2008 Chevrolet HHR Engine or muffler noise?

134,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DSWIDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The engine sounds like its struggling when accelerating from a start or accelerating hard from slower to higher speeds (like on the high way), it makes a sand papery air puffing like sound after the gears shift. I do not feel any abnormal vibrations or loss of power. No engine lights or loss of gas mileage. I do not hear the sound when in park and revving the engine with the hood up. I do not hear the noise at cruising speeds. It's worse when the engine is cold but still there after driving for 30 miles.
Sep 10, 2014 at 7:38 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
Okay... if the check engine light isn't on, then chances are you are hearing something from the exhaust. Please understand that it is hard for me to identify a sand papery air puffing like sound. It is hard for me to imagine. Regardless, are there any exhaust leaks? Is the engine running like always (no rough idle or other new issues)? Since it only happens when moving, could it be coming from a brake sensor? Can you tell aprox where it is coming from?
Sep 10, 2014 at 10:40 AM
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