When you first start your car, the serpentine belt may make a loud and long whining sound before going relatively quiet. Wheel bearings in Chevy Sonic are one of the most crucial and stressed components. If this piece is damaged, then it is possible to hear a hum under the car. You can also use the method outlined above, where you rock your Sonic while its moving to see if there is a change in pitch. Gen 7 Problems/Service Issues/Troubleshooting, Gen 8 Problems/Service Issues/Troubleshooting. Signs of Transmission Problems. CarSuperCare.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Therefore, the internal components must be lubricated with lubricants such as grease or oil to prevent overheating. Youre looking to change your Sonics load balance from one side to the other. In most cases, leaking is the leading cause of low transmission fluid levels. Sometimes driving accentuates noises that are heard while idling. Show example Chevrolet Sonic Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection prices. If the alternator is not working properly this could also cause humming noise. This can cause a ticking noise as the object that is stuck rotates around the wheel and then touches the road. Uneven roads with potholes, bumps, and dirt tracks often affect wheel bearing. Less common cause is failing transmission. $99.99. If your serpentine belt looks cracked or glazed, replacing it is cheap and easy. Humming noise is a symptom of an underlying problem with your Sonic, which must be resolved urgently for your safety and driving comfort. Push the accelerator pedal, gently raising the engine rpm. Since a bad wheel bearing can affect the alignment of the vehicle, your Sonic will pull to one side when driving in a straight line. None of these components fail due to any fault of the driver. I can really hear it well when I let go of the gas since the engine quiets down. Driving with tires that have rubber made especially for colder seasons on a warm road can emit a humming noise. If your Chevy Sonic is suffering from uneven tire wear, you should be able to pick up the noise while driving around 30 MPH with it getting louder as you accelerate. Shop/Dealer Price. If your exhaust manifold gasket is damaged or the oxygen sensor is loose, the noises tend to go away when the engine warms up. Did the sound change as you moved the wheel? All fluid levels are as they should be. Sometimes other symptoms may also appear, a knocking noise when cornering, and vibrations in the steering wheel or the whole body. However, it would be best not to ignore others as they indicate something is wrong with your car. This will cause engine system failures, the electronics in the cabin to not function and the battery to not be charged properly. High impacts on the bearings also occur on uneven roads or when driving through potholes. CHEVY SONIC MISFIRES, RUNS ROUGH, But NO CODES, OBD2, DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. The entire weight of the vehicle rests on the bearings. If when you press the gas pedal a humming noise is heard, then, most likely, the release bearing is damaged and needs to be replaced. Brakes make a crunching or thumping noise when pressed when I start driving and takes a while to stop. Transmissions.biz was formed in 2001 as a group of automobile enthusiasts who wanted a place to share knowledge. Join now! 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze, Volt. This is not only the cause of discomfort for the driver and passengers but also the cause of the hum. Transmission Bearing Noise. If there is noticeable grinding or droning noise inside the cabin of your Chevy Sonic when driving, you should definitely consider bad wheel bearings. If they are replaced at the same time, this saves time and money. I remember it the exact same way. . You can usually tell if a wheel weight fell off. Driving a car that makes noise from the engine is a nuisance. These vibrations intensify when you slow down or when you accelerate. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Hello, I'm Drago, the cofounder, and writer here at carphrases.com. 10 Reasons Why Your Car Makes Noise When You Turn It Off, Car Makes Noise When Stopped In Drive 7 Causes, Top Causes Of Engine Squealing Noise + Solutions, Reasons Why Police Officers Touch Your Car When They Stop, 9 Reasons Why Car Hazard Lights Won't Turn Off, Why Does My Car Smell Sulfur: 7 Common Reasons, Car Jerks When Shifting From Park To Reverse Top Reasons, Leaking Coolant From The Bottom Of Engine Top Causes. Alexanders Import Auto Repair Tires are balanced with wheel weights when a new tire is installed. Chevy Malibu Forum is the best place for owners of the sedan to connect with the community and discuss MPG, mods, and more. Just started yesterday. Heres how to diagnose a squeaky serpentine belt: ChrisFix(YouTube), Serpentine Belt Diagnosis (this site). Harsh Shifting. Sometimes driving accentuates noises that are heard while idling. Weve also provided an audio sample of each issue to help determine whats causing the hum. Hofbrauhaus: Buzzing.great atmosphere - See 30,697 traveler reviews, 19,395 candid photos, and great deals for Munich, Germany, at Tripadvisor. In most cases, leaking is the leading cause of low transmission fluid levels. We've also provided an audio sample of each issue to help determine what's causing the hum. Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. Balancing corrects any vibration before the tires go on the vehicle. Show example Chevrolet Sonic Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection prices Your car's engine makes quite a racket. Wear in these components will cause a humming noise as theyre moving. 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Or, you can watch the video below. 