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. Different model years have different coverages. If you have a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car then the humming noise can be caused by a worn-out rear axle reducer, especially if the noise is heard from the back of the car. Condition. water pump or alternator or a/c pulley bearing or tensioneranything the belt turns is suspect once the crank seal has been ruled out. Theyre generally normal wear items that will wear as the car ages. Its essential to check the transmission fluid level regularly. A skilled mechanic for quality results can replace your muffler and oxygen sensor. If you hear gears grinding while shifting a manual transmission, you may have a problem . 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. Home Troubleshooting Chevy Sonic makes humming noise at high speeds causes and how to fix it. If the wheel bearing is defective, the anti-lock braking system can also be disabled. Shop/Dealer Price. 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. It is more difficult to diagnose the condition of the wheel bearing for four-wheel-drive cars. If the sound changes at the same time, it makes sense to check the correct placement of the hoses, they should not bend. Messages. A humming noise is normal if youve recently replaced your Sonics tires with an aggressive tread. If the noise is only present while driving it is likely related to the drivetrain. A bad wheel bearing or suspension issue are the most common causes of humming when driving on the highway in the Chevy Sonic. 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. High impacts on the bearings also occur on uneven roads or when driving through potholes. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. This noise is typically caused by a mechanical problem, either a worn auto-tensioner or idler pulley. A bad torque converter can cause a whining sound when starting your Sonic. We've outlined the most common reasons why a humming noise in your car gets louder with speed. Been burned doing that but it works much more often than not. In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to visit a workshop. Your Chevy Sonics starter may not fully engage with the flywheel/flexplate. Images in mirrors look distorted at high speed. This could be a drive belt or one of the components driven by the drive belt, such as the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, water pump, or one of the idlers that hold the belt in place. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. I have been working in the automotive industry for more than 15 years. I've raised the hood and listened carefully to try to track it down and I can't tell exactly where it's coming from. If it gets too low on fluid, itll whine a lot. With uneven tire wear, you may also notice: Steering wheel vibration Jagged tire surface Images in mirrors look distorted at high speed Wheel Out of Balance Show example Chevrolet Sonic Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection prices Your car's engine makes quite a racket. 0. These contaminants circulate throughout the grease and between the races and the bearings accelerating the wear rate. Let the cat sit for 20 minutes or longer so the chemicals have time to work. At an advanced stage of internal deterioration, the defective wheel bearing can cause knocking or clunking noises, particularly when turning or cornering in your Chevy Sonic. As you're driving and you begin to hear knocking sounds that emit from the rear or the front wheels- as you drive over potholes, cracks or even bumps on the road- then you can trace the issue to stabilizer links. As long as you have the dipstick out, go ahead and check the transmission fluid color. To do this, you need to lift the car. It can be assumed that both bearings were subjected to roughly the same stress and that the failure of the second bearing is imminent. 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. If you are sure that the catalytic converter is the cause of the humming noises, you can either replace it or fix it without replacing it. Since 2008 we have transformed into an informational portal that provides technical information based on personal experience, as well as trust resources (owner's manuals). Significant CV joint wear due to natural causes such as aging, and also caused by aggressive driving style. Weve outlined the most common reasons why a humming noise in your car gets louder with speed. Therefore, all wheel bearings eventually fail. 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. Brakes make a crunching or thumping noise when pressed when I start driving and takes a while to stop. 