Warning! This unsettling car noise could be a sign of bigger problems, according to a mechanic

If you're a car owner, you know that few things are more annoying than strange noises from your trusty ride.

The noises may be annoying, but you may not want to ignore it, as a car mechanic has warned recently: a strange knocking sound from your car could have life-threatening implications.



Simon Cheatle, a mechanic at Walsall Wood Tyre and Service, has urged drivers to take even the most minor car noises seriously, as that mystery knocking could be a sign that something bigger is wrong beneath the hood.


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A mechanic said knocking noises in your car could be more serious than you think. Credit: Unsplash/neonbrand.



It turns out the bottom joint in the wheel may cause the noise and, as Cheatle has demonstrated, can eventually lead to loss of control if left unrepaired.

In a video with a Renault under repair as his example, Cheatle explained: 'So often people come to us and say, “I've got a slight knocking noise, I don't think it's anything serious, but can you have a look at it?”'

'It is very slight, and it isn't there all the time so that you would think ah, something slight, something little. Unfortunately, it's the bottom ball joint, and if you look, you see just how much free play there is in that wheel.’

As he said this, he made a point to give the wheel a wobble to show a warning sign something’s amiss.

‘Look, it is literally hanging off now,' he stressed, turning the wheel sideways to expose the ball joint.



He further warned of the dangers of neglecting that odd little noise, as ignoring it can cause damage to other components and increased wear and tear on all other parts connected to it.

As advised by experts from thedrive.com, it's important to avoid driving with a faulty ball joint. Ignoring this issue could result in significant expenses.

Driving with a faulty ball joint might harm other parts of your vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, if the joint fails completely, it could lead to loss of control over the vehicle, potentially causing a crash and resulting in injuries.



In short, if you hear any strange noise from your vehicle, it's best to get it checked as soon as possible.

When it comes to your safety, you should never take chances anyway, so it is better to safe than sorry. Plus, visiting a mechanic will save you a ton of money and even more stress in the long run.



As Cheatle has suggested, take the car to your nearest service station immediately and get them to look over it for any suspicious activity. They can help you determine what must be done if something is afoot.

Key Takeaways

  • A car mechanic has warned that a strange knocking noise in your car could seriously risk your life.
  • The noise could be caused by the bottom joint in the wheel, which could damage other parts of the car.
  • Experts advise not to drive with a faulty ball joint as it could lead to loss of control of the vehicle and potential crashes.
  • Upon hearing any peculiar noises, the mechanic urged drivers to take their cars to the nearest garage.


Don't ignore strange noises in your car, as they can make your vehicle unsafe. Getting timely repairs done can prevent future problems. Pay attention to your car and heed its signals—remember, prevention is smarter than dealing with issues later on.

Let's prioritise road safety whether you're using your car for daily commutes or weekend getaways.

If you have additional car-related tips or guidance, please don't hesitate to share them in the comments. We value and welcome your input!
 
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I'm paranoid about stuff like that.
If it sounds different, then something is different.
First thing I do is make sure I get hold of someone else to listen. Just to make sure I'm not having a granny moment. Then, if it's confirmed, I phone my friendly mechanic.
Can't put a price on safety,.
 
My hubby is also paranoid about any little bump, squeak or rattle in our cars and goes searching for the cause straight away. He is not a trained mechanic but has been doing repairs on vehicles for well over 50 years so is more than capable of fixing them himself. Our son is also a highly qualified heavy vehicle, plant mechanic so can also fix most problems. Now our grandson is an apprentice mechanic and will learn how to fix all types of vehicles, including electric vehicles down the track so we spend very little on car repairs other than the required parts.
 
Yes it pays to take heed of those noises! Yrs ago did a 4hr plus return trip to the city wit family (I drove, my dad in the back kept saying "what's that noise?" to which i replied "relax, all good"
Made it home & my bro decided to investigate the noise, putting his hands on passenger side front wheel pulling it twards him...you guessed it, the wheel fell off on the ground! A failed ball joint!
Thank goodness it didn't end in tragedy,but it had serious potential!

Actually I've had wheels depart the vehicles i been driving 3 times now- the other 2 times were sheared studs (done up too tight by tyre service centre or a Navara fault (told both by racv mechanics, so who knows), but fortunate (again) i wasn't travelling fast the last 2 times!
So I've had my 3rd time lucky now i guess/hope!
 
  • Wow
Reactions: MariaG
Yes it pays to take heed of those noises! Yrs ago did a 4hr plus return trip to the city wit family (I drove, my dad in the back kept saying "what's that noise?" to which i replied "relax, all good"
Made it home & my bro decided to investigate the noise, putting his hands on passenger side front wheel pulling it twards him...you guessed it, the wheel fell off on the ground! A failed ball joint!
Thank goodness it didn't end in tragedy,but it had serious potential!

Actually I've had wheels depart the vehicles i been driving 3 times now- the other 2 times were sheared studs (done up too tight by tyre service centre or a Navara fault (told both by racv mechanics, so who knows), but fortunate (again) i wasn't travelling fast the last 2 times!
So I've had my 3rd time lucky now i guess/hope!
Holy cow.
I'd buy a lottery ticket.
 
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Reactions: Cheezil

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