You shouldn't ignore signs of a bad wheel bearing because when it fails, the affected wheel will stop working and may even fall off - which is particularly dangerous if you're driving at speed when it happens.

Intermittentgrinding noise when driving

When a CV joint starts to fail, you'll likely notice your car pulling to one side due to a wheel losing power, and this movement may also be accompanied by a grinding, ticking or clicking noise. You shouldn't drive with a damaged CV joint because it is dangerous and will cause further damage.

The pistons often make an unpleasant grinding sound when the compressor wears down. Getting your AC repaired isn’t urgent, as it won’t affect the overall functionality of your car. However, you should consider booking a replacement if summer is approaching.

Loud grinding noise when drivingreddit

A bad wheel bearing may emit a quiet grinding sound all the time, speeding up and slowing down as you do, but the noise often becomes more noticeable when you turn. Other symptoms include uneven tyre wear, ABS failure, and the vehicle pulling to one side.

Scraping soundwhen drivingslowly

Simply cut a short length of Plastigauge (about 1/2 inch is sufficient) and place it on the crankshaft bearing journal. Install the bearing shell dry and tighten the bearing cap, then remove the bearing cap and shell. You will see that the strip of Plastigauge has flattened out from being squashed between the bearing and the journal. Compare the gauge on the edge of the package to the width of the deformed Plastigauge to see your bearing clearance!

If there is a problem with one or all of these components, you’re likely to experience several symptoms in addition to a grinding noise:

The alternator charges the battery and provides the vehicle with electrical power while the engine runs. As it ages, the bearings inside the alternator wear out, and the pulley becomes slack enough to move side to side while spinning. This movement causes a grinding noise.

The first step is accurately diagnosing the problem with the aircon system, which is done during an aircon service. The average price when you book through FixMyCar is £101.30.

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Loud grinding noise when drivingbut not brakes

Clutch repairs have a reputation for being expensive, but the cost depends on the nature of the problem and your car's make/model. If you suspect your clutch might need repairing or replacing, take your vehicle to a garage as soon as possible to avoid causing more damage.

Grinding noisefrom front wheelwhen driving

Loud grinding noise when drivingslow

The grinding noise is caused by the metal backing plate clamping onto the disc instead of the pad, which is worn away. Learn more about how brakes work in this guide.

While it’s possible to replace the bearings, the seals will likely be worn, too, so the whole water pump is usually replaced as a precaution. You shouldn't put this repair off - a faulty water pump could cause your engine to overheat, resulting in more damage and an expensive repair bill.

It's always best to fix brake problems as soon as you notice them because the longer you leave them, the more expensive the repair is likely to be.

Constant velocity (CV) joints are located at each end of the drive shaft, connecting the wheels to the axle and transmission. They shift torque to the wheels at a controlled speed and are responsible for the up and down motion of the suspension system.

Use Plastigauge to quickly and accurately measure clearances of rod and main bearings. Plastigauge is a precisely made thread of wax that spreads out to a predictable width as it flattens between your bearing surfaces. A gauge printed right on the package tells you the exact bearing clearance based on the width of the flattened thread. No expensive measuring tools, no pricey tool recalibration, and no math required! Even pro engine builders with a shop full of measuring tools like to use Plastigauge as a secret double-check before final assembly.

Gringing when you apply the brakes is most likely due to worn brake pads. However, typically, it happens at a later stage of brake wear and is preceded by a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound.

Grinding noise when drivingat high speeds

Loud grinding noise when drivingstraight

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Simply put, the clutch's purpose is to separate the engine from the wheels, allowing you to change gears. It consists of the clutch plate, pressure plate and flywheel. This guide discusses how long a clutch lasts.

If you only hear a grinding sound when your AC is on, this indicates a problem with the compressor. The compressor sends refrigerant through the air conditioner’s lines and allows a heat exchange.

If you have any other issues with your car that you'd like to try to diagnose yourself, check out our guide on self-diagnosing car problems. The more you know about how your car works, the better.

If the sound isn’t coming from your brakes and happens while the engine is running, you may have a problem with your water pump. Grinding noises from the water pump usually indicate worn bearings.

Available in three clerarance ranges: Green measures from 0.001" to 0.003" (0.025 to 0.076mm). Red measures from 0.002" to 0.006" (0.051 to 0.152mm). Blue measures from 0.004" to 0.009" (0.102 to 0.229mm). Each package contains one 12 inch long piece (enough to do a complete V8 engine). Each package has a metric (mm) gauge on one side and inches on the other side. The gauge pattern repeats every inch or so, which means you can trim the package as you use up the Plastigauge. Note: Some engine builders recommend removing the flattened Plastigauge residue with a little WD-40 before reinstalling the bearing shell and cap, but the Plastigauge wax is formulated to melt and dissolve completely in engine oil.

Sometimes, cars seem to have a language of their own. Understanding the meaning behind the unusual noises they make can help you diagnose problems early. This guide focuses on the most common causes of grinding noises.