Propeller sound from under the car but only when driving in a straight line.
there is a loud propeller sounding knocking coming from under the car while driving above 30mph. The sound subsides when I turn to the left or right (even very minor turns of the steering wheel), only occurs while driving completely straight. Sound changes pitch and volume depending on speed. Does not seem to be an engine issue. Subsides while weight is being transferred off the front end as well.
My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi There,
What you are describing sounds like possibly a failing wheel bearing. A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race. Over time the bearing will wear slightly, allowing microscopic pieces of metal into the grease. These microscopic pieces of metal, as well as any contamination that gets into the bearing, will wear away at the highly polished surfaces causing pitting and deformation. Since so much weight is riding on your wheel bearings, and so much load is put on them in corners, even the smallest amount of surface damage to your bearing can cause a lot of noise, which may fluctuate depending on which wheel bearing is damaged and to what degree. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
What you are describing sounds like possibly a failing wheel bearing. A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race. Over time the bearing will wear slightly, allowing microscopic pieces of metal into the grease. These microscopic pieces of metal, as well as any contamination that gets into the bearing, will wear away at the highly polished surfaces causing pitting and deformation. Since so much weight is riding on your wheel bearings, and so much load is put on them in corners, even the smallest amount of surface damage to your bearing can cause a lot of noise, which may fluctuate depending on which wheel bearing is damaged and to what degree. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Loose Exhaust Pipe
If your exhaust pipe is loose, it can cause your car to make a helicopter-like sound. This is the problem with the mounts or brackets holding the exhaust pipe. You`ll need to have a mechanic take a look at this and tighten or replace the mounts.
Common issues that cause a loud clicking noise are a CV joint that`s damaged, the power steering fluid is low, the steering column is damaged, wheel lug nuts are loose, or the engine running out of oil or is dirty. Staying on top of your car insurance is just as important as staying on top of your car`s health.
Rattles from underneath your car indicate something is loose, or that something has lodged itself down there. It could be that part of the exhaust system or suspension has come undone, and should be checked out as soon as possible.
There`s a Problem with Your Brakes or Wheel Bearings
A number of brake problems can cause a helicopter-like sound while driving, including a warped caliper or rotor, issues with the parking brake, or just a bad brake.
When the seal is broken or damaged, the wheel bearing will fail and start making noise. Many describe this as an airplane noise, but others might say it is like driving over a rumble strip on the side of the highway or the whirring of a helicopter propeller.
The two main causes of drive shaft vibration or noises are (a) “Unbalance” and (b) “Joint Angularity.”
The most common cause of this revving is either a stuck throttle or the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. This fault should be addressed as soon as possible for normal operation as this revving can become dangerous if the vehicle is allowed to accelerate unintentionally.
Alignment issues can also cause tire noises. As you travel, the air chamber produces a low humming or drumming sound. If your car is overdue for a wheel alignment, then you`ll start to experience a bumpier ride. This will cause irregular tire movement and make the sounds coming from the air chamber louder.
When you hear a high-pitched squealing sound coming from under your hood, you may need to check your vehicle`s serpentine belt for cracks and wear. Many cars have multiple belts, and each one will need to be checked to ensure they are in good working order.
You very likely have an issue with a large exhaust leak at or before the muffler. Most commonly, heat and moisture combine over time to form small holes in the muffler or exhaust pipe, causing the muffler to stop… well… muffling.
Your Car Makes a Humming Noise When Accelerating
If you hear a rumbling/humming noise as you idle and when you accelerate, the noise gets louder (like an airplane taking off) this is most likely a wheel bearing issue.
You very likely have an issue with a large exhaust leak at or before the muffler. Most commonly, heat and moisture combine over time to form small holes in the muffler or exhaust pipe, causing the muffler to stop… well… muffling.
If you park your automobile in a safe space and listen to the engine, you might hear sucking sounds that sound a lot like a vacuum cleaner if you have a vacuum leak. Sometimes a leak can also make hissing or squealing sounds.
