Have you noticed a Grinding noise when accelerating? You may be disturbed about what the cause might be. Or how much you will likely spend to fix it.
Worry no more because this article not only focuses on the causes of a Grinding noise when accelerating but also provides solutions that you can either DIY or take to a mechanic.
A grinding noise can be heard while accelerating, and Faulty wheel bearings usually cause transmission problems, worn-out motor mounts, etc.
This article discusses the various reasons for a grinding noise while accelerating, how to solve the problem, estimated expenses, and FAQ.
Let us get started!
Why Does My Car Make a Grinding Noise When Accelerating?
A grinding noise when accelerating could be a sign of premature wear or damage to the wheel bearings. Wheel bearing wear or damage can cause trouble with steering, handling, and uneven tire wear. The noise is more likely to occur when turning.
While driving a vehicle, one should be alert if they notice a grinding noise. The reason, amongst others, is that this noise can further damage the vehicle. It happens during accelerating, and this is most notably caused by the following:
- Transmission problems
- Bad Wheel Bearings
- CV Joint Damage
- Issues with the differential
- Worn Motor Mounts
Let us discuss why the aforementioned leads to a grinding noise while accelerating and possible solutions.
Also Read: Car Shakes When Accelerating but Not When Coasting (Solved)
Reasons Why a Car Makes Grinding Noise When It Is Accelerating
While driving, we usually encounter varying challenges, some of which we have focused on in this article. Yes, you are reading the right article. It is important to remember that the cause of the grinding noise mentioned earlier will show differently.
In most cases, you can fix this problem yourself; other times, you will spend more money.
Hence, you are expected to pay close attention to these items to detect and eliminate the annoying noise that happens while accelerating.
1. Faulty Wheel Bearing
A faulty wheel bearing can be the reason why your car is making a grinding noise when accelerating. The wheel bearing of a car is an essential part of the wheel. It connects the wheel straight to its axle. Its function is to allow the wheel of a vehicle to go around with a limited amount of friction.
Therefore while accelerating, if you notice a grinding noise, it might mean that the wheel bearing has become too old or spoiled.
A result of this might be an irregular worn-out tire.
Applicable Solution
Verify that you are dealing with a spoilt wheel bearing, then buy a new one. Note that it is easy to replace the wheel bearing on your own. This can be achieved by watching the video below and carefully following each step.
Estimated Cost
This depends on the type of car. If you are willing to replace it on your own, you will spend between $60 – 150$. On the other hand, a mechanic is going to ask for $300 or thereabout to fix the damage. For more information, check out our article on Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
2. Bad Constant-velocity Joint (CV Joint Damage)
Another reason your car is making a grinding noise when accelerating is a bad CV joint.
They are found on the front wheels. It is the unit that connects a transmission to the car’s wheels.
While making a quick turn and accelerating at a slow pace, if you hear an unpleasant noise, the car arguably has a defective CV joint. You can hear the noise as banging, clicking, or grinding.
Also, you may notice vibrations or oil on the inner base of your wheels. Therefore, it is advised that you avoid driving a car that has a defective CV joint because you will be exposing yourself to danger.
Applicable Solution
You are left with no option but to buy a new CV joint if it becomes faulty. Also, you can either DIY it or take it to a mechanic. DIY will be handy if you are conversant with the steps and can do so with care.
Estimated Cost
To buy a sparkling new constant-velocity joint part, you will spend about $150 – $500. The labor will cost $500 – $800. DIY will help you save money. It is important to note that the cost still depends on the type of car.
3. Failing Alternator
A failing alternator can also be the reason why your car is making a grinding noise when accelerating.
When the alternator is defaulting, you are likely to hear weird noises. For example, during car acceleration, one hears a little rattling or grinding. Usually, it results from the unfastened or malfunctioning bearings of your car’s alternator.
While driving, note that if there is a persistent loud whining, it shows that the alternator is failing to circulate enough energy in every part of the car.
Applicable Solution
An unfastened bearing can result in further problems; therefore, it should be changed.
A mechanic must scrutinize the car to discover any possible damage, including timing belt issues.
Estimated Cost
You can buy an alternator repair kit at the area auto parts stores. It will cost between $20 – $50.
You will be required to spend between $200 – $600 for the labor.
To get a new alternator, budget between $350 to $900.
Also Read: Alternator Repair Options And Which You Should Choose
4. Differential Issues
Differential Issues are another reason your car is making a grinding noise when accelerating.
A differential is a unit of a vehicle’s power train that allows various speeds for the car’s wheels. In the absence of this, handling your car will be hazardous.
