Is your car making a grinding noise? Hearing a grinding noise from your car can be alarming—and it’s often a sign something needs attention right away. Whether it’s coming from the brakes, engine components, or steering system, diagnosing the source early can save you from bigger (and more expensive) repairs down the road.
Follow these simple steps to pinpoint where the noise is coming from and determine your next move.
Step 2: Lift the hood and locate the alternator, water pump, and power steering pump
Step 7: Drive the vehicle and listen carefully as you change gears
Step 8: Check for a grinding noise when driving at low speeds
If you are looking for an honest and reliable mechanic, contact Hansma Automotive today.
car making grinding noise?
Step 1: Start Your Vehicle
Turn the key or push the start button, then pay close attention to what you hear as the engine comes to life.
A grinding sound that begins immediately could point to issues with the starter, alternator, or other engine-driven components. If the noise only develops after the car has been running for a moment, it may be connected to belts, pumps, or other moving parts that engage once the engine is warm.
If you don't hear the grinding, then go to Step 5.
If you hear the grinding sound, the go to Step 2.
Step 2: Lift The Hood And Locate The Alternator, Water Pump, and Power Steering Pump
Once you’ve determined the grinding noise is present while the engine is running, the next step is to figure out where it’s coming from. Pop the hood and listen closely. Pinpointing the source will help you (or your mechanic) identify the problem more quickly.
If you’re not familiar with the different parts of your engine, don’t worry. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual usually includes a labeled diagram of the engine bay. You can also find diagrams for your specific make and model online, which can be very helpful in learning where each part is located.
Here are three key components to check first:
Alternator: The alternator converts the mechanical energy from your engine into electricity. This power recharges the battery and keeps your electrical systems—such as headlights, dashboard electronics, and the radio—running. A failing alternator can sometimes make a grinding or whining noise when its internal bearings wear out.
Water pump: The water pump is a vital part of your vehicle’s cooling system. Its main job is to circulate coolant between the radiator and the engine block, preventing your car from overheating. When the water pump begins to fail, the bearings inside can create a noticeable grinding or squealing noise.
Power steering pump: The power steering pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid to make steering smooth and easy. If this pump is damaged or running low on fluid, it may produce a grinding or groaning noise, especially when you turn the steering wheel.
By learning to recognize these components and their functions, you’ll be in a much better position to identify whether one of them is the source of the noise—or at least provide your mechanic with valuable information.
Step 3: Listen To The Alternator With A Piece Of Hose
Now that you’ve identified the alternator, water pump, and power steering pump, the next step is to carefully listen to each one. This will help you narrow down the source of the grinding sound.
A simple trick recommended by ItStillRuns.com is to use a short piece of rubber hose as a stethoscope. Place one end of the hose against the component you want to test—such as the alternator—and hold the other end up to your ear. The hose helps block out surrounding noise so you can focus on that specific part.
If the grinding noise comes from the alternator, it often means the internal bearings are worn. In most cases, the alternator will need to be repaired or replaced.
If the alternator sounds fine, repeat the same process with the water pump and the power steering pump.
This method won’t give you a perfect diagnosis, but it’s a safe and simple way to zero in on which part of the engine is making the noise before moving on to more complex checks.
Grinding Alternator Sound
Here is the grinding sound that a bad alternator bearing will make.
Step 4: Listen To The Water Pump And Power Steering Pump
If the alternator checks out and you don’t hear any grinding from it, move on to the other key components. Using the same rubber hose method from Step 3, place the hose against the water pump and then the power steering pump, listening carefully for unusual sounds.
Water Pump: If the grinding noise is coming from here, it could mean the internal bearings are failing or that the pump is starting to seize. A faulty water pump can lead to overheating and, if ignored, severe engine damage.
Power Steering Pump: If the noise comes from this area, the pump may be worn out or running low on fluid. Grinding or groaning noises from the steering system usually get worse when turning the wheel and can eventually make steering difficult or unsafe.
If you detect grinding from either of these parts, they’ll likely need repair or replacement. Addressing the problem early will help you avoid breakdowns and more costly damage down the road.
Bad Water Pump Sound
Here is the sound that a bad water pump will make.
Bad Power Steering Pump Sound
Here is the sound that a bad power steering pump will make. If you don't want to watch the entire video, skip ahead to the one-minute (1:00) mark to hear the sound of a bad power steering pump.
Step 5: Drive The Vehicle And Test The Brakes
As you drive at a safe speed, gently press the brake pedal and listen closely. If you hear a grinding sound when braking, try pressing the brakes a little harder. A louder or harsher grinding noise is often a strong indicator that your brake pads are worn out and need replacing.
