# Finding chirping noises **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [March 11, 2016, 5:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743 "2016-03-11T05:36:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2016, 5:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743/1 "2016-03-11T05:36:47Z")
Every now & again we get a question about how to find the source of a chirping noise. Mechanic’s stethoscopes are great, and we all know about accelerometers (piezoelectric sensors that can send a signal to a scope) but I go to wondering something. Has anyone here ever tried a unidirectional microphone to find the source of a chirp or squeak? It seems such a simple idea, but I’ve never heard of it used. Thoughts? Inputs? Comments? Criticisms? Experiences? ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2016, 9:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743/2 "2016-03-11T21:19:46Z")
A stethoscope is probably the best way to find the source of any engine noise but I’ve had great success with a piece of garden hose. I’ve never tried a microphone before. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2016, 11:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743/3 "2016-03-11T23:29:02Z")
I wouldn’t know what to do with a microphone. I’ve tried a hose, pipe, screwdriver, stethoscope, etc. but have never been able to isolate a noise myself any better than just my naked ear. So its either replace likely parts or off to someone more skilled. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2016, 5:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743/4 "2016-03-12T05:06:49Z")
I think I’ll pick up a cheap audio unit (probably a Karaoke setup… I still have a very good unidirectional mic from my guitar playing days) and try it. I’ll let you all know how well it works (or doesn’t). ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2016, 6:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743/5 "2016-03-12T06:16:21Z")
One time trying to hear a faint sound coming from the alternator area, I thumb-tacked a paper cup to the end of a ~1/2 inch diameter wooden dowel, listening to the paper cup side, that worked pretty well if you can put something up against the part you are trying to diagnose. A directional microphone might be better if you just want to listen to a certain place and direction, without touching anything. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2016, 6:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-chirping-noises/92743/6 "2016-03-12T06:21:31Z")
I actually have a mechanic’s stethoscope, but I’m going to try a unidirectional mic just out of curiosity. It’s something I’ve never heard of anybody trying.