2008-2010 Pontiac G3, G6, Vibe, Wave. Worn or damaged gears. Why Do Blower Motors Fail? If it gets too low on fluid, itll whine a lot. Therefore, all wheel bearings eventually fail. If the noise worsens, its probably an issue with wheel bearings. Right around the 35mph mark and up into the 60's and 70's it's OBVIOUS. Check for your specific model year. Every so o read more Jack up each wheel and spin it freely. You can jack up the front end and see if there's play in the bearing, grab the tire at the 6 and 12 o'clock and the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock the wheel. There are many reasons why your Chevy Sonic is making humming noise at high speeds. If they fail, hum and vibration may be heard in the operation of such systems, and they will need to be completely changed. The noise is the vacuum pump turning on, completely normal and necessary. Its not a breakdown risk, but you can still end up stranded if the wheel bearing or suspension component causing the hum fails. If parked but still running, the horn goes off every 2-3 minutes. Or does it not change with engine speed? If your Chevy Sonic has a humming noise at high speed, it can be distracting and, depending on the cause, dangerous. Tires are balanced with wheel weights when a new tire is installed. Home Troubleshooting Chevy Sonic makes humming noise at high speeds causes and how to fix it. If the cupping is on the outside tread, it still could be an alignment issue. Use the table above and noise recordings to make fixing your car easier. It had what. Low fluid levels cause friction in the transmission, causing them to overheat and generate the hum. If you turn on the AC and immediately hear a rattling noise, there are a few potential causes: Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, it can make a rattling noise. A good place to start would be to check the transmission fluid. Your Sonics serpentine belt is responsible for taking the motion from the crankshaft and turning all of your accessories. When we turned the car on it shakes everything! You can suspect fluid leakage and check for a trail underneath the car. You can also cross rotate the tires and see if the noise is changed. A rare case of humming noise, especially at certain engine RPM can be caused by the fact that the exhaust pipe is not fixed in its place, and will touch other car elements. This is easily resolved by tightening the screws. Leave a comment Usually only happens when your Sonic is in gear. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The humming noise also intensifies when you accelerate. When driving, the speed creates additional forces. The most common symptoms of a bad wheel bearing in Chevy Sonic are grinding or humming noise, knocking or clunking noise when cornering, shaking steering wheel, body vibration, uneven or abnormal tire wear, play in wheel, and vehicle pulls to one side when driving in a straight line. Diagnostic Codes FAQ Estimate. It is usually way more noticeable on the A.M. band on the radio. It sounds like a truck, idling on the street in front your house. The wheel bearings in Chevy Sonic are designed in such a way that they are absolutely maintenance-free. If it did, your car likely has a faulty wheel bearing. I can't recall) a month ago or so. Off-road and snow tread tires are notorious for making a loud humming sound. The most common reason for your Chevrolet Sonic to have a ticking noise/sound coming from under your car is having something lodged in one of your tyres. The drivetrain includes the transmission, drive axles, carrier bearings, and wheel bearings. Unbalanced wheels will vibrate when driving. The common causes of uneven tire wear are unbalanced wheels, improper wheel alignment, overinflated or underinflated tires, and worn suspension or steering parts. These sounds become louder when accelerating. Thanks for letting us know how you made out. As long as you have the dipstick out, go ahead and check the transmission fluid color. Images in mirrors look distorted at high speed. These tires may use inferior materials (steel belts, which are less supportive of the tread, rubber which is more prone to uneven wear, etc.) Poor road conditions. The smell of rotten eggs coming from the exhaust. Mechanic's Assistant: Is it just the ABS light? Weve outlined the most common reasons why a humming noise in your car gets louder with speed. It is more difficult to diagnose the condition of the wheel bearing for four-wheel-drive cars. When it goes bad, itll cause a high-pitched whine or squeak. This humming sound will change with the engines RPM. However, the noise resembles more of a crackle and it can also be heard when you are in a turn. I put it on the lift wheel doesn't have any play side to side or up and down so assuming wheel bearing is ok. Bearing won't always have play yet it still is bad. But its more likely your Chevy Sonic has a suspension problem. Everything I read says check for play in the wheel from 12 to 6 o'clock, any other suggestions to find which wheel bearing it might be, or anything else to check? Noises that are only audible at highway speeds may change when youre switching lanes or making a long, sweeping turn. You can also recognize a defective wheel bearing if there is too much play. Uncategorized The faster you drive your vehicle, the louder the humming noise gets. A leak in the exhaust system can also cause the catalytic converter to overheat. You can usually tell if a wheel weight fell off. Does the sound get louder while turning your Sonics steering wheel? The one good thing to always stay on top of is normal scheduled maintenance. The humming sounds coming from your car could indicate a failing differential. A skilled mechanic for quality