Shoutout to the stethoscope trick for pinpointing that ticking noise

Had a customer come in with a persistent tick from the front end that only happened under load. I used a mechanic's stethoscope along the steering linkage and found a worn tie rod end that was barely audible otherwise. How do you guys handle subtle suspension noises?

3 comments

3 Comments

henry_webb683mo ago

Pretty sure using a stethoscope on a car is how you end up charging doctor rates for a diagnosis. But hey, if it finds a tie rod end that's whispering instead of screaming, worth it. Had a similar issue last week where the noise only showed up on left turns, drove me nuts until I borrowed a buddy's listening probe. Turns out it was a control arm bushing that had given up the ghost quietly.

jessek163mo ago

Have you ever used a stethoscope on a car? My friend tried it and discovered a subtle wheel bearing noise, similar to what @henry_webb68 described.

the_david3mo ago

Seriously though, is every tiny noise worth freaking out over? Sometimes things just make SOUNDS without being broken. Unless it's shaking the whole car, maybe just let it be.