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. These components all move or spin while youre driving. And when we press on the gas the car shakes and rattles and vibrated a lot! Grinding or humming noise in the cabin of Sonic from the direction of the affected wheel is one of the earliest signs of a bad wheel bearing. The whining noise almost comes across as a chip or chirp. A noise you hear at idle and a noise you hear only while driving are two very different problems. Brakes make a crunching or thumping noise Second opinion] 2012 chevy sonic. Just started yesterday. All fluid levels are as they should be. Glad I posted here, for some reason it didn't even dawn on me that they were covered under the power train warranty. Or, you may lose some functionality such as the power steering if the power steering pump fails, or air conditioning if the compressor fails. If it changes when revving your Sonics engine, the cause of the whining sound will most likely be an accessory bolted to the engine. This is particularly true when you first start the vehicle. If its partially failed this will mean that the engine temperature, including the coolant temperature, will be above normal, so you will have to be careful and change the bearing or the entire pump as soon as possible. 7 /8. There are also a lot of moving parts that need to be removed and then properly reinstalled to complete the task. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct "humming" noise. However, issues to do with the exhaust system are different. The most frequent and common engine noise comes from drive belts. Less common cause is failing transmission. The worst case scenario for most parts is that too much wear will cause the part to fail. Are you still within your powertrain warranty? The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Just an update, chevy dealer replaced the left front bearing under warranty this morning, good to go! This can cause a ticking noise as the object that is stuck rotates around the wheel and then touches the road. 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. Show example Chevrolet Sonic Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection prices. You'll need to visit your local tyre centre to get this fixed. I can't recall) a month ago or so. These vibrations intensify when you slow down or when you accelerate. If left unserviced, the bearings wear out faster and could cause damage to other parts. Next, well bring the car into the shop and elevate the entire car. Off-road and snow tread tires are notorious for making a loud humming sound. A noise you hear at idle and a noise you hear only while driving are two very different problems. In most scenarios, if you encounter humming sounds when driving, there could be a problem with components such as bearings or transmission. You can test all four wheel bearings when the car is stationary. If it causes this acceleration noise on Chevrolet Sonic, go to your auto technician. At a higher speed, the sound will be louder. The noise increases when driving at high speed while engaging in turns. Over the years, he claims a sturdy hold on his driving skills, along with a thorough understanding of cars. Transmission Bearing Noise. Rotated both front tires to rear Inspected the tires while rotating and saw nothing out of ordinary If there is noticeable grinding or droning noise inside the cabin of your Chevy Sonic when driving, you should definitely consider bad wheel bearings. Less common cause is failing transmission. Had transmission rebuilt (Pro).My problem is that when it gets around 35, 8L90E Specs, Performance, and Identification, TH400 Transmission Specs, ID, and Common Problems, Chevy Silverado Humming Noise Getting Louder With Speed: How to Fix, Chevy Spark Humming Noise Getting Louder With Speed: How to Fix, Mazda 6 P0320: Meaning, Causes, & Diagnosis, Bad wheel bearings, tires, alignment, missing wheel weight(s), None, but bad suspension components can be dangerous. Bad wheel bearings and bad tires have a similar sound. The may change when youre turning the wheel, such as when youre parking. While there , Your email address will not be published. 6 days ago If it is even a little bit out of alignment, itll be enough to cause a whining noise. Required fields are marked *. The faster you drive your vehicle, the louder the humming noise gets. If your car tires are unbalanced, the strain you put on the wheel bearings will take a toll on them. Impacts of all kinds are much more damaging to bearings than the high loads. Slow or hanging shifts. A failing alternator can also make your cars stereo hum while driving. This could be a small leak in the exhaust system or air intake system. If one sounds gritty, that wheel bearing will likely need replacing. Does the sound get louder while turning your Sonics steering wheel? If you can do so where no other traffic is around, get the noise to happen, then steer the car side to side, not real quick but sort of like going through a slalom course. The first step in learning how to listen to your transmission is true for any component of any car. Poor road conditions. 2007-2010 Pontiac G5. A good place to start would be to check the transmission fluid. Or the atmospheric din of an airplane flying overhead, that never gets further away. Noise still therewater pump or other belt driven componentloose belt tensioner, lift belt off any pully so it hangs free from the crankshaft pulley and start enginenoise gone? Worn or damaged gears. Tires are balanced with wheel weights when a new tire is installed. In such cases, resetting the onboard computers can sometimes help resolve the issue. Knowing where and when the noise happens can make quick work of diagnosing a whining noise coming from the Chevy Sonic. In order to locate and diagnose links that are loose, you can hoist your car or use a jack to lift it. It takes away the enjoyment of driving your pride possession. There is an electric vacuum pump mounted to the firewall just below the brake booster. Driving with a bad wheel bearing is very dangerous, especially if it is heavily worn. Theres more on how to diagnose a bad serpentine belt in the other serpentine belt section of this article. Tl the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. 