Beyond propeller assembly imbalance, the causes of vibration are many, and the list of possible sources includes: a weak cylinder, a loose or cracked intake hose, an alternator problem, belt resonance, gearbox issues, an oil-canning spinner, prop wash, and other causes.
Unless your daily commute resembles a chase scene from Mad Max, a broken exhaust is one of the easier of these five freaky car sounds to diagnose. When your smooth-running car or truck suddenly sounds like an angry tractor, chances are good that something within the exhaust system is to blame.
Wind buffeting occurs when you roll down a window while driving, usually at highway speeds. The throbbing, helicopter-like sound is the outside air passing over and interacting with the contained air inside the vehicle. When the two air masses collide, they compress and decompress repeatedly.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Car sounds like golf cart when revving and braking; also leaking fluid; sound fades as car warms up
ANSWER : Hello,
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.
Propeller sound from under the car but only when driving in a straight line.
ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing sounds like possibly a failing wheel bearing. A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race. Over time the bearing will wear slightly, allowing microscopic pieces of metal into the grease. These microscopic pieces of metal, as well as any contamination that gets into the bearing, will wear away at the highly polished surfaces causing pitting and deformation. Since so much weight is riding on your wheel bearings, and so much load is put on them in corners, even the smallest amount of surface damage to your bearing can cause a lot of noise, which may fluctuate depending on which wheel bearing is damaged and to what degree. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
What you are describing sounds like possibly a failing wheel bearing. A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race. Over time the bearing will wear slightly, allowing microscopic pieces of metal into the grease. These microscopic pieces of metal, as well as any contamination that gets into the bearing, will wear away at the highly polished surfaces causing pitting and deformation. Since so much weight is riding on your wheel bearings, and so much load is put on them in corners, even the smallest amount of surface damage to your bearing can cause a lot of noise, which may fluctuate depending on which wheel bearing is damaged and to what degree. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
When I drive my car, I hear a sound like something is rattling under my 2014 Hyundai Elantra
ANSWER : Hi there. If the noise only occurs when moving and it changes when you turn then it is one of a few things. Most of the time this is caused by a loose exhaust heat shield. I have seen these come loose frequently on a lot of Hyundai vehicles. It can also be a loose backing plate on the brakes or a failing drive axle. I would usually get the vehicle in the air and run it to see if I can isolate the noise. If you want some assistance in finding the source of this noise, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose where the noise is coming from] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loud-squealing-or-rattling-is-coming-from-engine-inspection
Replaced alternator on car 2 times each time shows it’s charging 14v let car run for a little bit then test drive and car voltage
ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.
Fuel EVAP line that runs under car is kinked how do I know if it is leaking? Also can I drive it like that if it’s not leaking?
ANSWER : Hi Ricardo. We answered your question earlier. However, if you didn’t receive the reply, here is what we stated earlier. In most cases, an EVAP leak will create an OBD-II trouble code. The best way to detect an EVAP leak is by having a professional mobile mechanic complete a check engine light inspection, they will be able to download the code and determine the source of the leak. That’s the best advice we can offer you. Thanks.
Car makes a loud sound every time I start my car, at idle, and when driving at low speeds
ANSWER : Hello. The first thing to check would be your fluid levels. I’m not sure what type of noise you have, but ticking noises at idle can be linked to a low oil level. If there is a vacuum leak, the should may be more prominent at idle then fade as the engine speed increases. A vacuum leak would generally turn on the Check Engine Light as well. I recommend having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the hard start and advise you on any repairs.
Metallic click sound when putting car in drive or reverse from park, and another click (sometimes) when making a turn.
ANSWER : You may have damaged the axle or strut. I would have the entire front inspected and have the clicking diagnosed. When anyone hits something hard enough to pop a tire there is most likely damage to some component in the area where it was hit. A visual inspection may or may not identify the problem, but a good mechanic can road test and hear the sound and should be able to pinpoint the cause of the clicking noise and recommend a repair.
Oil leaking from under car and "remote control car" sound when car is first started for a few minutes until it warm up.
ANSWER : Hello,
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.
