I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic that makes a rapid and repetitive "beeping" type sound that only occurs when turning right. However, if your car doesnt have a transmission dipstick, you should have it checked by professionals. When looking for the reason, you should always start with the most obvious cause, faulty wheel bearing or damaged tire. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Wheel bearings in Chevy Sonic are one of the most crucial and stressed components. Low fluid levels cause friction in the transmission, causing them to overheat and generate the hum. You can tell them apart in most cases by doing this simple test on your Chevy Sonic: If you suspect a bad wheel bearing, jack your Sonic up and free-turn each wheel. Over time, the catalytic converter can become damaged, overheated, or even have rust. 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). 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). Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. But if the seals fail, water and dirt can enter inside the wheel bearing and contaminate the lubricant. 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. In most cases, leaking is the leading cause of low transmission fluid levels. Is the whining noise constant when you rev your vehicles engine? You can tell that the transmission is overheating if you notice a burning smell. Pulley: If the compressor pulley bearings are failing, they can make noises, generally a grinding, roaring or squealing noise. Unevenly worn tire tread can also cause humming noise in Chevy Sonic. 2010-2012 GMC Terrain. Driving your Chevy Sonic at highway or freeway speeds with humming noise is not only irritating, it can also be dangerous. Weve also provided an audio sample of each issue to help determine whats causing the hum. Humming noise is a symptom of an underlying problem with your Sonic, which must be resolved urgently for your safety and driving comfort. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If you experience this issue check the wheel bearing first because this is the most common cause. This sound may be a sign of a slackened belt, in which case the tensioner roller or its wear and tear may be responsible. Just an update, chevy dealer replaced the left front bearing under warranty this morning, good to go! 7 /8. 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. Driving with tires that have rubber made especially for colder seasons on a warm road can emit a humming noise. A bad differential could mean that the gears are worn out, which causes humming sounds. At a higher speed, the sound will be louder. Minneapolis, MN 55406, A humming noise can be caused by a number of different systems in your vehicle. In many cases, however, the noise builds up after a short time often after a few hundred miles. Here is the link to the part on Amazon for $40 less then I bought 2 of them for! Difficulty shifting gears. If this piece is damaged, then it is possible to hear a hum under the car. If you continue driving your Sonic with a bad wheel bearing for months, in worse case scenario the wheel can lock up while driving or even fall off. However, it would be best not to ignore others as they indicate something is wrong with your car. Let the cat sit for 20 minutes or longer so the chemicals have time to work. 2014 1.4 L turbo Chevy sonic squeaky squealing obnoxious sound diagnosis. This article discusses several causes of humming noises from the engine and how you should handle them. Its not a breakdown risk, but you can still end up stranded if the wheel bearing or suspension component causing the hum fails. Sometimes driving accentuates noises that are heard while idling. If you want to extend the differential life, you should regularly service it. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormal noise and the engine overheated. The faster you drive your vehicle, the louder the humming noise gets. Poor road conditions. If your exhaust manifold gasket is damaged or the oxygen sensor is loose, the noises tend to go away when the engine warms up. January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. You can diagnose the hoses by turning the steering wheel in one direction or another. Often times well need to order parts before performing the repair. 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. The sound starts being audible around 35mph. Weve also provided an audio sample of each issue to help determine whats causing the hum. Driving with a faulty CV joint can cause your CV joint to be completely damaged. It can be assumed that both bearings were subjected to roughly the same stress and that the failure of the second bearing is imminent. Signs of Transmission Problems. If you notice that the tires in your Sonic are wearing unevenly, for example losing more tread on the inside, this can also be related to a bad wheel bearing since it can disturb the alignment of the vehicle. It helps provide additional brake assist during low engine rpm. You will want to check it for color and metal content. Checking this issue is easy, you just have to shift gear to neutral while driving, if the humming noise disappears, then the input shaft bearing is damaged and you should replace it at a car workshop because its a hard operation. Theres more on how to diagnose a bad serpentine belt in the other serpentine belt section of this article. A damaged alternator means that the normal voltage will not be maintained in the cars electrical system. You can usually tell if a wheel weight fell off. A bad wheel bearing or suspension issue are the most common causes of humming when driving on the highway in the Chevy Sonic. Transmission Bearing Noise. Bad wheel bearing A defective wheel bearing can be the cause of humming noise in your Chevy Sonic. Every so o read more Its very common on these cars for the mounts to wear out! 