Popping creaking noise and faint wail 2005

AMBUR BUSBY

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
218,560 MILES

The main concern is when coming to a stop while pressing on the brakes there is a continuous popping/clicking noise which sounds like it is coming from the tires. The sound is only when coming to a stop along with vibration. The creaking noise is when the car is moving at a very low speed five mph creeping mainly. It is like a bed creaking. The last noise I hear comes from the engine while acceleration or driving. Along with ticking. I do not believe it is the lifter because I have used treatments and replaced the alternator very recently. My main concern would be the sound coming from the tires. Please help with these three noises!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,738 POSTS

The braking noise is due to a combination of warped rotor and grooves worn into the caliper's mounting pads. Those grooves form most commonly when do-it-yourselfers slap on new brake pads without using special high-temperature brake grease on those surfaces. Usually the noise can be solved with just a machining of the rotors. If they are too thin to remain above the published legal minimum thickness, they will have to be replaced.

Creaking must never be ignored. Have the steering and suspension systems inspected at a tire and alignment shop. Common causes are deteriorated control arm bushings and worn ball joints. Worn bushings are not exactly a safety hazard other than they can cause unstable or unpredictable handling and steering response. Creaking from a worn ball joint is a warning it is about to separate leading to loss of control and a crash. That noise could go on for months, or the part could fail very soon.

You will need someone to listen to the engine noise. Most mechanics can tell what the cause is just by hearing it.