Strange noises

Tiny
AUDREY LYNNETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HYUNDAI ACCENT
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
My car has been making weird "wubwubwub" noises always and it's usually not that loud. I notice it gets a little louder when I pick up speed. I just want to get it taken care of before anymore issues occur, but I'd like to see if someone knows what it could be before I go to a shop and find out it may be an expensive fix. :( Thank you!
Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 8:26 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Audrey,

This type of noise is normally described as a rotational noise. This means it gets faster or louder with the increase in speed. From what you are describing I would suspect the most obvious items such as tires, brake rotors, or possibly an axle. Tires or brake rotors are pretty common. An axle issue is not as common and is typically described as a clicking noise or just a vibration so I wouldn't think this is the noise you describe.

In my experience, when I hear a vehicle owner talk about a wubwubwub noise, I immediately think of cupped tires. This is a wear pattern that causes the tire to make a noise and even a vibration while driving at higher speeds. See tire cupping in the article below.

If you can post a recording of the noise, it will definitely help with confirming what this could be.

In the meantime, here are some articles that could help you in figuring this out before you take it in:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-car-tires-work

The easiest way to check your tires is to run your hand over the tread of the tire in all directions and see what it feels like then compare it to what is described in this article. If it is as I suspect and the tires are cupped, then it will feel like hills and valleys on the tread of the tire. Your tire should feel smooth and even in all directions. If you feel any abnormalities then they are developing or have developed a wear pattern, and will cause noises and vibration resulting in poor driving experiences.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or are able to get a recording of the noise and I will be happy to take a listen to it for you.

Thanks

Kenny.
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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 9:46 PM

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