Grinding Noise When Driving: 5 Causes and Solutions

Last Updated on July 20, 2025 by Azim Uddin

Any unusual noise your car makes when you’re driving should be alarming, as most are symptoms of developing issues. Grinding noises are among the most common types and should be investigated promptly.

But what causes grinding noise when driving? The following are the reasons behind the noise while driving.

Faulty wheel bearings
A failing transmission
Faulty water pump bearings
Worn-out alternator
Faulty CV joints

Diagnose the car further to determine the exact cause and fix it. Read on for a detailed explanation of each possible cause and how to diagnose them. Also, you’ll learn the various steps to fix some of the issues.

Table of Contents

What Causes Grinding Noise When Driving?

Grinding noises are among the most alarming noises you can hear in your car. They usually signify an active issue with various car components, especially the spinning parts. To fix the grinding noise issue, you must first determine and diagnose the causes. The following list contains various possible causes behind the grinding noises when you drive.

1. Faulty Wheel Bearings

Faulty wheel bearings are one of the common reasons behind a grinding noise when driving. The grinding noises are more audible when driving at high speeds and sometimes during a slow drive.

Wheel bearings allow your car’s wheels to rotate smoothly, minimizing friction. The wheel bearings are usually attached to the wheel hub and are often inseparable. As time goes the wheel bearings wear, especially when the grease in the raceway leaks or debris gets in. When worn out, the raceway develops pits that then cause the wheel hub to misalign. When misaligned, there are grinding noises when you drive.

New wheel bearings for the suzuki gsx1400 to solve grinding noise when driving issue

Diagnosis

Step 1. Jack the vehicle to lift the wheel.
Step 2. Rotate the wheel manually while listening for grinding noises or other vibrations.
Step 3. Wiggle the wheel to check for play.
Step 4. Repeat on other wheels.

Various sensors, including the Anti-lock braking system, stability, traction, and cruise control, are usually on the hub. Therefore, any of these lights illuminating may be another sign.

The following animations show how bad wheel bearings look.

Solutions

The solution to faulty wheel bearings is to replace the whole hub assembly. However, in some older vehicles, you may be able to replace just the wheel bearings.

Buy a compatible wheel hub and follow the steps below to replace it.

Step 1. Ready the tools, including axle nut sockets, jack stands, and a breaker bar.
Step 2. Remove the wheel’s center cap.
Step 3. Use the axle nut socket and breaker bar to loosen the axle nut.
Step 4. Remove the wheel.
Step 5. Remove the axle nut.
Step 6. Remove the brake caliper after removing its bolts, then slide it off.
Step 7. Remove the brake rotors too.
Step 8. Tap the axle stud with a hammer.
Step 9. Remove the bolts holding the wheel hub assembly and the sensor.
Step 10. Remove the hub assembly.
Step 11. Apply anti-seize on the new hub assembly and install it.
Step 12. Install all the parts and components you removed earlier.

The following video shows how to replace the front wheel bearings in most vehicles.

On average, repair shops will cost you between $300 and $550 to replace the wheel hub.

2. Failing Transmission

A car’s transmission contains many moving gears and components that can cause grinding noises when failing. The reason why the car’s transmission makes grinding noises is due to low lubrication or damaged gear.

Grinding noise when driving happens due to failing transmission

Diagnosis

Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick. If the fluid is below the min cool line, top it up.
Listen closely to the transmission (with the hood popped) as someone revs the engine.
Listen for grinding noises as the gears shift.
Gear slippage and delay are also early signs of developing transmission issues.

Solutions

If your transmission is the source of the grinding noises, get it repaired. The transmission fluid also needs to be topped up. Professionals should handle transmission repairs as they involve replacing gears, which can damage other parts if done wrong.

However, refilling transmission fluid is simple, and you can do it by following the steps below.

Step 1. Check the owner’s manual for the type of transmission fluid your car uses.
Step 2. Start the vehicle and let it run for some time.
Step 3. Pop the hood and locate the transmission’s dipstick.
Step 4. Remove the dipstick and install a long funnel.
Step 5. Pour in the transmission fluid a little at a time while using the dipstick to check the level. It should fall between the cool and hot lines.
Step 6. Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick.

Transmission repairs are costly, ranging between $ 1,000 and $ 5,000, depending on the failing part.

