Cars are complex machines that are susceptible to numerous problems. A whining sound when decelerating in among them. This is a common issue with many possible causes.
You can diagnose the problem, and here are some of the causes:
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1. Worn-out bearings
Bearings allow for the smooth and quiet running of the vehicle’s wheels. As such, a bad bearing or bearing hub can create a humming sound when decelerating due to friction.
A failed beating interrupts smooth wheel rotation and can cause significant damage to the car.
2. Defective wheels
Low and excess tire pressure or worn-out tire threads can cause whining. Also, wrong alignment and out-of-balance wheels may result in squealing sounds since the wheels rotate unevenly.
Wheel misalignment also causes uneven tire wear that could be the culprit to the humming noise.
3. Low transmission fluid
Transmission oil aids in smooth power transition from the engine to the wheels by lubricating the system. With low transmission fluid, the rotating parts, including gears, rub against each other, interrupting a smooth ride and creating whining sounds. Always maintain correct oil levels.
4. Damaged fuel pump
A bad fuel pump could cause whining noise while decelerating. If faulty, the pump fails to maintain correct fuel pressure when the car slows down, causing loud humming in the gas tank.
Apart from whining sounds, a damaged fuel pump can cause other issues, such as power loss, a sputtering engine, and difficult starts.
5. Faulty water pump
The vehicle’s water pump is essential to the optimum functioning of the car. It is vital to the car’s cooling system as it pumps coolant through the engine to avoid overheating.
When the pump bearings are worn out, they create a whining sound that is audible when decelerating. Also, the inlet filter can get clogged and damage the impeller resulting in loud whining noises. A mechanic can help diagnose the issue.
How to fix the noise when decelerating?
Most of these causes of whining during deceleration are easy fixes. However, some require professional diagnosis and assistance.
- Failed bearings: The only repair for damaged bearings is to replace the bearing hub. However, you don’t need to replace the bearings of other wheels if they’re okay.
- Tires: Check the tire pressure and ensure it’s within the specified limits and similar for all tires. Also, a simple car service can fix wheel misalignment. However, worn tires require replacement with new ones.
- Transmission fluid: Always regularly maintain your vehicle, ensuring correct transmission oil levels. In addition, change the fluid when it exceeds its recommended mileage.
- Faulty gas pump: Most car owners never need to replace the fuel pump. Foremost, ensure the fuel is uncontaminated and the vehicle is not low on fuel, as these can cause the fuel pump to hum loudly. A damaged fuel pump will require replacement.
- Damaged water pump: The water pump bearings wear over time and can require replacement. For a clogged inlet filter to the water pump, a cleanup can remove debris, and the pump can resume smooth operation.
Costs of fixing the issues
Worn-out bearings are fixed by replacing the hub, on which labor costs average $350. A single bearing cost depends on the car’s make and typically ranges between $200-$500.
The only consideration for wheel alignments is labor costs, usually $100-$175 for all wheels. Replacing the tire is costlier, with prices for a single standard tire above $100 depending on the size and the replacement costs averaging $50-$200. It is recommended to replace all tires at once.
You can easily top up the transmission fluid to its correct level. The price of oil depends on the type and its mileage. The average price for synthetic oil is $60. If the car requires service, a transmission oil change typically costs $150-$175.
A fuel pump replacement can be expensive, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. You can pay between $220-$900 for a new pump. $150-$300 are the average labor costs.
Depending on the damage, the cost of parts for the fuel pump can range from $70 to $400. Labor costs are typically between $250-$350.
Take away
Whining, humming, or other sounds during deceleration indicates serious car issues such as low transmission fluid, damaged fuel, water pump, and failed wheel bearings.
Some problems, such as low oil levels and improper tire pressures, don’t require professional assistance. However, you must get the car diagnosed to solve the problem before it leads to other more severe issues to the vehicle.