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. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct humming noise. Sometimes driving accentuates noises that are heard while idling. In general, it is advisable to change the second bearing on the same axle even if there is only one defective wheel bearing in your Chevy Sonic. 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. My Chevy Cruze 2014 has suddenly started having a humming noise, specially when accelerating between 35 and 60 miles, there seems to be no issue with the wheel bearing, I have just changed the water coolant outlet. Even when driving your Sonic in a straight line, the bearings have to absorb high radial forces. All these cause CV joint noise when accelerating in motion or making sharp turns. Due to the complexity and sheer manual labor, it is not recommended as a DIY project. I remember it the exact same way. A bad wheel bearing or suspension issue are the most common causes of humming when driving on the highway in the Chevy Sonic. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. Most of the humming sounds become louder when you accelerate. Tires that are cupped or scalloped have uneven tread wear across the tire. Gear slippage means the gears will not engage and accelerate properly. Prices may vary depending on your location. 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. In some cases, a glitch in the infotainment system or onboard computer system can cause the steering wheel buttons to stop working in Cobalt. Being a car enthusiast, Patrick has experience comprising of two decades in which he has ridden some of the meanest and strongest machines in the automotive industry. Rob B briant These sounds become louder when accelerating. It does sound like a wheel bearing from your description. Here in Canada the wheel bearings are definately covered by the GM powertrain warranty. Harsh Shifting. If the alternator is not working properly this could also cause humming noise. Weve outlined the most common reasons why a humming noise in your car gets louder with speed. These issues include a loosened steering belt and a misaligned steering wheel. However, if it stays constant as you rev the engine, it will be something else. If you found one or more damaged bearings, then you need to change them as soon as possible. 0 % 30 % of the time it's the Low Oil Level or Pressure 0 % 27 % of the time it's the Ignition System 0 % 12 % of the time it's the Exhaust Leak 0 % 31 % of the time it's Something else Even when cornering, you may feel the handling of the vehicle a bit off. You can usually tell if a wheel weight fell off. The vehicle was taken to dyer Chevrolet (4200 us-1, fort, florida 34982, (772) 242-3116) where it was diagnosed that the engine cooling . Going faster, the thump duration is shorter.) When you first start your car, the serpentine belt may make a loud and long whining sound before going relatively quiet. Therefore a bad wheel bearing must be replaced as soon as possible when symptoms first appear. Using a bad lubricant or due to lack of lubrication. Humming noise in the car can be heard especially when driving and it can occur for various reasons. While you can go a thousand more miles, it can turn dangerous for everyone on the road. It would be best if you did not overlook the humming noises coming from the engine. The most common sources of manual transmission noises include: Low fluid level. A professional mechanic can swiftly diagnose the humming noise issue for you. Once a good ground is restored, it should go away. 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. You can have it fixed by mechanics or DIY it at home using vinegar. Worn or failing synchronizer. Other factors can also contribute to premature bearing failure on your Sonic, like driving with unbalanced tires or poor wheel alignment. Determining when the noise is at its worst helps pinpoint which side the failing wheel bearing or other drivetrain component is on. Off-road and snow tread tires are notorious for making a loud humming sound. Therefore, it is necessary to balance the wheels at a car workshop. Depending on the car, they may not require attention for more than 100,000 miles. The mileage depends on the driving style and the quality of the wheel bearing. 