Squeaks and Rattles Repair Manual
July 2010 Page 5 of 21
Squeak and Rattle Terminology
Squeaks
CHIRP High-pitched rapidly repeating sound, like chirping birds.
CREAK Metallic squeak, like the back of a seat flexing.
GRIND Abrasive sound, like a grinding wh eel or sandpaper rubbing against wood.
GRAUNCH Metallic abrasive sound, like two cast components rubbing together.
SQUEAK High-pitched sound, like rubbing a clean window.
TICK Audible rhythmic tap – clock noise.
Rattles
BRUSH Swish sound as contact parts touch lightly.
BUZZ Low-pitched sound, similar to a bee. Usually asso ciated with vibrations. Often metallic or hard
plastic humming.
CHATTER Rapidly repeating metallic sound.
CHUCK Rapid noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel.
CLICK light sound, like a ball point pen being clicked.
CLINK Usually a high frequency sound, like a sharp hard input to ceramic or glass.
CLANK Usually a mid-frequency. A sharp, hard, metallic knock.
CLUNK Usually a low-frequency, heavy sound, like something stressed being released under pressure.
DING Ringing noise like a bell.
HUM Continuous sound of varying frequencie s, like a wire humming in the wind.
KNOCK Heavy, loud, repeating sound like a knock on a door.
OIL CANNING Metallic "in/out" noise from metal surfaces reboundi ng in response to forced input like slamming
doors/hood.
PING Similar to knock, but at higher frequency.
RATTLE A sound that suggests looseness, such as marbles rolling around in a can.
SLAP Resonance from flat surfaces (seat belt webbing or door trim panels).
TAP Light hammering sound like tapping pencil on ed ge of table. Can be rhythmic or intermittent.
THUMP/THUD Dull beat caused by two items striking together.
TIZZ Rapid low-pitched diminishing sound often a secondary loose vibration after an impact.
