Why Does Car Makes Noise When Turning?

Ever been driving along, minding your own business, and heard a strange noise coming from your car when you turned the wheel? It can be pretty alarming, right? You might start wondering if something serious is wrong with your vehicle.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people experience this issue. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common reasons why your car might be making noise when turning. We’ll also give you some tips on what to do if you hear this sound. So, let’s get started!

Why Does Car Makes Noise When Turning

When your car makes noises during turning, it can be traced back to various components within the vehicle’s steering and suspension systems. Here’s a detailed look at each potential culprit:

• Suspension Joints: The joints in your car’s suspension system, including ball joints and bushings, allow for flexibility and movement while maintaining the vehicle’s alignment. When these joints wear out or become damaged, they can produce a range of noises, from creaking during slow turns to clunking noises when maneuvering over bumps or making sharp turns.
• Power Steering Pump: The power steering pump is crucial for easing the steering process by pumping power steering fluid into the steering gear. If the pump starts to fail, it may emit a whining or groaning noise, especially when you turn the steering wheel to its full lock position.
• Power Steering System: Besides the pump, the entire power steering system, including hoses and reservoir, can be a source of noise if air gets trapped in the system or if there are leaks. Low fluid levels can also lead to a whining noise that increases with the speed of turns.
• Sway Bar Link: The sway bar helps to reduce the car’s body roll during turns. Worn or damaged sway bar links can make a rattling or clunking noise as the sway bar begins to move more than intended, impacting other suspension parts during turns.
• CV Joints: Constant Velocity (CV) joints are critical for transferring power to the wheels while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension. If a CV joint wears out, it will start to make a clicking or popping noise when making sharp turns. This noise is most noticeable when accelerating or making tight turns.
• Ball Joints: Ball joints connect the steering knuckles to the control arms, allowing for smooth and controlled wheel motion. Worn ball joints can produce squeaking, creaking, or snapping sounds particularly when turning the car or driving over uneven surfaces.
• Bushing: Bushings are rubber or polyurethane pads that help cushion and reduce friction between the car’s metal components. Over time, bushings can wear out or degrade, leading to a variety of noises, including creaking or groaning, when the car turns or when the load on the suspension changes.
• Struts And Shocks: Struts and shocks absorb road shock and help control spring and suspension movement. Worn struts or shocks can make a knocking or thumping noise on turns, caused by the piston moving within the cylinder.
• Tie Rods: Tie rods connect your steering system to the wheels, ensuring that the car steers along with the wheel movements. A worn or failing tie rod can produce a squealing or screeching noise as the tie rod ends become loose, leading to erratic steering and noise during sharp turns.

Identifying The Specific Noise

To effectively address and repair noises that occur when turning, it’s essential to accurately identify the specific type of noise and its source. Here’s how you can pinpoint the issue:

• Clicking Or Popping: This noise is often associated with CV joint issues, especially when making sharp turns. If the sound gets louder during acceleration while turning, it’s likely due to a worn or damaged CV joint.
• Creaking Or Squeaking: This type of noise is often linked to suspension components such as bushings, ball joints, or tie rods that are worn or not lubricated enough. These noises are more noticeable during slow turns or when the vehicle’s weight shifts.
• Clunking Or Knocking: Often caused by larger suspension issues like bad struts, shocks, or sway bar links. This noise is more pronounced when you drive over bumps or when the suspension is under stress during turns.
• Rattling: Loose parts or components that have significant wear, such as sway bar links or loose lug nuts, can produce a rattling sound. It’s crucial to check these components to ensure they are tight and in good condition.

How To Fix A Car That Makes Noise When Turning

Addressing the noise your car makes when turning involves identifying the source accurately and applying the correct repair techniques. Here’s how to tackle some common issues:

• Repairing Or Replacing CV Joints: If the CV joints are the cause of clicking or popping noises, they might need to be replaced. This involves removing the axle, replacing the CV joint, and reinstalling the axle. This is a labor-intensive process that might best be handled by a professional.
• Refilling Or Flushing Power Steering Fluid: For whining or groaning noises linked to the power steering system, check the fluid level first and top it up if necessary. If the fluid is dirty or contaminated, a complete flush and replacement might be needed to ensure smooth operation.
• Replacing Worn Suspension Components: If creaking or squeaking noises are traced back to worn bushings, ball joints, or tie rods, replacing these components can eliminate the noise and restore proper function. Each part needs to be replaced individually, and alignment checks are recommended after such replacements.
• Servicing Struts And Shocks: For knocking or thumping sounds from worn shocks or struts, replacement is typically the only option. This not only reduces noise but also improves overall vehicle handling and safety.
• Tightening Or Replacing Sway Bar Links: Rattling noises often come from loose or worn sway bar links. Tightening these links or replacing them can reduce the noise significantly and is usually a straightforward fix.
• Addressing Wheel Bearings And Steering Rack Issues: Grinding noises may indicate severe issues like worn wheel bearings or a failing steering rack. These components should be inspected and replaced if necessary, as they are critical for safe vehicle operation.

How To Prevent Car Noises While Turning: Maintenance Tips

Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding noises and ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition. Here are some effective strategies to keep your car quiet and efficient:

• Regularly Check And Replace Fluids: Keep the power steering fluid at the proper level and replace it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular changes can prevent wear and tear on the power steering pump and system, reducing the risk of noises.
• Inspect And Maintain CV Joints: Regularly inspect the CV boots for cracks or leaks. A broken CV boot can lead to the CV joint losing grease and collecting dirt, leading to premature wear and noise. Replacing the boots or the joints before they fail can save on more costly repairs later.
• Lubricate Suspension Components: Keeping components like bushings, ball joints, and tie rods lubricated can prevent creaking and squeaking noises. Use the appropriate lubricant as specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Regular Wheel Alignment And Balancing: Proper alignment and balancing of the wheels can prevent uneven wear and tear on tires and suspension parts, reducing the likelihood of noise due to worn components.
• Inspect Shocks And Struts Regularly: Worn shocks and struts can not only cause noise but also affect the driving stability of your car. Inspecting them regularly for signs of damage or wear and replacing them when necessary can keep your car running smoothly.
• Check And Tighten Loose Parts: Regular inspections to ensure that parts such as the sway bar links, lug nuts, and other suspension components are tight can prevent rattling and other noises that occur due to loose parts.
• Use High-Quality Replacement Parts: When parts need to be replaced, opting for high-quality ones can prevent premature wear and reduce the likelihood of future noises and other mechanical issues.
• Follow A Regular Maintenance Schedule: Adhering to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer is the best way to ensure all systems are functioning properly and reduce the risk of unexpected noises and repairs.

FAQs:

Conclusion

In summary, hearing unusual noises when turning your car is a sign that something might be wrong. It could be due to worn-out CV joints, low power steering fluid, or problems with your suspension. Addressing these issues quickly is crucial to ensure your car’s safety and performance. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from escalating. If the noise persists or you’re uncertain about the cause, it’s wise to seek advice from a professional mechanic. Taking prompt action will keep your car in good shape and give you peace of mind on the road.