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. A damaged power steering pump can also be responsible for a humming noise. The recommendation is to check the problem and replace the whole fluid, and not complete the old one. This is a very serious problem since you cannot use the transmission like this, this will significantly reduce its normal operation. You can do this by using a dipstick. In this case, you should replace the hydraulic booster fluid with one that would not freeze in low temperatures, and it is also recommended to revise the pump to prevent its breakdown. In the case of any repairing work, we recommend you to use an official dealership or services provided by other certified specialists. Humming noises coming from your car engine when youre driving, idling, or accelerating indicate different problems and should be checked by a professional. However, if it stays constant as you rev the engine, it will be something else. If it didnt change, its likely a tire-related problem. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Even when cornering, you may feel the handling of the vehicle a bit off. Or the atmospheric din of an airplane flying overhead, that never gets further away. However, the noise resembles more of a crackle and it can also be heard when you are in a turn. Like in the case of a damaged wheel bearing and low transmission oil level, the sound is louder. 2011 Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6 Red Jewel Tintcoat. It takes away the enjoyment of driving your pride possession. You can also cross rotate the tires and see if the noise is changed. See the wheel weight above? Even when driving your Sonic in a straight line, the bearings have to absorb high radial forces. Due to the complexity and sheer manual labor, it is not recommended as a DIY project. The worst case scenario for most parts is that too much wear will cause the part to fail. This video is part of a series of videos here's the playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list. 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? 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 The first indication is the noise, which manifests in humming, squealing, or groaning sound, increasing with speed. Been burned doing that but it works much more often than not. Heres what a bad wheel bearing sounds like: A bad wheel bearing can cause a humming sound. It would be best if you did not overlook the humming noises coming from the engine. Or does it not change with engine speed? Here are the most likely causes of a vehicle whining when starting: Your Sonics serpentine belt turns all of the engine accessories. Theyre generally normal wear items that will wear as the car ages. Failure to install the bearings as per the manufacturers instructions will likely cause problems. You can easily know you have a failing wheel bearing because as you increase the speed the hum becomes much higher in intensity and under a variety of conditions: on a straight road, when turning when driving on roads with different surfaces. Prices may vary depending on your location. If the cupping is on the outside tread, it still could be an alignment issue. Impacts of all kinds are much more damaging to bearings than the high loads. 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. If the noise is only present while driving it is likely related to the drivetrain. The most common causes for humming noise in Chevy Sonic at high speeds are bad wheel bearing, uneven tire wear and using tires with large tread blocks. Significant CV joint wear due to natural causes such as aging, and also caused by aggressive driving style. Show example Chevrolet Sonic Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection prices. Another simple method of checking if you have a bad wheel bearing is by jacking up the car. If the play is clearly noticeable and visible, then the wheel bearing is very likely defective. Messages. The likely cause of whining noise will be determined by when you hear the noise, and under what conditions With that in mind, this page is divided by when you hear the whining noise, and common causes under those conditions. chevy sonic humming noise. Other factors can also contribute to premature bearing failure on your Sonic, like driving with unbalanced tires or poor wheel alignment. Did the sound change as you moved the wheel? In such cases, resetting the onboard computers can sometimes help resolve the issue. Sometimes driving accentuates noises that are heard while idling. Jack up each wheel and spin it freely. Low Transmission Fluid Low transmission fluid in the engine can cause humming noises when driving. Knowing where and when the noise happens can make quick work of diagnosing a whining noise coming from the 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. Tires with large tread block pattern are known to be noisy on the highway. On average, the cost for a Chevrolet Sonic Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. 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. The higher the speed, the higher the vibration. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct "humming" noise. I believe past 07' wheel bearings are covered under the 5 year/ 100000 mile warranty. He is a car enthusiast; he loves cooking and listening to music, especially jazz. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. To do this, you need to lift the car. Generally, these issues don't show up suddenly. The entire weight of the vehicle rests on the bearings. Tl the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It seems like the humming noise you are hearing could be due to a bad wheel bearing on that side. Less common cause is failing transmission. It picks up at the exact point where you can see what cupped tread looks like. They cause the wheels to turn easily and at the same time absorb high radial and axial forces. Its essential to check the transmission fluid level regularly. If it gets too low on fluid, itll whine a lot. Worn or failing synchronizer. All you need to ensure is that you have the necessary tools. Alexanders Import Auto Repair If the noise worsens, its probably an issue with wheel bearings. Youll likely see the spot where the wheel bearing was. Poor installation. If it is even a little bit out of alignment, itll be enough to cause a whining noise. Home Troubleshooting Chevy Sonic makes humming noise at high speeds causes and how to fix it. You can have it fixed by mechanics or DIY it at home using vinegar. 