How To Fix The Sloshing Sound In Your Car
Source: Pixabay
You’re driving down the road when suddenly you hear a “slosh” sound coming from somewhere in your car. Perhaps you’re braking or cornering. Immediately, you realize something isn’t right. This unusual noise means liquid somewhere is moving around when it shouldn’t be. Yet there’s no need to panic. We will cover how to fix the sloshing sound in a car. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Locate the Source of the Noise
The first phase of how to fix a sloshing sound in a car is figuring out exactly where the noise is coming from. When you hear the noise, try listening carefully to pinpoint the general location. Is it coming from the front or the back? The left or right side? If you can safely pull over, do so and have a friend drive the car slowly while you listen from outside the vehicle. That will make it easier to zero in on the precise spot producing the sound.
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Step 2: Check the Fluid Reservoirs
Opening the hood and looking at the fluid levels can also be helpful. Check the engine oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. See if any of the reservoir levels are below normal and top off any that are low. Sometimes, extra volume can cause splashing or sloshing in a reservoir (mainly with coolant or wiper fluid).
This is also a good time to check for leaks around the caps or adjacent areas. If you spot any residue, wipe it up so you can monitor if new leakage appears. Finding the source of a leak is vital to stopping the sloshing sound (and other problems). Also, look underneath the vehicle (in your regular parking spot) for drips or puddles.
Step 3: Inspect the Fuel Tank
A common culprit for liquid noises in cars is the fuel tank. If it’s low on gas, the air space allows the remaining fuel to swish, creating a sloshing sound. Learning how to fix this sloshing sound in your car is easy; just top off the tank the next time you fill up.
However, if the tank is mostly full and you hear sloshing, there’s a different problem. The fuel pump may be failing, or the baffles inside the tank could be broken. Baffles are internal walls that help control fuel movement. Broken ones allow liquid to splash around freely. With either issue, take your car to a mechanic to have the fuel tank inspected. Repairs or a tank replacement may be needed.
Step 4: Check Water Drain Areas
Your car’s water drainage systems can also cause sloshing noises if there’s a clog. The air conditioner evaporator drain is one place to check; leaves or debris can be causing the issue. Carefully clear any blockage to allow free drainage.
Inspect the rubber drain hoses under the doors as well. Ensure they are not kinked or damaged, and replace any damaged components. Defective door drains can allow water to accumulate in the doors, creating a sloshing sound while braking or turning.
Step 5: Examine the Trunk
Don’t forget to also examine your trunk if you hear noise coming from the rear. Inspect the spare tire well and surrounding areas for any unsecured cargo or debris rolling around. Secure any loose items that could be making the racket.
While checking this area, confirm there’s no water build-up (in the wheel wells or spare tire area). Water can accumulate due to a clogged drainage hole or external leak (like a bad seal along the trunk or liftgate opening or a misaligned lid).
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Step 6: Examine the Suspension System
Sometimes, learning how to fix a sloshing sound in the car means considering less-typical problem areas like the suspension system. For instance, sloshing from the wheel well area can mean a suspension issue.
Have a mechanic check for any loose components or deteriorated bushings. If anything is worn out, broken, or rubbing, it could allow other parts to move around and make noise when you drive.
Step 7: Ask a Mechanic
If you still hear distracting liquid sounds in your car even after all these troubleshooting steps, it’s time to take your car to a professional. Describe the noise in detail and when it occurs. Mention any clues you picked up during the inspection about potential sources. The mechanic can put the car on a lift for closer examination. Pinpointing can also come from specialized tools like diagnostic microphones throughout the vehicle. And sometimes, a fresh set of eyes (and ears) can pick up on something you missed during DIY repairs.
Following Up on Repairs
Once DIY or a mechanic’s repairs are complete, be sure to verify the noise is gone before considering the job done. Take the car for a test drive over similar roads that initially created the sounds. Try to repeat the conditions (such as braking or turning) that first triggered the sloshing sounds. Such steps ensure the fix fully solves the problem and that your car is once again peaceful and pleasant inside.
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When All Else Fails: Add Sound-Deadening Materials
If you’re confident everything is leak-free, secured, and draining correctly (and a mechanic confirms this), consider other measures. Adding sound-deadening materials may help muffle the noise. Self-adhesive sound-damping components applied to strategic areas like inside door panels, wheel wells, and the trunk can help lessen sound transmission.
A few strategically placed sound absorption pads or foam blocks in noisy areas can also mute conditions that amplify those annoying sloshing sounds. With a little trial and error, you can find an effective solution.
Recap: How To Fix The Sloshing Sound In Your Car
Here’s a summary of the steps for eliminating a sloshing noise in your car.
- Listen while driving to locate the source of the sloshing noise.
- Check fluid levels in reservoirs; top off low fluids. Look for leaks.
- Inspect fuel tank level and condition.
- Check for clogs in water drainage areas.
- Examine the trunk for loose items or standing water.
- Inspect suspension system components.
- If DIY efforts fail, get help from a professional mechanic.
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