There is no feeling as creepy as hearing random noise from your car while you are just turning your steering wheel. So what’s the problem?
The car is making a noise when turning to represent a warning that something is wrong with important parts such as power steering, CV joints, suspension, and a lot more.
Understanding the most common reasons why this may happen and knowing how to go about fixing it will take you a long way in keeping your vehicle as healthy and as safe as it can be.
So, let’s dig in and see what the most common issues that may cause such sounds are.
Topic Summary
Causes of The Car is Making a Noise When Turning
If you’re hearing some weird noises coming from your car, especially while turning, you should pay attention to them. Your car is trying to tell you something, and it’s most likely coming from the engine.
Below, we break down some common reasons why your car might be making a noise when you turn.
Check Your Power Steering System
An issue that can give rise to noise while you’re turning is a power steering problem. You cannot only typically hear a whining or groaning sound, but you also usually need to turn the wheel harder than normal.
If you can’t pinpoint the exact cause for these noises, the problem might be low power steering fluid, which is used to keep the steering responsive and relatively effortless.
You can check the fluid level and refill it if it’s low, but also keep an eye out for leaks. They could signal larger issues.
Inspect the CV Joints
Suppose the sound is a clicking one when turning (especially when you’re turning tightly). In that case, this might indicate issues with your CV (constant velocity) joints, which transfer power from the engine to your wheels while also compensating for the up and down movement of your suspension.
Replacing worn-out or damaged CV joints will make the car safer and keep internal damaging rotaries at bay.
Look At the Suspension Components
Your car’s suspension has several moving parts that wear out and make noise. If your car turns and squeaks or groans, it is probably from worn-out ball joints or bushings.
These components are vital to the comfort and stability of your car, so fix it right away if this is the case.
Evaluate Tires And Wheel Alignment
On occasion, the problem might be as trivial as an underinflated tire or a problem with your wheel alignment.
Tires that are not inflated fully can cause accelerated wear and abnormal noises that you may notice every time you turn.
So, ensure that your tires are inflated at the correct pressure for the load you carry. Have your wheels aligned so the noise subsides.
Consult a Professional
And, if you’ve run through these checks and you still hear the noise, or if you want a second opinion, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic.
They’ll perform some basic tests and diagnose problems that you might not be able to spot right away.
How To Fix The Car is Making a Noise When Turning?
Fixing a turn noise in your car depends on a diagnostic first to pinpoint the actual problem. Here is how you work to resolve some of the most frequent causes of turn noise in your vehicle.
1. Power Steering Fluid Check And Top-Up
If the noise is related to your power steering:
Assess the Fluid Level: Find the power steering fluid reservoir (in the engine compartment, check your car’s manual if you don’t know where it is). Look to see how high the level of the fluid is against the marks on the reservoir.
Top Up If Required: If fluids are low, or we have the incorrect type for your vehicle, or the capacity is incorrect, then purchase the appropriate type of power steering fluid for your vehicle and make sure the level is correct.
Check For Leaks: Check the area around the power steering pump and hoses for leaks. If it is leaking, you might want to have it looked at by a professional to replace the damaged parts.
2. Inspecting And Replacing CV Joints
If the noise is a clicking sound during sharp turns:
Visual Inspection: Raise and inspect CV boots (at the drive shafts on each side of the car, on either side of the wheel) for damage i.e., tears or leaking grease. That may cause CV joint failure.
Replacement: Replacing a CV joint or driving shaft is a very complicated job and normally can’t be done without specialized tools and some mechanical knowledge. Better to get a professional.
3. Check The Suspension Component
For creaking or groaning noises:
Look For Worn Parts: Check the ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, and bushings that are most likely to show excessive wear. Look for physical damage and/or excessive play in these parts.
Replacement: Replacement of suspension components varies from being easy when simple components such as bushings can be replaced with wrenches and sockets but may require a press or special tools for components such as ball joints.
4. Tire And Wheel Alignment
If the issue might be tire or alignment related:
Inspect Tires And Pressure: Check all tires for correct pressure. Check for uneven wear, which could mean an alignment problem.
Proper Wheel Alignment: Take your rig into a tire shop or garage and have them align the wheels. This will ensure everything is correctly set to the specs given by the manufacturer, which can help eliminate many of those banshee shrieks due to misalignment.
5. When To See a Mechanic
Complex Problems: If you’ve ruled out the obvious suspects and the repair task is too daunting for your skills, it’s time for a visit to a reputable mechanic who can conduct an in depth diagnosis and handle any repairs required.
Can I Drive with The Noise When Turning?
How seriously you need to take any noise when you turn your wheels depends on its severity and the cause.
Light whining from very low fluid levels in your power steering system is far less urgent and usually adds no excitement to the drive while you go to the automotive parts store to top up the power steering fluid.
Do it as soon as possible, however, to avoid killing your power steering pump. If you hear behaviors that indicate serious mechanical problems. Clicking from a failed CV joint or groaning from a worn suspension component then you’re on a ‘keep it out of a ditch’ alert.
That sound of grinding coming from under your bonnet? Yeah, that’s probably when the transmission starts eating itself.
If you hear noises that indicate catastrophic problems, putting your thongs to a really stern test is probably safer for everyone when there’s a good possibility that crucial parts are about to lock up, much less predictably.
The sound also eliminates the fun of having no steering momentarily while trying to decide if it’s safe to give up on your high dollar holiday trip to Death Valley.
So, always err on the side of caution. Keep it safe. Keep it running friendly. The bigger the repair bill, the less likely you’ll be interested in fixing it.
FAQs on The Car is Making a Noise When Turning
My Car Makes a Noise Like When I Turn the Steering Wheel.
The low level of power steering fluid can cause power steering to make a whiney noise. (This could be a leak of power steering fluid, or it could just need to be topped up.) Check the level of the fluid and look for leaks that may need attention from an auto technician.
What Does It Mean If There’s a Noise When I Turn?
A clicking noise when turning corners generally reflects a problem with the CV (constant velocity) joints. Typically, this is a result of the CV boots being damaged and leaking grease, and once they have been checked and replaced, the joint should be fine following the same procedures above.
Can Wheel Alignment Cause Noises When Turning?
Yes, it can. Out of wheel alignment can cause noises or squeals and scrubbing feels when turning, which will also lead to uneven tire wear, which may also cause a little noise. You can also get help from a professional wheel alignment to remove all those noises in your car and improve your driving.
Why Does My Car Noise When I Make Turns?
Groaning noises sometimes come from problems with the suspension system of a car where ball joints or bushings have worn and need replacing. Both of these parts help with the movement of the front steering, and it will feel rough going down a road. It also makes a groaning sound whenever you steer. If these parts are found and replaced, the noise will go away.
Should I Be Concerned About a Noise When Turning?
Yes, you should be concerned about a noise when turning. There could be something failing (suspension components) or, harder still, something failing (steering system). Whatever the case, don’t overlook the noise, as it tells you that some parts are being overworked, and that could lead to failure, potentially at a time that threatens your safety.
Conclusion
Turning noises are difficult to locate and often require disassembling parts of the suspension. For a car novice, it might be better just to attempt the DIY repairs after consulting a professional or even getting a second opinion.
Regular maintenance is an excellent method for identifying and solving these issues before they worsen and become more expensive to repair. Always err on the side of safety when working on your car.