results can replace your muffler and oxygen sensor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. RECALLS! Damage to the wheel bearing is not easy to notice in the preliminary stages, as the noise is barely noticeable. If the play is clearly noticeable and visible, then the wheel bearing is very likely defective. If the noise is only present while driving it is likely related to the drivetrain. For this, you should change the entire cluck kit, not just the bearing. The first step in diagnosing the problem is taking the vehicle for a test drive. The first thing to assess is where the noise is coming from. Saved me some cash for sure. However, how soon they fail depends on driving habits. You can remedy axle seal failure by pulling out the damaged seal using a seal puller and replacing it. Difficulty shifting gears. SOLVED! Your Chevy Sonics starter may not fully engage with the flywheel/flexplate. There are also a lot of moving parts that need to be removed and then properly reinstalled to complete the task. Worn bearings. Tires that are cupped or scalloped have uneven tread wear across the tire. On average, the cost for a Chevrolet Sonic Hissing noise when brake pedal is depressed Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. Glad I posted here, for some reason it didn't even dawn on me that they were covered under the power train warranty. This sound may be a sign of a slackened belt, in which case the tensioner roller or its wear and tear may be responsible. You can test all four wheel bearings when the car is stationary. This video is part of a series of videos here's the playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list. Here are some other things that can cause noise while at speed: You can do a few simple tests to figure out what is causing a humming noise while driving at high speed in your Chevy Sonic. You can suspect fluid leakage and check for a trail underneath the car. If one sounds gritty, that wheel bearing will likely need replacing. It's nice when it's covered sometimes. Driving your Sonic with a defective wheel bearing can be dangerous, so you must act urgently for your safety and driving comfort. 2014 1.4 L turbo Chevy sonic squeaky squealing obnoxious sound diagnosis. 2014 1.4 L turbo Chevy sonic squeaky squealing obnoxious sound diagnosis. The wear of the rear axle reducer can be caused by a low oil level in the transmission or because the oil is worn, and if the transmission itself has problems. Front and rear differentials improve handling. You should always check the power steering fluid level, which always causes steering wheel problems. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The first step we take in identifying the noise is to take the car for a test drive. Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection. A humming noise is normal if youve recently replaced your Sonics tires with an aggressive tread. And though the leak could be coming from other car fluids, you may know if the low transmission fluid is the cause through these symptoms: Having low transmission fluid can be caused by: If the issue is with the torque converter or a damaged transmission gasket, you should replace them with new ones. We always let you know what the repair costs will be before proceeding with the repair. Jack up each wheel and spin it freely. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. 1 Engine Noise problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Failure Date: 05/01/2018 When the car is first started and turned off, the horn goes off each time. Tl the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. So we found the solution! The drivetrain includes the transmission. The biggest thing to look out for that would point to a specific issue would be when the noise occurs. Is the whining noise constant when you rev your vehicles engine? 09' Malibu LTZ with brick leather interior. Rob B briant You can test all four wheel bearings when the car is stationary. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. In his second decade of reviewing cars and analyzing tools, Patrick is all set to give you convincing, reliable, and the latest information regarding whats happening in the automotive industry. A professional mechanic can swiftly diagnose the problem for you. If there is, youre usually looking at a worn wheel bearing and not a bad tire. Catalytic convertors overheat due to the exhaust systems excessive amount of unburned fuel or gasses. We've outlined the most common reasons why a humming noise in your car gets louder with speed. The entire weight of the vehicle rests on the bearings. The tire pressure should be in line with the recommended psi. If this sound is not limited to passing the first gear and keep going when you drive and shift other gears. You can also use the method outlined above, where you rock your Sonic while its moving to see if there is a change in pitch. Make sure to spray into the cat from both sides. In order to locate and diagnose links that are loose, you can hoist your car or use a jack to lift it. Currently, he owns a BMW Z3 but cannot get his eyes off Aston Martin DB5. None of these components fail due to any fault of the driver. Reaction score. If it changes when revving your Sonics engine, the cause of the whining sound will most likely be an accessory bolted to the engine. It leads to poor performance of the engine, and it may eventually shut down. Since the gear train has not been engaged in drive, it rules out all the other components. If its cupped badly enough, youll feel the unevenness. The higher the speed, the higher the vibration. Wheel bearings are safety-relevant components. To clean the catalytic converter with sodium hydroxide, you'll first need to remove it from the vehicle. In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to visit a workshop. These contaminants circulate throughout the grease and between the races and the bearings accelerating the wear rate. If you frequently drive your Sonic on bad roads with lots of potholes, drive over curbs with force or drive quickly around corners, the service life of the wheel bearings is significantly reduced. You will want to check it for color and metal content. 