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Hollow rumble from steering and electrics

  • 17-09-2012 4:45pm
    #1
    condra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,849 ✭✭✭


    Hey guys.

    Recently had a fair bit of work done on my car by three different mechanics. It's working great now but there is a weird noise coming from the engine area sometimes.

    It is a very deep bassy hollow rumble, and happens when turning the steering wheel sometimes. At first I suspected the power steering, but it also happens when I put on my fog lights, put up the windows and using some other electric features.

    A friend of mine suspects the alternator is making the noise, due to a malfunction or bearing problem. Could that be the answer?

    It's not so loud that it would be distracting when driving, but when it happens, you can hear the noise from outside the car. It sounds like a plastic drain pipe being dragged over a rock, and only seems to happen when under 1000 revs, i.e idle or almost idle.

    It's not bothering me much. The car is working great, but if I do get it looked at, I'd like to have some suggestions in advance so I know what's what.

    Thanks for any thoughts on this..


Comments

  • #2
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Does it happen when you put the heated rear window on?

    What's the make and model and year?


  • #3
    condra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,849 ✭✭✭condra


    Yes it does sometimes. It seems to come and go. it happens to some extent with all the electronics, but is most obvious when steering.

    2002 Focus Zetec Automatic 1.6


  • #4
    tossy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,594 ✭✭✭tossy


    Basically all these electronic items when operated put extra load on the engine to compensate for the power drain,when this extra load is applied you seem to be getting your noise.

    Might be an idea to sit in the car with the engine tick over and very slowly increase the revs up to 1000/1100 rpm and see if you can replicate the noise without turning any electrical items on.this may help tell if the noise is alternator /belt related or not.

    that's just an amateur assessment of the situation,before the heavies come along with better advice :D


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