Unbalanced tires. Youre looking to change your Sonics load balance from one side to the other. When looking for the reason, you should always start with the most obvious cause, faulty wheel bearing or damaged tire. If parked but still running, the horn goes off every 2-3 minutes. Every so o read more 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. You can know your catalytic converter is bad through these symptoms: While the above symptoms could help you know whether the catalytic converter is bad, you need to inspect it physically. SOLVED! If the play is clearly noticeable and visible, then the wheel bearing is very likely defective. They are responsible for stable driving behavior and, depending on the version, provide the wheel speed information for the anti-lock braking system. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. Even when cornering, you may feel the handling of the vehicle a bit off. An inner CV joint is a part of the transmission and its role is to send torque to the drive wheels. 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. But it is not common to just hear the humming noise without any other symptoms: clunking noises, erratic shifting, etc. It does sound like a wheel bearing from your description. We've also provided an audio sample of each issue to help determine what's causing the hum. A skilled mechanic for quality results can replace your muffler and oxygen sensor. 2014 1.4 L turbo Chevy sonic squeaky squealing obnoxious sound diagnosis. It is usually way more noticeable on the A.M. band on the radio. Rust in the exhaust system is caused by moisture obtained from the chemical reactions and rain. Front and rear differentials improve handling. 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. Why Do Blower Motors Fail? In order to locate and diagnose links that are loose, you can hoist your car or use a jack to lift it. Bad wheel bearings and bad tires have a similar sound. 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. As the load is taken off the bearing usually, the noise will change. If the sound changes at the same time, it makes sense to check the correct placement of the hoses, they should not bend. Since the gear train has not been engaged in drive, it rules out all the other components. However, it would be best not to ignore others as they indicate something is wrong with your car. If you want to extend the differential life, you should regularly service it. The most common sources of manual transmission noises include: Low fluid level. Heres more from Atlantic Motor car on cupping. Did the sound change as you moved the wheel? However, how soon they fail depends on driving habits. This video is part of a series of videos heres the playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqm72j2KoMXBFtcnGZ9-H2M02QJt2MixGIt had what sounded like a squealing belt noise coming from engine. Thanks for letting us know how you made out. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct humming noise. This wear may not be a cause for immediate concern, but any excessive wear is cause for concern. This could be a small leak in the exhaust system or air intake system. A noise you hear at idle and a noise you hear only while driving are two very different problems. You can tell that the transmission is overheating if you notice a burning smell. I remember it the exact same way. A failing alternator can also make your cars stereo hum while driving. This is particularly true when you first start the vehicle. admin 09' Malibu LTZ with brick leather interior. Unplugging the alternator from the wiring harness should stop the noise. Estimate. Show example Chevrolet Sonic Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection prices. Tags Chevy Fix Humming Louder Noise Sonic Speed, P0000 is a rare OBD2 fault code that can affect the Acura RL. If it didnt change, its likely a tire-related problem. You may notice the noise only happens at idle or only happens at highway speed. The drivetrain includes the transmission. 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). All fluid levels are as they should be. 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 A corroded exhaust system is prone to leaks, creating more problems for you. Whining sound when car is in gear Inspection. 6 days ago Off-road and snow tread tires are notorious for making a loud humming sound. 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. 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. The most frequent and common engine noise comes from drive belts. Here is the link to the part on Amazon for $40 less then I bought 2 of them for! You can do this by using a dipstick. The first step we take in identifying the noise is to take the car for a test drive. Jack up each wheel and spin it freely. 2008-2012 GMC Acadia. Off-road and winter tires are particularly noisy at high speed because of how much air passes through the aggressive tread patterns. Low oil level in transmission whether your car has a manual or automatic transmission can cause a humming noise when driving. For components like the power steering system and transmission, clean fluid can go a long ways towards ensuring these components last for the life of the car, if not longer! Depending on the car, they may not require attention for more than 100,000 miles. A humming sound heard at idle has to be something that moves even while the car doesnt. Weve 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. That sound indicates that the serpentine belt isnt gripping the pulleys. When it goes bad, itll cause a high-pitched whine or squeak. Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. Or, it could be a situation where it is having a hard time disengaging. 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. This is not only the cause of discomfort for the driver and passengers but also the cause of the hum. A noise you hear at idle and a noise you hear only while driving are two very different problems. The tire pressure should be in line with the recommended psi. A corrupted ground wire almost always causes alternator whine to the radio. Whining or humming. Just an update, chevy dealer replaced the left front bearing under warranty this morning, good to go! Humming noise in the car can be heard especially when driving and it can occur for various reasons. In rare cases, your exhaust bolts could be loose and cause hum noises when driving. Right around the 35mph mark and up into the 60's and 70's it's OBVIOUS. And the more unbalanced the wheels are, the louder the hum will be. A professional mechanic can swiftly diagnose the humming noise issue for you. The Online Portfolio of Mike Flynn. This is easily resolved by tightening the screws. In the event of emergency braking, this has a negative effect on the braking distance and the steerability of the vehicle. Or the atmospheric din of an airplane flying overhead, that never gets further away. Or, you can watch the video below. Tires are balanced with wheel weights when a new tire is installed. 