Have you ever heard a noise in your car whenever you turn your steering wheel? If it feels like a squeak, groan, or even a thud, these sounds from the steering wheel should always intimidate you.
The steering wheel makes a noise when turning might be an early symptom of some steering issues, and the more you ignore it, the bigger the consequences will be later.
In this article, we’ll do our best to explain what could cause some noises coming from your steering wheel and how you can get them solved.
Topic Summary
- Causes of Steering Wheel Makes a Noise When Turning
- How To Fix Steering Wheel Noise?
- Is the Steering Wheel Noise Normal?
- FAQs on Steering Wheel Makes a Noise When Turning
- Why Does My Steering Wheel Make a Noise When I Turn?
- What Does It Mean If the Steering Wheel Makes a Clunking Sound When I Turn?
- Can Low Power Steering Fluid Cause Noise When Turning?
- Is It Safe To Drive If My Steering Wheel is Making Noise?
- How Can I Fix the Steering Wheel Makes a Noise When Turning?
- Conclusion
Causes of Steering Wheel Makes a Noise When Turning
A noise when turning the steering wheel may occur for several reasons. Some of them are described below:
Low Power Steering Fluid
One of the most common sources of squeaking or whining noise while turning the steering wheel is due to low power steering fluid.
Power steering fluid provides pressure to the steering system and also acts as a lubricant. Low power steering fluid will result in the pump squealing or groaning.
Test the fluid by checking the level. If it is low, simply top off the fluid and recheck later however, if the fluid continues to leak.
Worn or Loose Steering Belt
The steering belt (sometimes called the serpentine belt) turns the power steering pump. If the belt is worn, loose, or cracked, it may squeal when you turn the steering wheel.
Look at the belt for signs of wear or cracking and rust. If it looks worn out, replace it. If it’s loose, tighten it.
Damaged Suspension Components
Transmission misdiagnoses clunks and pops can also be symptoms of failing components within the suspension system that keep tires connected to road surfaces and absorb shock and noise.
Worn or damaged ball joints, tie rods, and bushings can create noises when you turn the steering wheel because they transfer forces from one wheel to the next.
Faulty Power Steering Pump
Whining noise while turning the wheel can be caused by a failed power steering pump, particularly at slow speeds, as the internal components start rubbing the sides of the pump housing.
However, it can also be something simple. If the fluid level was low before you added the extra fluid, top up the reservoir, fire up the engine, and let your car remain in the sunbeam for a few minutes.
Steering Column Issues
Alternatively, it could be the steering column itself, caused by insufficient lubrication in the steering column bearings, or damage to those bearings.
If you are turning the wheel and hear a grinding or clicking noise, it is a good idea to have it checked over for lubrication and repaired if damaged.
How To Fix Steering Wheel Noise?
You should not ignore the steering wheel noise. As soon as possible, repair or fix the issue. To fix it, you may follow the guidelines below.
1. Check And Refill Power Steering Fluid
Begin with a check of the power steering fluid level. If the level is low, add more to bring it up to level. Check the level over the next few days and closely observe the entire system to detect a leak, if possible.
2. Inspect And Replace the Steering Belt
Look under the bonnet for the steering belt. Check if it’s frayed or loose. If it’s damaged, replace it. If it’s loose, tighten it following the directions in your vehicle’s handbook or take it to a mechanic.
3. Get a Suspension Inspection
If you’re unsure and suspect the issue may be suspension related, have a trained mechanic evaluate the suspension parts.
Replacing worn or damaged tie rods, ball joints, or steering and suspension bushings can cure the noise and improve your vehicle’s ride.
4. Replace the Power Steering Pump
If the power steering pump is bad, then it must be replaced. This will be a more substantial repair that will require a mechanic.
5. Lubricate or Repair the Steering Column
If the source of the noise is the steering column, oiling the column bearings might prove the solution. In the worst cases, portions of the steering column need replacement.
6. When To See a Mechanic
Some of the noises coming from your steering wheel can be fixed with some simple maintenance, while others may be a red flag for a bigger problem.
If the noise continues even after you’ve tried all these suggestions, or if you’re uncomfortable working on your car, please make an appointment with a mechanic.
Because many issues stemming from your car’s steering can lead to much bigger and costlier. More importantly, fixing mechanical issues early on can keep your car safe to drive.
Is the Steering Wheel Noise Normal?
Noise from the steering wheel is not normal, though, and is a sign that there is something wrong with the vehicle.
The causes can range from low power steering fluid to a damaged steering belt, which needs replacing, to broken suspension components, which need replacing, to a bad power steering pump, which also needs replacing.
Now, in terms of safety, the steering wheel noise is not immediate. The car will drive no differently, and you can do so day to day without any thought.
But it is a tell tale sign that something may be wrong with the steering system. And if you ignore it, the problem may get worse and count on costing you more money to fix down the line.
So, if your car is making steering wheel noises, it’s not a bad idea to compare the sound to some online forums to try and pinpoint the problem.
FAQs on Steering Wheel Makes a Noise When Turning
Why Does My Steering Wheel Make a Noise When I Turn?
The squeaking sound upon steering wheel use can be caused by a loose or lost serpentine belt/steering belt, low power steering fluid, and/or sticking in the steering column, which requires lubrication.
What Does It Mean If the Steering Wheel Makes a Clunking Sound When I Turn?
Asking, there’s a good chance this is a suspension component, and it could be worn tie rods, ball joints, bushings, etc. Components that are vital to the steering stability of the car. Have the mechanic check out all suspension components.
Can Low Power Steering Fluid Cause Noise When Turning?
Low power steering fluid can create a whining or groaning noise when you turn the wheel because the power steering fluid helps lubricate the system, but without the proper amount of fluid, the pump can make noise.
Is It Safe To Drive If My Steering Wheel is Making Noise?
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should drive if your car is making steering wheel noises, in particular, are often the first indication of a much bigger problem, potentially affecting your vehicle’s safety on the road and its handling stability. But it does mean that you shouldn’t ignore the situation and diagnose it as soon as possible.
How Can I Fix the Steering Wheel Makes a Noise When Turning?
The solution to this problem depends on the cause. You might want to recharge the power steering, replace a frayed steering belt, lubricate the steering column, or repair the suspension. If your car still squeaks, take it to the mechanic.
Conclusion
Those squeaky steering wheels won’t go away on their own. It could be a simple power steering fluid change, a more complicated repair, or possibly a relearn procedure, but just getting it done now will save the long run. Maintain your vehicle in a good drive.