The various noises that your auto makes can provide clues to what is going on under the hood. Check the table below for common noises and their probable cause.

Sound	Description	Diagnosis
Clicking	Light, sharp noise. Usually related to engine or vehicle speed.	Loose wheel cover. Loose or bent fan blade. Stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
Clunking	Random thumping or pounding sound.	Loose shock absorber. Loose exhaust pipe or muffler. If while shifting -- low trans. fluid, bad motor mounts, bad CV or U joint
Knocking	Rhythmic Pounding	Worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings Loose transmission torque converter
Pinging	High-pitched metallic tapping sound.	Usually due to gas lower in octane than the mfr. recommendation. Also, engine ignition timing.
Screeching	High pitched piercing metallic sound	While driving -- Caused by brake wear indicators. Time for maintenance. While braking -- May be minor annoyance treated with anti noise paste or may beed new material brake pads.
Squealing	Loud shrill, sharp, noise related to engine speed.	Loose or worn power steering, fan, or A/C belt.