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. When the differential is faulty, you have a hard time going around a corner. When you see that the wheel rotates with ease, you should rotate it by hand as quickly as possible to hear the hummin noise. And when we press on the gas the car shakes and rattles and vibrated a lot! 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. A corrupted ground wire almost always causes alternator whine to the radio. I just bought a 2006 quad cab chevy silverado 1500 with 39500 miles. These sounds become louder when accelerating. . Wheel bearings are safety-relevant components. Worn or damaged gears. A bent or wobbling pulley can cause the serpentine belt to make noise. It is more difficult to diagnose the condition of the wheel bearing for four-wheel-drive cars. Driving your Sonic with a defective wheel bearing can be dangerous, so you must act urgently for your safety and driving comfort. In addition, a damaged bearing is sometimes difficult to remove. Balancing corrects any vibration before the tires go on the vehicle. It seems to be getting louder. If you notice a humming noise that increases in intensity as the engine rises in speed, it points to a malfunctioning transmission pump or pump shaft. Diagnostic Codes FAQ 2008-2010 Pontiac G3, G6, Vibe, Wave. One way to do this is by disconnecting the car battery for about 15 minutes. Prices may vary depending on your location. Harsh Shifting. 2008-2009 Pontiac Montana SV6, Torrent. Only the power steering pump will change with RPM or the steering wheel. January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. A defective wheel bearing can be the cause of humming noise in your Chevy Sonic. A defective wheel bearing is a very common reason your Sonic will make a humming noise while driving. 1. But it is not common to just hear the humming noise without any other symptoms: clunking noises, erratic shifting, etc. When the wheel bearing rotates, there is high friction. Usually it doesn't happen unless the car has been driven some distance and is completely warmed up, with or without the a/c having been used. All of your engine accessories will change their wine depending upon the RPM. See the wheel weight above? This could mean the car will no longer drive. 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. If the wheel has play when it is lifted up it will make narrowing the problem down really easy. Damaged boot clamps Your CV boots are kept in place by boot clamps. Because it is heated in motion, it can stick, and this is caused by driving like this for a longer time. If this sound is not limited to passing the first gear and keep going when you drive and shift other gears. If your Chevy Sonic is experiencing a whining noise, determining where and when the noise is happening is coming from is key to diagnosing and tracking down the cause. These components all move or spin while youre driving. If they are replaced at the same time, this saves time and money. Its not a breakdown risk, but you can still end up stranded if the wheel bearing or suspension component causing the hum fails. Slow or hanging shifts. 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. You'll need to visit your local tyre centre to get this fixed. Low oil level in transmission whether your car has a manual or automatic transmission can cause a humming noise when driving. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct humming noise. The wear of the rear axle reducer can be caused by a low oil level . It's nice when it's covered sometimes. Depending on where they are needed, they can be on the front or back of your Sonics wheels. If its cupped badly enough, youll feel the unevenness. Whining when starting can be frustrating to diagnose since you constantly have to start and restart your Chevy Sonic to duplicate the conditions that caused the sound to begin with. If there is, youre usually looking at a worn wheel bearing and not a bad tire. The may change when youre turning the wheel, such as when youre parking. Here are some of the pieces written by our ace author. Generations 5 & 6 Malibu, Years 1997- 2007, Gen 5 & 6 Problems/Service Issues/Troubleshooting. Drive your car at the slowest speed it takes to reproduce the humming noise. Chevy Cruz has a similar engine as well. Glad I posted here, for some reason it didn't even dawn on me that they were covered under the power train warranty. If the hum comes from under the car then the possible reason can be a worn universal joint shaft. The entire weight of the vehicle rests on the bearings. This is the most common cause of why you will hear humming noise in the car when driving. You should also ensure youre using the correct type of oil. I can really hear it well when I let go of the gas since the engine quiets down. A bad serpentine belt is the most common reason a Chevy Sonic will make a whining noise. Chevy Sonic Humming Noise Getting Louder With Speed: How to Fix. If your serpentine belt looks cracked or glazed, replacing it is cheap and easy. When we turned the car on it shakes everything! admin While the vehicle was parked, the ignition would inadvertently start and the rpms increased violently. That sound indicates that the serpentine belt isnt gripping the pulleys. Start by driving a few miles on the highway, and a few miles around town with the radio off and no one else in the car. Off-road and snow tread tires are notorious for making a loud humming sound. If the wheel sounds gritty and is hard to turn, you likely found the humming sounds cause. If its cupped badly enough, youll feel the unevenness. 