Stop the vehicle and take a look at your brake pads. You can usually see them through the wheel spokes. If you’re unsure where to look, your owner’s manual will point you in the right direction. As a general rule, if the pads measure a quarter of an inch thick or less, they should be replaced immediately.
Other potential brake issues include:
Worn shims: Thin pieces of material that sit between the brake pads and calipers; when worn, they can cause metal-on-metal contact.: Small rocks, dirt, or rust buildup can create grinding noises until removed.
Debris stuck in your brakes: Small rocks, dirt, or rust buildup can create grinding noises until removed.
Worn brake rotors: If rotors are scored or warped, they may grind against the pads.
Infrequent driving: Brakes can develop rust when a vehicle sits unused for long periods, leading to grinding when first driven.
No lubrication on brakes: Certain brake components require lubrication to move smoothly; without it, you may hear grinding or squealing.
Important Note: Don’t cut corners when replacing brake pads. Choosing the cheapest option could increase your risk of brake failure and even lead to collisions. Instead, invest in reliable, high-quality pads. Some of the most trusted brands include Akebono, StopTech, Wagner, EBC, PowerStop, and AC Delco. While they may cost more upfront, they offer better safety, performance, and long-term value.
What to listen for with your brakes
Step 6: Drive The Vehicle And Make A Right And Left Turn
Next, take your vehicle for a short, safe drive and pay close attention as you make a right-hand turn and then a left-hand turn.
If the grinding noise gets worse when turning one way but improves when turning the opposite way, the most likely culprit is a worn wheel bearing. Bearings help your wheels spin smoothly, and when they fail, they can create grinding, humming, or rumbling noises.
Wheel bearings are critical to your safety—ignoring the problem can lead to steering issues, uneven tire wear, or even a wheel separating from the car. If you suspect a bad bearing, schedule an inspection with a trusted mechanic right away.
If you hear grinding while driving straight, the issue is probably not related to the wheel bearings or CV joints. Instead, it may be caused by something else, such as:
Pebbles or debris lodged in the brakes
Worn brake pads or rotors
A failing alternator or other engine component
Whatever the cause, don’t ignore grinding noises when driving straight. Continuing to drive without addressing the problem can lead to more expensive repairs—or worse, put your safety at risk. Taking action early will save you money and help keep your vehicle reliable.
Bad Wheel Bearing Sound
The following video will give you an idea of the sound that a bad wheel bearing makes. If you don't want to watch the whole video, jump to the 54-second (0:54) mark to hear the sound.
Step 7: Drive The Vehicle And Listen Carefully As You Change Gears
If you hear a grinding noise while your car is changing gears, then the clutch could be getting As you accelerate and shift through gears, listen carefully for grinding noises. If you notice grinding while changing gears, it can point to two possible issues:
Worn or Misadjusted Clutch: Over time, the clutch disc and related components wear down, which can make it harder for the gears to engage smoothly. A clutch that needs adjustment can also cause grinding when shifting, especially into first or reverse.
Transmission Problems: If the grinding persists even when the clutch feels fine, the issue may lie within the transmission itself. Damaged synchronizers, worn gears, or low transmission fluid can all cause grinding during gear changes.
Both the clutch and transmission are critical to your vehicle’s performance and safety. Driving with these issues can lead to sudden failure and extremely costly repairs. If you suspect either problem, don’t take chances—have your vehicle inspected by a trusted professional mechanic right away.
Step 8: Check for a Grinding Noise When Driving At Low Speeds
Sometimes grinding noises only become noticeable when driving slowly, such as in a parking lot or through a residential area. At low speeds, the most common culprits include:
Brake Pads
Wheel Bearings
Alternator or Other Engine Components
Since we’ve already discussed brakes, bearings, and alternators in earlier steps, let’s focus here on the CV joints. These joints connect your transmission to the wheels and allow the front wheels to receive power while also turning smoothly.
A worn CV joint often makes a grinding or clicking noise at low speeds—especially when turning. If the sound comes from the front of your vehicle and worsens while cornering, there’s a strong chance a CV joint is failing.
Driving with a damaged CV joint can eventually lead to a complete loss of power to the wheels, making your car unsafe. If you suspect this issue, schedule service with a mechanic immediately.
If none of these checks reveal the problem, don’t ignore the noise. A persistent grinding sound means something is wrong, and catching it early is always cheaper and safer than waiting for a breakdown.
car making grinding noise? Trust Hansma to fix it
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My truck broke down right before a holiday weekend and needed to get towed out of my driveway to their business. I called 15 shops and no one else was available but they made time for my vehicle. They were super helpful and professional and got my truck in before the holiday not leaving me completely at a loss. This was my first time there and I will definitely be back. Great business and seem very trustworthy.
- Ben Krause