Squeaking in cabin
When the car is running I can hear the high pitched noise go on and off intermittently from only inside the cabin. When it is in accessory mode the noise stops and when I try to listen from under the hood there is also no noise. It does not get loader as I drive faster either.
My car has 160000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Good question. I believe you have a ground issue within your speakers or radio. In my experience, even if the radio isn’t playing you may get a high pitch noise in the cab of your vehicle. If you have an auxiliary cable then you may replace it (this was my issue). There is an sometimes an issue where you have to put an adapter in the back of your radio to reduce the frequency inside the radio/speakers.
If you’re unable to fix this yourself, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose the noise you’re hearing firsthand and help you fix it accordingly. I hope this helps and good luck.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
This occurrence is fairly common with brand-new Mercedes-Benz and brake pads since Mercedes-Benz uses high-performance semi-metallic brakes. With brake pads rubbing against metal brake rotors, the squeaking noise is normal, especially with the dust accumulation.
Although there are a few causes of a squealing engine, one of the most common is a bad or failing serpentine belt. The serpentine belt – or drive belt, as its also known – plays a vital role in the engine. The belt drives many of the engine`s accessories, including the alternator and power steering pump.
A squealing noise is a common sign that the rotating parts such as your belts are slipping on their pulleys. A worn belt will make this noise due to the loss of tension and gripping ability of the belt. A simple replacement of your belt(s) will solve this issue.
Car squeaking and squealing noises could be due to minor issues like worn-out serpentine belts or brake pads that are easy to fix. Unfortunately, car squeaking when driving can also be a sign of much bigger problems with things like suspension and power steering systems.
Besides brakes squeaking, the most common squeaks are usually associated with your vehicle`s suspension. The squeaking suspension parts are often associated with a lack of lubrication when metal-on-metal wear is happening in connections such as the tie-rods, suspension joints and steering linkage.
Weatherstripping: A high-pitched whistling inside the cabin might be due to a leak in your weatherstripping. If the whistling is outside the cabin, it might be a vacuum leak in your hoses.
A squealing noise could be from a lack of tension between the belt and pulleys. Worn belt ribs and a misaligned belt can result from an improper installation that can cause an annoying chirping sound. Timing belts are known to occasionally have a ticking sound as well that can stem from low engine oil or other issues.
If your car squeaks when you press down on the accelerator, the most likely culprit is a loose or worn-out cambelt. The cambelt, also known as a timing belt, is a vital part of your car that controls the timing of the internal combustion engine.
The most common reason as to why your suspension is squeaking is due to a lack of lubrication. Your suspension is made up of two metal and one rubber pieces, so without proper lubrication you won`t have a quiet ride.
A temporary solution is to soak that noisy area with spray-on lithium grease. A helper can bounce the car up and down while you crawl around underneath and track down that squeak. If the sound is from a rubber suspension bushing, silicone spray is better.
As many fans of a turbocharged engine will know, a turbo often makes a whistling sound. This whistle is the sound of the turbo operating effectively, also known as `spooling up`.
While the transmission is the most likely cause, whining while accelerating can also be caused by low power steering fluid or more serious damage like faulty alternator bearings, a malfunctioning water pump, a broken piston or a bad AC compressor.
Check if the squeaking noise is persistent when you turn on your car, and it feels like it`s coming from the front of your vehicle (under the hood or from the engine bay). If yes, then the squeal you hear is from your serpentine belt or drive belt.
The main culprit 90% of the time is going to be the auxiliary serpentine belt. This is the belt that drives the air con, the alternator, the water pump and so on. Another common culprit is the fan belt. In most modern cars, the fans are electric.
Generally, a timing belt that goes bad makes a noticeable ticking or clicking timing belt sound that is unusual. When the timing belt starts falling the ticking or clicking sound becomes pretty audible.
Usually, chirping or squealing noises when accelerating indicate a slipped or loose belt. Less frequently, it could point to a misalignment in the drive pulley of the water pump or another accessory.
Misaligned Wheels
Wheel alignment can also be a plausible reason why your brakes are shaking and squeaking. If the wheels are not properly aligned your suspension and tires will eventually become especially vulnerable to damage.
If your suspension is making a squeaking or creaking noise when you go around corners, then this could point towards worn ball joints. Ball joints act as pivot points between the wheels and suspension and allow them to move freely.
Noise – this can be a clunking or squeaking noise. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road. The squeaking noise is caused by the rubber boot that protects the grease inside the ball joint is damaged, the ball joint will start to squeak.
There are four sounds in particular that you should look out for: creaking, grunting, rattling, and knocking. See your auto collision center if you hear any of these noises, and keep reading for more on the four sounds of suspension problems.
Check for broken parts on the suspension. If the noise is severe, the suspension is likely to have broken parts. Look for loose parts since movement can also cause a squeaky or clunking sound. The creaking or clunking suspension sound could be caused by parts like a bolt that moved, such as a chassis bolt.
