Engine noise with Olds Alero?

Question

I have a 2000 Oldmobile Alero and have had no problems with it in the past. Lately, the engine has been very loud when driving, kindof like a dull roar. When coasting or accelerating, it also gets loud. It sounds like its the engine, right under the hood. Any ideas to what the problem might be?

Answer 1

I've worked for chevrolet for 12 years and I can just about bet the farm you've got a front wheel bearing going bad. Easy way to check. Next time your out driving on a road all by yourself, Sway back and forth in the road. Doing this will put a load on each individual wheel. If you hear the noise go away when you sway to the left, the right side wheel bearing is bad. and vise versa.

Answer 2

First...is it a manual Shift or an automatic? Its a front wheel drive car so both the transmission and engine are under the hood. Does it seem louder when you use the brakes or turn a corner? Do you hear a clicking when you turn a corner?

A good test...if you have a manual...go to the top of a hill. start going down the hill and shut off the motor and put it in neutral. Is it still there? if it is you're most likely looking at a CV joint problem...looks like a small driveshaft. Push the clutch and put it gear. Did the noise change?
Automatic do the same ..except when you drive does the noise change when it shifts?

GM cars are horrible when it comes to CV joints....and without hearing the noise myself Dull roaring describes how a CV joint would sound when its going bad. If thats it, it should run about $90 in parts ( new joint, CVjoint boot).
In any case dont wait long to get it looked at. the other possibility if it really is engine and not CV joint would be water pump or AC compressor. Does it overheat? If not...look more towards the CV joint.

Answer 3

ok. curiously it quite is a rod knocking. regardless of if it quite is, you will desire a clean motor. this might value as low as a pair of hundred, to a pair of thousand (in case you pay somebody to do it). it quite is unquestionably something you're able to do your self with the right techniques...primarilly a floor jack, cherry picker, and a stable socket set... 3400 is GM's 3.4 v-6, and can be got here across on line. appropriate of success!

Answer 4

sounds like the power steering pump. It may need to have some fluid added to it. Stop in and auto parts store and they will fill it for you if you buy a bottle.