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Car
Noises
/ Bubble Noise /
Bubble Noise 2
Why Does My Car Make a Bubbling Noise?
Introduction - READ COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING
Many bubbling noises are created when air is trapped inside a liquid container
such as the heater core. If this air is not allowed to exit the system, fluid will
trap air causing a bubbling noise while the system is in operation. Also, depending
on the system in question air can impair the operation of that system. Systems where
air can affect the operation or cause bubbling includes: brake, clutch, steering,
transmission, cooling and heater systems.
Bubbling Noise
In this section we will give you instructions on how to check for air in a particular
system. Problems can range from installing a fluid restriction devise to bleeding
the hydraulic brake system. Below we give answers to common problems to "air in
the system" malfunctions.
- Air in Brake System: Air can get trapped inside of the
brake system due to a leaking master, wheel cylinder, brake line, caliper or
other components such as an ABS controller or proportioning valve. When this
condition occurs it can cause bubble sounds when the brake pedal is depressed.
To check for this condition check the brake fluid level inside the master cylinder
by removing the master cylinder brake fluid cap. If the fluid level is low it
can allow air to be forced inside the system producing the bubble like noise.
To repair this problem refill the brake fluid and inspect system for leaks or
wear. If any leaks exist repair as needed and
bleed the brake system.
Brake Master Cylinder
- Air in Cooling System: The
engine's cooling
system used to transfer heat from the
engine to
the radiator
by the cooling
system. The radiator removes heat from
the coolant by forcing air through the radiator fins. Without coolant your engine
will over heat and if left unattended severe engine damage will occur. When
your engine over heats it can force coolant into the overflow container which
can create a bubbling sound. Never check the coolant level until the engine
has cooled completely. If the engine is not overheating air can be trapped or
CO2 (exhaust gas) is being generated will cause bubbles in the cooling system.
Complications from these bubbles can include: overheating, thermostat operation
malfunction and coolant displacement. Once a cooling system is empted sometimes
it can be tricky refilling the system. Due to the design of the cooling
system air is sometimes naturally trapped inside the system so look for “bleeder”
screws on the cooling system components, they are there to let the trapped air
out. Sometimes it can take several cycles of the system
being hot and cold before air is completely displaced. If once the cooling system
has been purged of air the air bubbles return it could be a sign that the head
gasket or other engine component has failed. When a CO2 leak first develops
it may or may not cause the engine to overheat. For more information check,
engine
over heats.
Radiator Cap and Coolant Reservoir
- Air in Heater System: Air in the heater system (core) can
be caused by excessive coolant volume being pushed through the core. This heater
core is design to have "restricted" coolant flow to minimize cavitation. This
cavitation can cause the heater core to extract air from the coolant much like
a boat can cavitate a prop. To repair this condition a flow re-stricter must
be installed on either the core input or out hose. Refill cooling system normally,
recheck as needed.
BUBBLE
NOISE CONTINUED-->>
For manufacturer specific procedures for any of the steps above please visit
our car repair
manual page.
Car Noises
/ Bubble Noise /
Bubble Noise 2
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