Question: My car seems to be running fine, but there’s a squeaking sound whenever I drive. What could be causing it?
Answer: Not only is a squeaky sound irritating, but it can indicate a serious issue that you should get checked out ASAP.
To pinpoint the source of the problem, try to observe when the squeaking occurs. My former car made a squeaking sound during the summer and only when I drove it over bumps. I learned that a lack of lubrication on parts of the suspension system, like the ball joints and steering links, could cause this issue.
Of course, a squeak can mean many things. If you hear a squeak in the following situations, it might have other causes.
When you press down on your brakes
Brake pads are actually designed to squeak when it’s time to have your brakes checked. If you’re hearing squeaking, you might have worn brake pads, rotors, or calipers. Getting the old item replaced will typically fix the squeaking.
When you’re starting your car
If your fan belt—also called the serpentine belt—is loose or worn out, your car will emit a high-pitched squeal when starting. The squeaking sound comes from the fan belt slipping on a pulley. Replacing the belt if it’s worn, or tightening the belt, will eliminate this squeak.
When you’re accelerating
If you’re noticing a squealing sound when you accelerate, a vacuum leak may be to blame. This could mean that your engine isn’t getting the right amount of air. A vacuum leak can sound like a squeaking noise, a hiss, or a suction noise that is similar to the sound from a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum leaks tend to come with other problems, including a check engine light and a hesitating engine response.
When your engine is on
A faulty alternator can sound like a squeaky noise coming from your engine bay, where the alternator is located. Sometimes a problem alternator also makes a grinding noise. The bearings inside the alternator are often the culprit.
If you’re having alternator issues, you might also notice problems with your car’s electrical processes, like trouble starting your car and dim, flickering lights. You might also see a warning light on your dash.
When you’re turning
If you hear the squeak when turning, your steering system could be the culprit—but your steering system has a lot of parts. Any of the following could be causing the noise:
- A failure in the power steering system, including the pump and the steering box
- Too little or contaminated power steering fluid
- Steering wheel housing rubbing against your car’s interior trim
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