Knocking, Popping, or Banging
A car engine noise that sounds like popping can indicate several problems, including worn or dirty spark plugs, a clogged fuel filter or dirty air filter, bad ignition wires, or a problem with the distributor cap or rotor.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I changed my brakes and they still squeak I applied the brake stop squeak and they still squeak
ANSWER : Hi there. The leading cause of brakes squealing after replacing the pads is excessive brake dust trapped between the caliper and the rotor. Typically when brake jobs are completed, a professional mechanic will spray brake cleaner liberally on the calipers and rotor to remove any brake dust that has embedded in between the two components. If this is not completed, the extra brake dust will be trapped between the fresh pad and the rotor. When heated, it can create an annoying squeaking noise. The best way to resolve this issue is to remove the tires, place a drip pan under the hub and spray brake cleaner along the caliper and the rotor. Let it dry for a few minutes then reinstall the tire, torque it down correctly and test the brakes. If this does not resolve your problem you might want to have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a brake system inspection.
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I have a front end squeak on my 2012 Sportage. It is a "rubber" sounding squeak. It was suggested this may be a bushing. It squeak
ANSWER : Suspension bushings are designed to do a few things. They help mount and isolate components like control arms, sway bars, and engine/suspension cradles. They serve a double function to isolate the body and interior from road noises. Having suspension components mounted without bushings would transmit every little ripple, pebble, and sound, to the interior of the car and to your ears. Typically, these bushings are made of rubber while some performance vehicles may have polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane is typically reserved for performance vehicles and when modifying vehicles because it is less compliant. As the rubber bushings age, the rubber gets dry and hard. The first sign that they may be due for replacement is the squeaking noise you hear. The rubber will start to fall apart and eventually lead to poor handling and maybe even some clunking sounds. Control arm bushings and sway bar bushings are the most common causes of the squeaking sound over bumps. Another source is ball joints. As the grease within the ball joints wears away over time, the metal parts internal to the ball joint can rub against each other and create a similar squeaking or even creaking. Have a certified technician inspect the vehicle to find the exact source of the noise over bumps.
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After 20-30 miles driving, squeaking sound begins
ANSWER : Hello there. This is a common fault with the Suzuki Vitara. The most likely causes for the squeaking noise would be the drive belt, axle, tensioner, or idler pulley. Any of these can increase in noise along with the engine speed. If you need further help, I would have a qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the noise in person in order to have it corrected.
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Squealing loudly when driving up to 60 km an hour
ANSWER : Hello, the noise you are hearing may be brake system related. The brake pads located by the tire area have audible sensors to indicate the pads need to be replaced. I recommend getting a brake inspection done as soon as possible as these symptom could be safety issue. If you’d like to have the squeaking sound diagnosed, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your location to do this.
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When the car heats up the brakes squeak. When the car cools down they’re fine, but when it heats up they start squeaking again.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. Pads and rotors can become "glazed" if overheated. If this happens, the bonding material in the brake pads can rise up out of the pads and transfer to the rotors, causing a bluish discoloration to the rotors and cause a squeak. Removing the pads, sanding the surface of them and the rotors may help. If not, a light resurfacing of the rotors and using some brake lube on the backs of the pads should help. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect your brake system for you, and make or suggest any repairs or cleaning as needed.
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Belt squeaks on start-up when cold or damp outside but squeak only last for few minutes
ANSWER : You should have the belt and tensioner checked to see if the belt is worn or stretched beyond its limit causing the tensioner to not keep it tight and allowing it to slip when damp or wet. Remove the belt and feel for any binding pulley on the engine and tensioner. Replace belt and tensioner of no other problems are found.
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Fan belt squeaks or a bearing squeaks especially when steering wheel is turned right
ANSWER : Squealing when turning the wheel can be caused by a few things. A worn belt can be the source, as can a failed belt tensioner not keeping the belt tight enough. Also, a failing water pump, alternator, or power steering pump bearing may be failing. The added load of turning the wheel can add load to a bearing and cause noise. The power steering pump itself may be the cause as well.
Have a certified technician look into the squealing when turning to isolate the exact cause.
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My brakes have been squeaking on my 2012 Altima since I bought it in 2012. I’ve had it checked out several times and was told noth
ANSWER : With the mileage you listed and the brakes having been replaced last month, I can guess that the brakes were replaced due to wear. They were probably worn enough to recommend replacement. As for the squeaking, a number of factors can cause it. Brake squeal doesn’t always indicate there is a serious problem with the brakes. It’s more of a nuisance. To lessen the chance of squealing, care should be taken when replacing the pads. All mating surfaces should be cleaned and a high temperature brake lube applied wherever the pads make contact to mounting surfaces. Also, if not supplied with the pads, adding shims may help. Brake friction material varies from vehicle to vehicle. Some friction compounds are more prone to squealing than others If none of this helps, you may want to consider trying a different brand of brake pad.
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