Common Car Noise Repair Costs
Squealing When Starting Engine
Typically indicates a worn serpentine belt. Labor time: 1-1.5 hours
Expected cost: $125-$190 plus parts ($25-$50 for belt)
Grinding When Braking
Usually worn brake pads and/or rotors. Labor time: 2-3 hours
Expected cost: $250-$375 plus parts ($100-$300 for pads and rotors per axle)
Clicking When Turning
Often indicates failing CV joint. Labor time: 2-3 hours per side
Expected cost: $250-$375 per side plus parts ($150-$300 for CV axle)
Knocking Under Hood
Could be various engine issues. Diagnostic time: 1-2 hours
Expected cost: $125-$250 for diagnosis, repair costs vary significantly based on issue
Whining During Acceleration
Often transmission or power steering related. Diagnostic time: 1-2 hours
Expected cost: $125-$250 for diagnosis, repair costs vary based on component
Rattling from Underneath
Usually loose exhaust components. Labor time: 1-2 hours
Expected cost: $125-$250 plus parts ($50-$200 depending on component)
Squeaking from Suspension
Typically worn bushings or ball joints. Labor time: 2-4 hours
Expected cost: $250-$500 plus parts ($100-$300 per component)
Note: All prices are estimates and may vary based on vehicle make/model and specific repair requirements. Parts costs are approximate and can vary significantly based on vehicle and quality of components used.
Common Vehicle Noise Diagnosis & Repair Procedures
Squealing Brakes
Repair Procedure:
- Remove wheels to inspect brake components
- Check brake pad thickness and wear indicators
- Clean brake components and remove any debris
- Replace worn brake pads if necessary
- Resurface or replace rotors if showing signs of wear
- Apply brake lubricant to contact points
- Reassemble and test brake system
Suspension Knocking
Repair Procedure:
- Perform visual inspection of suspension components
- Check for loose or worn ball joints
- Inspect control arm bushings
- Test shock absorbers and struts
- Replace damaged or worn components
- Verify all mounting hardware is properly torqued
- Road test to confirm repair
Belt Squealing
Repair Procedure:
- Inspect belt condition for wear and cracks
- Check belt tension
- Examine pulleys for proper alignment
- Clean pulleys of debris and contamination
- Replace belt if worn or damaged
- Adjust tension to manufacturer specifications
- Test under operating conditions
Wheel Bearing Noise
Repair Procedure:
- Lift vehicle and check for wheel play
- Rotate wheel to locate noise source
- Remove wheel and brake components
- Remove and inspect hub assembly
- Replace entire hub assembly or bearing
- Reinstall components with proper torque
- Test drive to verify repair
Exhaust Rattling
Repair Procedure:
- Inspect entire exhaust system while cold
- Check all hangers and mounting brackets
- Look for loose heat shields
- Tighten or replace loose components
- Replace damaged hangers or brackets
- Secure loose heat shields
- Start engine to verify repair
CV Joint Clicking
Repair Procedure:
- Inspect CV boot condition
- Check for grease leakage
- Remove axle assembly
- Replace damaged CV joint or entire axle
- Install new CV boot if necessary
- Reinstall axle with proper torque
- Test drive in tight circles to verify repair
Power Steering Whine
Repair Procedure:
- Check power steering fluid level and condition
- Inspect belt tension
- Look for leaks in system
- Flush system if fluid is contaminated
- Replace pump if internal damage is found
- Bleed air from system
- Test steering operation
Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific steps may vary by vehicle make and model. Always consult manufacturer service information for detailed instructions.
What is a Noise Diagnosis and what does it do
Acoustic Camera Survey
AnAcoustic Camera Surveyuses advanced sound imaging technology to create a visual representation of noise sources. The system combines multiple microphones with a camera to produce a real-time heat map overlay, showing exactly where noise is coming from and its intensity. This is particularly useful for:
- Identifying specific noise sources in complex industrial environments
- Pinpointing machinery faults or inefficiencies
- Visualizing sound leakage in buildings
- Determining the effectiveness of noise control measures
Environmental Noise Assessment
AnEnvironmental Noise Assessmentevaluates the impact of noise on the surrounding environment and community. This comprehensive assessment involves:
- Measuring ambient noise levels over extended periods
- Analyzing noise patterns and frequencies
- Assessing compliance with local regulations
- Evaluating the impact on nearby residential areas
- Recommending mitigation strategies if needed
Occupational Noise Survey
AnOccupational Noise Surveyfocuses on workplace noise exposure and employee safety. This assessment:
- Measures personal noise exposure levels
- Identifies high-risk areas and activities
- Ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations
- Determines appropriate hearing protection requirements
- Provides recommendations for noise control measures
Building Acoustics Testing
Building Acoustics Testingevaluates how sound behaves within a building structure. This includes:
- Measuring sound insulation between rooms
- Assessing impact sound transmission
- Testing reverberation times
- Evaluating acoustic performance of materials
- Checking compliance with building regulations
Vibration Analysis
Vibration Analysisexamines mechanical vibrations and their effects. This diagnostic tool:
- Measures vibration levels and frequencies
- Identifies potential equipment problems
- Assesses structural impacts
- Evaluates human exposure to vibration
- Recommends vibration control solutions
Noise-Related Failure Symptoms: Identifying and Understanding Vehicle Sound Issues
Common Vehicle Noise Diagnoses
Squealing Brakes
Signs of Failure:
- High-pitched squealing when applying brakes
- Brake warning light illuminated
- Reduced braking performance
- Metal-on-metal grinding sound
Typical Service Schedule:
Brake pads should be inspected every 12,000 miles or annually. Replacement typically needed every 30,000-50,000 miles depending on driving conditions and brake pad material.
Belt Squealing
Signs of Failure:
- Loud squealing upon startup
- Noise increases with acceleration
- Visible cracks or wear on belts
- Belt appears glazed or shiny
Typical Service Schedule:
Serpentine belts should be inspected every 15,000 miles. Replacement recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles or when signs of wear appear.
Wheel Bearing Noise
Signs of Failure:
- Humming or growling noise that changes with speed
- Noise gets louder when turning
- Steering wheel vibration
- Uneven tire wear
Typical Service Schedule:
Wheel bearings typically last 85,000-100,000 miles but should be inspected during regular tire rotations every 5,000-7,500 miles.
CV Joint Clicking
Signs of Failure:
- Clicking noise when turning
- Grease leakage around boots
- Vibration during acceleration
- Torn or cracked CV boots
Typical Service Schedule:
CV joints should be inspected every 30,000 miles. Boot replacement needed when tears are found. Complete joint replacement typically required at 80,000-100,000 miles.
Exhaust System Rattling
Signs of Failure:
- Loud rattling underneath vehicle
- Increased engine noise
- Visible rust or holes in exhaust components
- Failed hangers or brackets
Typical Service Schedule:
Exhaust system should be inspected annually. Components typically last 5-7 years depending on climate and driving conditions.
Power Steering Whine
Signs of Failure:
- High-pitched whine during turning
- Difficulty turning steering wheel
- Fluid leaks
- Groaning noise during cold starts
Typical Service Schedule:
Power steering fluid should be checked every 3 months. Fluid flush recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles. Pump typically lasts vehicle lifetime unless fluid maintenance is neglected.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
