Strange noises have you scared? Not to worry, we have you covered with some ways to diagnose what that sound could be. Hopefully, your car won’t need an exorcism or a visit from the Ghostbusters.
Is your car making a rattling, clunking noise?
Is it predominantly at idle? It’s unlikely that gremlins have gotten in under your hood. It is probably noise from a failing DMF. In our experience when a DMF fails, the material between the two sides of the flywheel breaks down. The increased movement causes this rumbling and rattling noise.
Is there a ghoul moaning when you turn the wheel?
Is it worse when you turn the wheel all the way? You may be low on power steering fluid. You can check the reservoir easily. If it is low, but you haven’t noticed any leaks, it is likely pooling in the tie rod boots. If you squeeze them and they ooze, you likely need a new power steering rack. At least your car hasn’t been possessed by Slimer.
Screeching noises have you worried about bats?
It may just be that you need new brakes. If you recently did your brakes or had your wheel off, it may just be the dust shield behind your brake rotor. These are very thin pieces of metal and can accidentally get bent. They can rub against the rotor, making a horrible screeching noise. You can try to bend them back a little if everything else looks good.
Is your car squealing in pain?
It’s probably a belt or pulley. A bad pulley or roller can squeal as the belt drags on the roller.
Do you hear a constant droning groan?
It is probably not the undead, but it could be a bad wheel bearing. You will only hear this noise when you are rolling down the road. It will not happen at idle.
If your vehicle is plagued with an issue that you can’t identify by sound, here are some spooky scenarios that are common with A4 (Mk4) VW models:
Have you noticed your door locks have a mind of their own?
Does the locking and unlocking do as it wishes, not based on the buttons on your key fob? Not to worry. Christine has not been reincarnated into a VW. You likely have an issue with one of your door lock modules.
Has someone almost spontaneously combusted in one of your seats?
Unfortunately, seat wires have been known to short out and can actually burn your seat.
We hope these diagnosis tips help keep your car free of demons and electrical gremlins, Happy Halloween!