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. Home Troubleshooting Chevy Sonic makes humming noise at high speeds causes and how to fix it. With Sodium Hydroxide. A defective wheel bearing is a very common reason your Sonic will make a humming noise while driving. It helps provide additional brake assist during low engine rpm. While there , Your email address will not be published. Depending on where they are needed, they can be on the front or back of your Sonics wheels. A humming sound heard at idle has to be something that moves even while the car doesnt. 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. If the noise is only present while driving it is likely related to the drivetrain. It can tell you a lot about the health of your transmission. The common causes of uneven tire wear are unbalanced wheels, improper wheel alignment, overinflated or underinflated tires, and worn suspension or steering parts. Low transmission fluid in the engine can cause humming noises when driving. A humming noise is normal if youve recently replaced your Sonics tires with an aggressive tread. Once I go about 25 mph the noise stops and the brakes work fine but the ABS light comes on and stays on. Like in the case of a damaged wheel bearing and low transmission oil level, the sound is louder. You can easily replace damaged bearings without seeking professional help. But the procedure is very similar on these models! 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. The worst case scenario for most parts is that too much wear will cause the part to fail. This sound may be a sign of a slackened belt, in which case the tensioner roller or its wear and tear may be responsible. In most scenarios, if you encounter humming sounds when driving, there could be a problem with components such as bearings or transmission. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. However, if it stays constant as you rev the engine, it will be something else. Check for your specific model year. 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. If it didnt change, its likely a tire-related problem. As long as you have the dipstick out, go ahead and check the transmission fluid color. 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. 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 the most common cause of why you will hear humming noise in the car when driving. A bad torque converter can cause a whining sound when starting your Sonic. Air escaping through a leak can also cause a distinct "humming" noise. This video is part of a series of videos here's the playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list. When you see that the wheel rotates with ease, you should rotate it by hand as quickly as possible to hear the hummin noise. None of these components fail due to any fault of the driver. Jack up your Chevy Sonic until the wheel can move freely. A good place to start would be to check the transmission fluid. Patrick started his love affair with cars in his childhood. Because it is heated in motion, it can stick, and this is caused by driving like this for a longer time. An expert will notice problems with your differential and have them fixed before they become worse. Here's what I have done so far but the noise is still there. SEE, I think it's a 15 pin plug and two wires change on the plug fro 95 to. When the belt becomes loosened, accelerating the car creates a humming sound. Wheel bearings in Chevy Sonic are one of the most crucial and stressed components. 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. At a higher speed, the sound will be louder. Steering wheel vibration is most commonly caused by unbalanced wheels, therefore you should only consider bad wheel bearing in this case if the vibrations are accompanied by humming or grinding noise. The most common reasons a Chevrolet Sonic engine makes a ticking noise are low oil level or pressure, an issue with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak. Poor road conditions. If the noise changes going one way or the other, it point towards a bearing. If the bearing from the water pump is worn out this will trigger a hum in the engine compartment. 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. Grinding or low-pitched humming sounds can be a sign of wear and failing parts. Threw up a couple codes and no water pump wasnt the problem. None of these components fail due to any fault of the driver. So we found the solution! It had what. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The faster you drive your Sonic, the louder the humming noise gets. 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. If that is the case you may want to contact the dealer and find out. I have a 09 Chevy equinox fwd. 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. Therefore, all wheel bearings eventually fail. Uncategorized However, issues to do with the exhaust system are different. I just bought a 2006 quad cab chevy silverado 1500 with 39500 miles. If your car tires are unbalanced, the strain you put on the wheel bearings will take a toll on them. RECALLS! If a curve is then also driven through, axial forces occur. You'll need to visit your local tyre centre to get this fixed. With that in mind, this page is divided by when you hear the whining noise and common causes under those conditions. Most of the humming sounds become louder when you accelerate. Driving with a faulty CV joint can cause your CV joint to be completely damaged. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormal noise and the engine overheated. Or, you may lose some functionality such as the power steering if the power steering pump fails, or air conditioning if the compressor fails. It can manifest as a knocking, whirring, clunking, vibrating, squealing, or whining noise that persists until the blower motor is replaced. If your Chevy Sonic is experiencing a whining noise, its is often going to be caused by something in the engine compartment. Drive your car at the slowest speed it takes to reproduce the humming noise. Transmissions.biz was formed in 2001 as a group of automobile enthusiasts who wanted a place to share knowledge. It is to make sure that it is the source of the humming noises. Other factors can also contribute to premature bearing failure on your Sonic, like driving with unbalanced tires or poor wheel alignment. Run your hand along the tread. Sometimes other symptoms may also appear, a knocking noise when cornering, and vibrations in the steering wheel or the whole body. You can test all four wheel bearings when the car is stationary. A bad bearing can also cause uneven tires, issues with brakes, steering wheel vibration, and wobbly wheels at the worst. Sometimes driving accentuates noises that are heard while idling. It's nice when it's covered sometimes. Driving your Chevy Sonic at highway or freeway speeds with humming noise is not only irritating, it can also be dangerous. All of your engine accessories will change their wine depending upon the RPM. High impacts on the bearings also occur on uneven roads or when driving through potholes. If the wheel bearing is defective, the anti-lock braking system can also be disabled. Generations 5 & 6 Malibu, Years 1997- 2007, Gen 5 & 6 Problems/Service Issues/Troubleshooting. And when we press on the gas the car shakes and rattles and vibrated a lot! If you found one or more damaged bearings, then you need to change them as soon as possible. So we went ahead and ordered the Mount set and installed it in less than 10 minutes! On average, the cost for a Chevrolet Sonic Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. If it did, your car likely has a faulty wheel bearing. Any thoughts or advices? Tires are balanced with wheel weights when a new tire is installed. The may change when youre turning the wheel, such as when youre parking. chevyguy8893 said: If the wheel has play when it is lifted up it will make narrowing the problem down really easy. In most cases, leaking is the leading cause of low transmission fluid levels. Did the sound change as you moved the wheel? 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. If the noise worsens, its probably an issue with wheel bearings. There are many reasons why your Chevy Sonic is making humming noise at high speeds. Youll likely see the spot where the wheel bearing was. Can you tell if the noise is coming from the front or rear? His previous avatars include an automotive professional, photographer, and journalist, and you will certainly experience the roundness of experience in his piece on this site. It's when there is no play and the wheel bearing is bad that it is harder to diagnose. It picks up at the exact point where you can see what cupped tread looks like. Take a look behind the wheels. A humming noise is normal if youve recently replaced your Sonics tires with an aggressive tread. A leak in the exhaust system can also cause the catalytic converter to overheat. When the differential is faulty, you have a hard time going around a corner. Also, if you hear vibrating sounds coming from the driveshaft, know that the differential is failing, and you need to have them detailed. Driving your Sonic with a defective wheel bearing can be dangerous, so you must act urgently for your safety and driving comfort. The most common sign of bad wheel bearing is grinding or humming noise in the cabin from the direction of the affected wheel. But, you shouldnt overlook these sounds as they will only worsen the situation. Check the fluid level and fill it back up to the factory fill line. To determine if it is the power steering pump, turn the wheel left and right with the vehicle sitting. If it causes this acceleration noise on Chevrolet Sonic, go to your auto technician. These components all move or spin while youre driving. 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. 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 Pulley: If the compressor pulley bearings are failing, they can make noises, generally a grinding, roaring or squealing noise. In this case, the nature and intensity of the hum will change. The first thing to assess is where the noise is coming from. If you had the patience to read the entire article, you realized that there are quite a few parts that can cause humming noise. - 2011-2016 CHEVROLET SONIC / CRUZE HOW TO REPLACE ENGINE MOUNT 4 STEPSHey guys in this video we show you how we fixed the loud vibration noise that was rattling all over our car! If this sound is not limited to passing the first gear and keep going when you drive and shift other gears. 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. You should also ensure youre using the correct type of oil. Your email address will not be published. Then grab the wheel with both hands at the opposite sides and alternately press and pull. Show example Chevrolet Sonic Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection prices Your car's engine makes quite a racket. Its not a breakdown risk, but you can still end up stranded if the wheel bearing or suspension component causing the hum fails. Depending on the car, they may not require attention for more than 100,000 miles. Once a good ground is restored, it should go away. In many cases, however, the noise builds up after a short time often after a few hundred miles. Another simple method of checking if you have a bad wheel bearing is by jacking up the car. However, this technique requires some experience and a practiced grip. A defective wheel bearing can be the cause of humming noise in your Chevy Sonic. Here are some of the pieces written by our ace author. 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. Difficulty shifting gears. When these parts wear they will make noise. We can expect some interesting, holistic, and pleasurable blogs with his flair for writing and his love for cars. The noise is the vacuum pump turning on, completely normal and necessary. CHEVY SONIC MISFIRES, RUNS ROUGH, But NO CODES, OBD2, DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. If you experience this issue check the wheel bearing first because this is the most common cause. opiumized 7 yr. ago Thanks. You can also cross rotate the tires and see if the noise is changed. 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. Take a look behind the wheels. The wear of the rear axle reducer can be caused by a low oil level . However, if your car doesnt have a transmission dipstick, you should have it checked by professionals.