Sometimes, it’s the littlest things that can drive us up a wall and make us frustrated for seemingly no reason at all. For drivers, it’s usually something incessant and innocuous with their vehicle that keeps their irritation levels high. Like a squeaking noise, for example.
When you consider that your vehicle is one gigantic mechanical machine, the prospect of a squeak isn’t all too strange: mechanical things squeak all the time! But, it’s important to know what that squeak is and if it’s actually signaling a problem before you simply shrug it off. Getting to the bottom of the noise will not only alleviate your frustration—it’ll also ensure that you’re not ignoring something that might lead to a major repair in the future.
Let’s take a look at some common squeaks you might hear in your vehicle and what they might mean for the entire machine:
From the engine
Are you hearing the squeak for the first time after routine maintenance in Conway, AR? If so, it might be one of your belts. Belts are usually adjusted via a belt tensioner and if they’re too tight, you might start to hear a squeak when you start up your vehicle. Thankfully, this is an easy fix that can be resolved by having a mechanic loose some of the tension in your belt. Failing to do so can lead to premature wear, however.
Another engine squeak that’s common is a belt pulley bearing. If the bearing is loose it could be shifting as the belt turns, causing a squeak that you’re sure to hear! Again, this is a simple fix for your local mechanic and an inexpensive one at that.
Keep in mind that an engine squeak is almost always going to be a belt issue. Belt issues are usually non-emergent, but should be serviced at your earliest convenience before the belt sees major wear and tear.
From your chassis
If you’re getting that all too familiar squeak from your chassis, it’s likely going to be a problem that needs immediate attention. Take a look at a few chassis issues that will make themselves known via incessant squeaking from your undercarriage:
- Broken sway bars can cause a squeak as you’re going over bumps and around corners.
- Worn wheel bearings will also tend to squeak as you travel and weight is put on that side of the vehicle.
- Hanging or swinging fixtures can result in major squeaking noises. An example of this might be a tailpipe fitment that has broken, where a segment of the fixture is rocking back and forth.
Chassis problems are going to get worse quickly, since this segment of your vehicle is the most prone to wear and tear out on the road. If you’re due for routine maintenance in Conway, AR, mention a chassis noise to your mechanic or, if you’re not quite due, give your mechanic a call and explain the noise to them.
Checking out a squeak is well worth your time—especially if it’s been driving you crazy for some time now. Resolving this maddeningly simple issue could actually result in giving you vehicle a much-needed level of care for a compromised component!