recommend that you book an appointment with your local auto shop and get it fixed ASAP!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why your car might be making a grinding noise while driving and explain the steps you should take to fix it. Simply click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:
At Hansma Automotive we have over 30 years of experience working with all types of vehicles and vehicle problems. We would love to put our experience to work for you!
My Car Is Making A Grinding Noise While Driving
My car is making a grinding noise while driving: find out why.
1. Replicate the problem
If your car is making a grinding noise while you are driving, it can be very difficult to figure out what is causing it. There are several different possibilities. If you can determine where the noise is coming from, then it will help you discover what the issue is.
First of all, take note of when the grinding is happening, whether it is:
When you are turning
Braking
Driving straight ahead
Changing gears
Then try to listen to hear what part of your vehicle is making the grinding sounds:
The rear
Front end
Left side
right side
Once you locate when the grinding is happening and where it is coming from, you will be one step closer to finding a diagnosis.
My car is making a grinding noise while driving - it could be your alternator.
2. Possible Causes
A) Your Alternator Might Be Wearing Out
Your alternator helps to power your car's electrical system and charge your battery while you are driving. When your alternator is starting to wear out it will often make a grinding noise. This is because modern alternators have a decoupler pulley system designed to help you save on fuel, but can make a grinding noise when they are not working properly.
You need to get this checked out by a mechanic as it could result in:
You have no power for your electrical system
A dead battery so your car won't start
Frequent stalling
If you ignore this problem, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road and unable to start your vehicle.
The following video will let you hear what a failing alternator sounds like.
Here is how to know if your alternator is making noise.
B) Your Water Pump May Be Damaged
If you hear the grinding noise while you are driving and not while you are braking, then you may have a problem with your water pump.
Your water pump has the important job of keeping your engine cool so that it doesn't overheat. You don't want to ignore this problem as it could do damage to your engine. Get it checked out by a mechanic you can trust as soon as possible.
C) Your Wheel/Hub Bearings Are Worn
Your wheel/hub bearings act as a buffer between your axle and your wheel and help to eliminate the friction between these parts of your vehicle. If your bearings wear out, you will hear a grinding noise when you are making a turn.
If you ignore this problem, you will:
Continue to hear the annoying grinding sound
Experience poor steering and handling
Receive uneven tire wear
If your wheel bearings completely fail then your wheel can seize up causing an accident. Get it checked out as soon as possible.
The following video will show you what a bad wheel bearing sounds like.
My car is making a grinding noise while driving - It could be a bad wheel bearing.
D) Your Air Conditioning Compressor Could Be Damaged
If you notice the grinding sound only while you have the air conditioning running, then you could have a problem with your AC compressor.
Even though this isn't an urgent repair, it is important to get it seen as your air conditioner keeps you comfortable while driving in warm weather and it helps to remove the moisture from your windows in the wintertime.
E) Your Brake Linings Are Worn
One of the most common reasons why "my car is making a grinding noise while driving" is worn-out brake linings. If you hear the grinding sound while you are braking, then your brake linings could be the culprit.
Your brake linings form a protective barrier between your steel brake rotor and your metal brake pad backing that reduces friction. Therefore, when your linings wear down, you start to get metal-to-metal contact when you apply your brakes. This causes an annoying and very loud grinding noise.
If you have worn brake linings, you will need to have your brakes serviced. Brakes are crucial to your safety while you are driving, so they should not be ignored.
The following video will let you hear what grinding brakes sound like.
My car is making a grinding noise while driving - It could be your brakes.
F) Your CV Joint Is Worn Out
If your car is making a grinding noise when you are making a turn at slow speeds, then it could be a worn CV (constant velocity) joint.
Your CV joint’s primary function is to provide flexible and continuous power transmission to the wheels while allowing them to move in response to changes in road conditions.
If your CV joint completely fails then your vehicle will be stuck in park. If it occurs while you are driving, then it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you think the issue is your CV joint, make sure that you book an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
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Driving with a grinding noise can be risky, as it may indicate a serious issue with your vehicle that could compromise safety or lead to further damage. The source of the grinding noise could be various components, such as brakes, wheel bearings, or the transmission. If you are going to drive, drive straight to your local auto shop!
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This could mean a lot of different things. The most common reasons include a worn-out alternator, a damaged water pump, worn wheel/hub bearings, a damaged AC compressor, worn brake linings, or a worn-out CV joint.
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A high-pitched grinding sound while driving can have several potential causes like worn brake pads, worn or damaged bearings, worn CV joints, worn or misaligned belts, tire-related noise, and more.
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Bring your vehicle into your local auto shop so that they can identify the source, and inspect the brakes, wheel bearings, CV joints, transmission, belts, power steering system, tires, and more.
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If your brakes are grinding, it's a sign of a serious issue, usually related to worn brake pads. When brake pads wear down, the metal backing can come into direct contact with the brake rotor, leading to a grinding noise. In such cases, it's essential to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the road. Have your rotors examined for any signs of damage, scoring, or uneven wear. If the rotors are deeply grooved or have other issues, they may need resurfacing or replacement.
My Car Is Making a Grinding Noise While Driving: Contact Hansma
If your vehicle is making a grinding noise while you are driving, come see the experts at Hansma Automotive. We can determine exactly what is causing the grinding noise and fix it for you. At Hansma Automotive, we carry out all types of repairs to all types of vehicles.
We are proud to offer services on brakes, transmission, shocks, suspensions, exhaust, steering, air conditioning, and more. Visit our services page for a complete list.
We are conveniently located at 88 Shoemaker Street in Kitchener, Ontario. Also, when you work with us, you can take advantage of our convenient and free Courtesy Car Service! This ensures that you are never left without a vehicle.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Great service on my brakes and oil change at Hansma Automotive. I loved the etext report on the condition of my car, with summary and pictures. The Technician, Brad, was great at describing and explaining the repairs in detail.” - Rebecca, M.