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. Whining or humming. Using a bad lubricant or due to lack of lubrication. 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. To clean the catalytic converter with sodium hydroxide, you'll first need to remove it from the vehicle. Push the accelerator pedal, gently raising the engine rpm. Home Troubleshooting Chevy Sonic bad wheel bearings symptoms, causes and diagnosis. In most cases, leaking is the leading cause of low transmission fluid levels. Failure Date: 01/01/2018. It is possible the humming noise youre hearing while driving your Chevy Sonic may not be due to a defect, but because of the type of tires youre using, especially if you started hearing the noise after installing new tires on the rims. However, how soon they fail depends on driving habits. 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. 0. Why Do Blower Motors Fail? Hello, I'm Drago, the cofounder, and writer here at carphrases.com. It may also be accompanied by the battery light, depending on whether or not it is putting out the proper voltage. Your Chevy Sonics starter may not fully engage with the flywheel/flexplate. To determine if it is the power steering pump, turn the wheel left and right with the vehicle sitting. O. Rotated both front tires to rear Inspected the tires while rotating and saw nothing out of ordinary Run your hand along the tread. Tires are balanced with wheel weights when a new tire is installed. There are usual noises that a car is expected to make. Once I go about 25 mph the noise stops and the brakes work fine but the ABS light comes on and stays on. Bad wheel bearings and bad tires have a similar sound. The sound could almost be described as barking. Itll be deeper than the sound of a worn serpentine belt sounds. Therefore, all wheel bearings eventually fail. A good place to start would be to check the transmission fluid. Checking it requires you to be under the car and some mechanical skills. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. When driving, the speed creates additional forces. 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. The first step to fixing the problem is identifying whats causing the humming noise. It would be obvious when looking at the issue. It can tell you a lot about the health of your transmission. 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. A skilled mechanic for quality results can replace your muffler and oxygen sensor. In order to locate and diagnose links that are loose, you can hoist your car or use a jack to lift it. Replacing a single wheel bearing of Sonic typically takes 1 to 2 hours for an experienced mechanic. Symptoms Grinding or humming noise Driving with a bad wheel bearing is very dangerous, especially if it is heavily worn. 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. Youre looking to change your Sonics load balance from one side to the other. A humming sound heard at idle has to be something that moves even while the car doesnt. It is to make sure that it is the source of the humming noises. Shop/Dealer Price. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. $110.24 - $117.94. Driving a car that makes noise from the engine is a nuisance. Often problems with these hoses were observed in Mercedes-Benz cars with the Active Body Control feature. LOUD VIBRATION NOISE FIXED! Jimmy, Making it work 15K views 1 year ago Top 5 Reasons Your Car is Shaking or Vibrating - Symptoms and Fixes. Gear slippage means the gears will not engage and accelerate properly. 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 the cupping is on the outside tread, it still could be an alignment issue. Grinding or low-pitched humming sounds can be a sign of wear and failing parts. We keep the car running and use a stethoscope, similar to what a doctor uses, to pinpoint the location of the noise. A leak in the exhaust system can also cause the catalytic converter to overheat. The catalytic converter is located in the exhaust system and converts pollutants and toxic gases into less toxic gases. Jack up each wheel and spin it freely. Can you tell if the noise is coming from the front or rear? Worn or damaged shafts. If you hear gears grinding while shifting a manual transmission, you may have a problem . If it didnt change, its likely a tire-related problem. But its more likely your Chevy Sonic has a suspension problem. Check the fluid level and fill it back up to the factory fill line. If it did, your car likely has a faulty wheel bearing. It had what. You can hear it when you're outside, but it. Therefore, all wheel bearings eventually fail. 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, other serpentine belt section of this article, Chevy Silverado Whining Sound: Identification + How to Fix, Chevy Spark Whining Sound: Identification + How to Fix, Mazda 6 P0320: Meaning, Causes, & Diagnosis, Should stop a few seconds after cranking the vehicle over. Chevy Malibu Forum is the best place for owners of the sedan to connect with the community and discuss MPG, mods, and more. Patrick started his love affair with cars in his childhood. It's when there is no play and the wheel bearing is bad that it is harder to diagnose. Repetitive squeaking indicates the belt is not running true, and prolonged squealing means that the belt is overheating. 2012 chevy sonic. It is necessary to set the speed to neutral so that the wheel rotates freely (this can be omitted if wheels are being checked on a rear-wheel-drive car. chevyguy8893 said: If the wheel has play when it is lifted up it will make narrowing the problem down really easy. Ma Chevrolet Sonic makes whining noise when I accelerate: Thanks for letting us know how you made out. We have a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic! This wear may not be a cause for immediate concern, but any excessive wear is cause for concern. You can suspect fluid leakage and check for a trail underneath the car. 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. 2904 E 35th St But, you shouldnt overlook these sounds as they will only worsen the situation.