2011 Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6 Red Jewel Tintcoat. Knowing where and when the noise happens can make quick work of diagnosing a whining noise coming from the Chevy Sonic. The power steering pump is a common reason your Chevy Sonic might whine when accelerating. Another problem could be that the exhaust pipe is not well placed or fixed and interferes with other components functionality. But, you shouldnt overlook these sounds as they will only worsen the situation. But it is not common to just hear the humming noise without any other symptoms: clunking noises, erratic shifting, etc. If the cupping is on the outside tread, it still could be an alignment issue. I have a 09 Chevy equinox fwd. Take a look behind the wheels. If there is, youre usually looking at a worn wheel bearing and not a bad tire. admin Gear slippage is one of the symptoms of having low transmission fluid. Second sign is that the noise changes when cornering, which varies depending on the steering angle and thereby increases or decreases: a hum when turning left, for example, usually indicates a defective wheel bearing on the right-hand side and vice versa. We keep the car running and use a stethoscope, similar to what a doctor uses, to pinpoint the location of the noise. Unplugging the alternator from the wiring harness should stop the noise. Often problems with these hoses were observed in Mercedes-Benz cars with the Active Body Control feature. In the event of emergency braking, this has a negative effect on the braking distance and the steerability of the vehicle. Checking it requires you to be under the car and some mechanical skills. The sound starts being audible around 35mph. Condition. They work in active suspension systems, as well as other systems that use a hydraulic drive. Clunking or rattling. Over the years, he claims a sturdy hold on his driving skills, along with a thorough understanding of cars. The may change when youre turning the wheel, such as when youre parking. The following suspension issues usually cause cupping: If you find cupping on the inside tread of your Sonics tire, suspect an issue with the wheel alignment. Jimmy, Making it work 15K views 1 year ago Top 5 Reasons Your Car is Shaking or Vibrating - Symptoms and Fixes. Significant CV joint wear due to natural causes such as aging, and also caused by aggressive driving style. This works on 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE SONIC ENGINE MOUNT REPLACEMENT FAST \u0026 EASY! In many cases, however, the noise builds up after a short time often after a few hundred miles. Here's what I have done so far but the noise is still there. In this type of wear, scallops or dips are formed around the tread indicating an out of balance wheel, but are more often a sign that you need to replace worn shock absorbers or other suspension components. As the load is taken off the bearing usually, the noise will change. Balancing corrects any vibration before the tires go on the vehicle. Therefore, all wheel bearings eventually fail. See the wheel weight above? Home Troubleshooting Chevy Sonic bad wheel bearings symptoms, causes and diagnosis. Drive your car at the slowest speed it takes to reproduce the humming noise. This wear may not be a cause for immediate concern, but any excessive wear is cause for concern. 1. The most frequent and common engine noise comes from drive belts. Here are the most common causes of whining noises when accelerating: If your Chevy Sonics alternator is going bad, itll often begin to put out a high-pitched whining sound. Youll hear it match the acceleration of the vehicle. A damaged power steering pump can also be responsible for a humming noise. Its not a breakdown risk, but you can still end up stranded if the wheel bearing or suspension component causing the hum fails. Sometimes it can take longer if the wheel hub is stuck, it then requires a lot of hammering or use of different tools and techniques to remove the hub. Also, check out for leakage and tire air pressure. The first step in learning how to listen to your transmission is true for any component of any car. Some cars, like Mercedes-Benz, have a component called a hydraulic pulsation damper. Noises that are related to the drive belt will often get louder with higher RPMs but are not affected by vehicle speed. It's when there is no play and the wheel bearing is bad that it is harder to diagnose. Also, if you hear vibrating sounds coming from the driveshaft, know that the differential is failing, and you need to have them detailed. In the case of any repairing work, we recommend you to use an official dealership or services provided by other certified specialists. That sound indicates that the serpentine belt isnt gripping the pulleys. A bad wheel bearing or suspension issue are the most common causes of humming when driving on the highway in the Chevy Sonic. JavaScript is disabled. You can have someone rev the engine for you as you check under the car. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct "humming" noise. Due to the complexity and sheer manual labor, it is not recommended as a DIY project. If your Chevy Sonic is suffering from uneven tire wear, you should be able to pick up the noise while driving around 30 MPH with it getting louder as you accelerate.