Read: Whirring Noise When Driving: What Are The Causes & Fixes?

3. Failing Water Pump Bearings

The water pump’s bearings may also be behind the grinding noises when driving. The pump pushes the coolant through the brake lines from the radiator to the engine and back.

Due to age, lack of lubrication, overheating, and contaminants, the bearings to the pump can fail. When they fail, you’ll hear the grinding noises when driving.

Diagnosis

Listen closely near the engine to confirm whether the noises are coming from the pump.
Check for coolant leaks.
Wiggle the water pump pulley to check for play.

Solutions

The solution to the faulty water pump is to replace it. While some people prefer to fix the faulty part, it’s usually not the best option as other parts may fail soon. Purchase a compatible water pump, then follow the steps below.

Step 1. Drain the coolant and disconnect the battery terminals.
Step 2. Depending on your car’s model, you may need to remove the alternator first.
Step 3. Remove the water pump by unscrewing it and then pulling it.
Step 4. Clean the mounting surface before installing the new pump.
Step 5. Reinstall all the parts you removed earlier.
Step 6. Refill the coolant.

Depending on your vehicle’s model, the replacement can cost between $400 and $1100. The following video shows how to replace a water pump.

4. Worn Out Alternator

A worn-out car alternator can also be responsible for the grinding noises as the vehicle runs. The alternator powers the battery and other electrical components as the car runs. Its bearing can become worn out as it ages, making grinding noises.

sample of faulty alternator that's responsible for grinding noise

Diagnosis

Listen closely as the vehicle runs for grinding noises from the alternator. Also, low electrical current and low battery power are symptoms of a failing alternator.

Solutions

A worn-out alternator needs replacing. Get an alternator compatible with your vehicle and follow the steps to replace it.

Step 1. Disconnect the battery and charge it. Charge it before installing the new alternator to avoid overworking and wearing the new part.
Step 2. Disconnect all the electrical connections to the alternator.
Step 3. Loosen the bolts holding the alternator and remove it.
Step 4. Install the new alternator and reconnect all the electrical connections to it.
Step 5. Reconnect the battery.

Depending on the car type, replacing the alternator will cost you between $300 and $950.

Watch the following video and see how to replace an alternator in a car.

5. Faulty CV Joints

CV joints are also possible causes of the grinding noises when driving your car. The constant-velocity joints allow a connection between the axle and the wheels. When these parts fail, you’ll hear the grinding noises, especially when turning slowly.

Read: Car Makes Intermittent Grinding Noise When Driving- 7 Reasons

Diagnosis

To confirm the CV joints are faulty, have someone drive the car slowly in tight circles. Follow closely listening to whether the wheels are the source of the noises.

Solutions

The solution to a faulty CV joint is to replace the joint or the whole axle assembly. However, this is a complex replacement work and requires specialized tools. Therefore, it is better to hire a professional to handle it. Depending on your car type, this replacement can cost between $400 and $1,600.

Is the car making a grinding noise when turning left?

If your car is making a grinding noise when turning left, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to ensure your vehicle’s safety and reliability. The unsettling sound could stem from various potential culprits within the steering and suspension systems.

One likely culprit is a faulty power steering rack, responsible for assisting smooth wheel turns with minimal effort.

Worn-out shock absorbers, damaged tie rod ends, or dry ball joints might also be the source of the unnerving noise.

Additionally, the steering column bearing, susceptible to wear during hot and humid conditions, could lead to friction-induced grinding sounds.

Dry front strut bushings, worn control arm bushings, and a damaged steering shaft joint are other components that, when compromised, contribute to the alarming noise.

While some issues may be minor and easily fixed, others could indicate more significant problems. Regardless, when your car starts moaning and groaning, it’s crucial to consult a reliable mechanic promptly for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

If your vehicle experiences unusual grinding noise, you might find our articles on ‘Grinding Noise When Braking: 5 Possible Reasons and Solutions’ and ‘Grinding Noise When Turning Engine Off: 4 Major Reasons?’ beneficial, encompassing all the necessary information. Our article on grinding noise when braking provides an in-depth look at the reasons behind the issue and lists a step-by-step solution guide for addressing each problem. Meanwhile, our article on grinding noise when turning the engine off explores everything you need to know!