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze, Volt. It is important to know exactly where the humming sound comes from because this can indicate a serious problem with the car that needs proper repairs. I was thinking maybe jackshaft bearing where axle goes into jackshaft it feels warm on . Transmissions.biz was formed in 2001 as a group of automobile enthusiasts who wanted a place to share knowledge. You can suspect fluid leakage and check for a trail underneath the car. You can tell that the transmission is overheating if you notice a burning smell. Often problems with these hoses were observed in Mercedes-Benz cars with the Active Body Control feature. Since the gear train has not been engaged in drive, it rules out all the other components. The humming noise can also appear in the hoses of the power steering hoses because of their improper placement, and this symptom can be heard when the engine is idle. This is easily resolved by tightening the screws. You should also ensure youre using the correct type of oil. But its more likely your Chevy Sonic has a suspension problem. Noises that are related to the drive belt will often get louder with higher RPMs but are not affected by vehicle speed. 1. The entire weight of the vehicle rests on the bearings. Every so o read more Some cars, like Mercedes-Benz, have a component called a hydraulic pulsation damper. It can tell you a lot about the health of your transmission. It can manifest as a knocking, whirring, clunking, vibrating, squealing, or whining noise that persists until the blower motor is replaced. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. Tires that are cupped or scalloped have uneven tread wear across the tire. In most cases, leaking is the leading cause of low transmission fluid levels. A corrupted ground wire almost always causes alternator whine to the radio. $110.24 - $117.94. High impacts on the bearings also occur on uneven roads or when driving through potholes. Symptoms Grinding or humming noise LOUD VIBRATION NOISE FIXED! The higher the speed, the higher the vibration. 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? When we turned the car on it shakes everything! But if the seals fail, water and dirt can enter inside the wheel bearing and contaminate the lubricant. This sound may be a sign of a slackened belt, in which case the tensioner roller or its wear and tear may be responsible. Can you tell if the noise is coming from the front or rear? If this piece is damaged, then it is possible to hear a hum under the car. Can you tell if the noise is coming from the front or rear? It does sound like a wheel bearing from your description. If you have a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car then the humming noise can be caused by a worn-out rear axle reducer, especially if the noise is heard from the back of the car. Hum in a CV joint can appear because: Humming noise can also be caused by a failing input shaft bearing located in the transmission, so the noise will be under the car, the higher the speed, the louder the hum. However you should not hurry in replacing the bearings as sometimes the symptoms can be caused by something else, for example tire cupping (type of uneven wear) can also cause humming noise inside the cabin. If your Sonics stereo is making a whining noise, it is usually caused by an alternator whine condition. 2012 chevy sonic. These tires may use inferior materials (steel belts, which are less supportive of the tread, rubber which is more prone to uneven wear, etc.) Then grab the wheel with both hands at the opposite sides and alternately press and pull. The whining sound should change when you turn your cars steering wheel or rev the engine. A whining sound when accelerating is almost always caused by a bad accessory attached to your Sonics engine. With that in mind, this page is divided by when you hear the whining noise and common causes under those conditions. Often you can hear the hum when starting the car after when cold because the oil thickens at low temperatures. A bad bearing can also cause uneven tires, issues with brakes, steering wheel vibration, and wobbly wheels at the worst. The catalytic converter is located between the muffler and the engine. A bad wheel bearing can cause vibrations in the steering wheel of Sonic, particularly if the front wheels are affected. Changing the bearing assembly looks fairly straightforward, but I want to make sure that this is actually the problem. The recommendation is to check the problem and replace the whole fluid, and not complete the old one. Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection. The noise may also change depending on how fast youre driving or how much youre turning the steering wheel. If you experience this issue check the wheel bearing first because this is the most common cause. If your Sonic has a worn wheel bearing, the sound will be slightly more high-pitched than a tire issue (you can play that sound below). Another simple method of checking if you have a bad wheel bearing is by jacking up the car. However these noises can also occur due to faults in suspension or steering system components, therefore you should consider a bad wheel bearing if the vehicle presents other system as well, like humming or grinding noise and play in the wheel. Worn or damaged shafts. You can do this by using a dipstick. This is achieved with a grease filling that ensures adequate lubrication of the rolling elements over the entire service life of the wheel bearing. Leave a comment Other factors can also contribute to premature bearing failure on your Sonic, like driving with unbalanced tires or poor wheel alignment.