Reference to technical terms shows that the differential separates the engine’s power in parts to the wheels, allowing them to rotate at diverse rates.
In a situation where there is a malfunction, sometimes an undesirable noise is heard. Nonetheless, if the situation increases, it starts making a grinding noise. This shows a problem with your car’s differential mechanical gears.
Applicable Solution
You will have to completely replace the differential mechanical gears of your car if it starts making the grinding noise.
On the contrary, if you only notice the whining noise, you can apply a differential gear oil to lubricate the gears and avoid friction.
Estimated Cost
To replace a car’s differential, you will spend between $1500 – $4000. But if it pertains to fluid leak, you will spend around $70 – $150. Remember, the amount depends on the type of car.
5. Transmission Problems
Differential problems can also be the reason your car is making a grinding noise when accelerating.
For automatic transmission, if you hear unusual loud noises while accelerating, it shows that there is an incoming issue. It becomes an actual issue if there is an unpleasant grinding noise.
This grinding noise indicates that there has been some wear out in the gear system; this refers to when a person is accelerating using a car that has an automatic transmission. It is advisable to avoid worn gears because one unit is connected to another. Therefore, the other is prone to that issue when something happens to one.
A transmission system is known to be very elaborate and runs from the engine’s power. Therefore, a little damage can cause an extreme chain of reaction.
The amount for repair increases as the day goes by. You may want to fix it as soon as possible to avoid an accumulation of expenses.
Applicable Solution
Taking the problem to a skilled mechanic or experienced transmission specialist is best. This is because an automatic transmission is one of the most technical car mechanisms.
Estimated Cost
This will also depend on the car. Usually, it costs between $4,000 – $8,000. If luck shines on you to fix your spoilt transmission with a rebuilt model, you will spend about $2,500 – $4,000.
Also Read: How Long Does Transmission Last? (Answered)
6. Bad Engine Mounts
Bad engine mounts can also be the reason why your car is making a grinding noise when accelerating.
The engine of a car is made of metal which is susceptible to corrosion. It weighs about 300 pounds(sedan), and the engine mountings keep it in position.
The engine is prone to corrosion, and when corrosion happens, it becomes fragile, delicate, and can break easily.
When this happens, the car makes a grinding noise because the engine has shifted.
One is required to take a fast action of repair; else, other parts will suffer damage.
Applicable Solution
Luckily, it is neither expensive to fix the engine mounting nor time-consuming. This can be completed in one hour using the spot-welding equipment. However, note that it will take a longer time to change it completely.
Estimated Cost
It will cost about $800. If you can fix it on your own, you will spend around $100 – $300.
Frequently Asked Questions – Grinding Noise When Accelerating
Why does it noise like metal grinding when I drive?
This can happen when wear in the brake friction material or brake linings allows the steel brake rotor to rub against the metal brake pad backing. Hence, when the brake is applied, there is metal-metal friction causing the grinding noise.
What does a transmission grinding noise like?
Low Transmission Fluid: when the transmission fluid is low, noises like grinding, whining, or growling will be heard. Again, it depends on the transmission, and one may hear a gurgling noise.
Is it safe to drive with a grinding noise?
A grinding noise might mean a problem that needs to be addressed. Good examples would be worn-out brakes or a bad wheel bearing. Therefore you are advised to take your car for a check.
Does a bad transmission make a grinding noise?
Grinding noise is the most discomforting noise that one will hear from a car that possesses an automatic transmission. Such noise can indicate an issue with your planetary gear system.
Why does my car make a scraping noise when I accelerate?
This might be an after effect of numerous things: a deteriorating transmission or timing belt to a damaged wheel bearing or brake pads. You are advised to take your car to a mechanic for an examination.
Why does my car make a grinding noise when I press the gas?
It can result from a bad CV joint. If your CV joint fails, you will hear a clicking, knocking, or grinding noise while accelerating at low speeds. Also, during a tight turn, you may hear a popping noise.
Can low transmission fluid cause grind?
A noise transmission will frictionlessly move between gears and will not have any form of spillage. However, low fluid levels can affect gears too. A grinding sensation can result in gears missing because of low fluid levels.
Can low oil cause grinding noise?
Oil lubricates the engine of a car. It is pertinent that if there is an oil shortage, the parts will grind against each other, resulting in an industrial grinding noise.
Conclusion – Grinding Noise When Accelerating
Having clearly explained the things that may cause grinding noise, you can easily decipher why your car is making a grinding noise. Frequent car maintenance and expensive repair bills can avoid a grinding noise.
To ensure that your car is noisy and dependable for a reasonable time, discuss with your area dealership or mechanic, to be conversant with how to regulate the components that were discussed earlier.