Diagnostics
Squeal, clunk, grind, whine: a translation guide
Cars are bad at English and good at sound effects. Here is the translation, with an urgency rating for each.
· 7 min read
The translation table
Squeal at low speed while braking: brake wear indicator — service soon. Grinding while braking: metal on metal — stop driving. Clunk over bumps: worn sway bar links, control arm bushings or struts — soon. Rhythmic hum that changes with speed: wheel bearing or tire wear — soon. Whine that rises with engine rpm: accessory pulley, power steering or alternator bearing — soon. Ticking on cold start that fades: oil-related, get the oil and level checked. Deep knock under load: stop and call.
Why we road test
A noise that only appears at 45 mph on a coarse surface cannot be diagnosed in a parking lot. We road test, then confirm with a chassis ear or a lift check before we quote parts. Guessing at noises is how people buy three parts to fix one problem.
Can it wait?
Braking grind, deep knock and steering-related clunks are now items. Most other noises are service-soon, and documenting when they happen helps us find them faster.
Bone says: here's why
Why road test instead of just quoting the noise? Because a noise you cannot reproduce is a part you should not buy.
Let's keep your vehicle healthy.
Tell us the vehicle, the location and what you're noticing. We'll come to your home, workplace or business.