As you drive, your car makes weird sounds while you take turns. People generally fail to notice the sounds unless they are too loud. You might hear sounds like whining, rubbing, creaking, etc., from the car as you turn over the car, left or right.
Probably there is an internal problem with the car that needs your attention. As the car ages and plies on the road, it experiences wear and tear, and often the internal machines also require some servicing or repairing. The sounds are a symptom that there is something wrong with your car.
The Sound Depends On The Speed
While taking a turn, you may experience sounds that vary as per the speed. For example, at lower speeds, you may hear one sound absent while driving the car at a higher speed.
That means, often, the sound depends on the speed. But why such a relation? Well, the issues inside the car often change or develop due to variable speed settings. So, you may hear different sounds as you change the gear and drive at high speed.
1. Noise At Low Speeds
While taking a turn at low speed, you hear popping, clunking, or whining sounds.
It is probably a sign of broken or damaged suspension joints. Such sounds appear at low speed when the power steering system or suspension system encounters an issue. Probably the steering is not working properly or smoothly.
2. Noise At Normal Speeds
At normal speed, your car makes screeching or squealing sounds while driving, especially taking turns. It can be a serious issue, and you must visit the car mechanic as soon as possible.
The causes behind this issue are-
- The engine belt has become loose
- The tie rod connecting the knuckles and the steering gear is damaged
- The hose connecting the gear and the pump has developed a crack or is broken
- The power steering fuel needs a refilling
3. Noise At High Speeds
While driving at high speed, especially on an empty highway, your car makes weird clicking noises. Probably the CV joints of the cars are damaged and need repair. In some cars, bad coupling during the turning also causes the noises to come out. On the other hand, damaged wheel bearings are also a common cause.
Causes Of Noise When Turning
1. Bad Ball Joints
Clunking sounds and other types of mechanical sounds are common in case of loose or worn-out ball joints. You will hear these sounds even if you turn your car to a lower speed.
The suspension system helps maximize the friction between the tires and the road to maintain the car’s stability during turns. On the other hand, the ball joints absorb the bumps and shocks to make the ride comfortable.
The ball joints may get damaged and worn out as the car ages. Bad ball joints are more common if you frequently travel on unmaintained roads filled with potholes.
Due to loose or damaged ball joints, the nuts and bolts come in contact with each other and make noise.
Getting the car thoroughly chilled in a service center is better to find which ball joints need repair.
2. Worn Out Jounce Bushing
The jounce bushing is placed on the top of the front strut. If it gets worn out, you may hear sounds. A worn-out jounce bushing often results in a crawling or groaning noise during the turns on the road.
In general, the bushing lasts for a long time. But, if it gets dry or does not have enough lubricant, the sound will increase. Such a condition is unsafe for driving and may even cause an accident. So, it is better to head to the service center immediately.
3. Bad Struts And Shocks
Does your car make clicking noises during a turn? Does the car start bouncing during a turn? Probably you have bad struts and shocks.
The strut combines the shock and other features in a single component, and the shock is an independent part of the car that absorbs the shocks and bumps during drives. These two also stabilize the vehicle and ensure the tires remain in contact with the road.
In general, the struts and shocks last for a long time. But, if these get damaged, your car will make noises and will als bounce frequently. Getting professional help to solve the issue as soon as possible is better.
4. Leaking Of Power Steering Fluid
Your car makes squealing, whining, or squealing sounds while you turn on the road. On top of that, the noise comes just when you turn the power steering. Such sounds can be the symptom of a low amount of fluid or leakage of power steering fluid.
This fluid keeps the power steering joints lubricated to ensure the steering wheel and front wheel run smoothly while turning. On top of that, the power-steering fluid is also important to extend the longevity of the moving parts of the steering system.
If the fuel level is low, the joints will often clash, resulting in such noises. Probably the fluid is leaking out of the car, and your car does not have enough fluid to keep everything smooth.
If there is less power steering fluid, you will notice that the steering wheel is not smoother and requires more force to make a turn.
In such cases, it is better to visit the automobile service center as soon as possible to get a refill of the power steering fluid.
Remember that you need to change the steering fluid after driving 50000 miles or in five years. So, if you have not done that, do it at the right time before your car gets damaged.
5. The Damaged Power Steering Rack
Does your car make creaking, whining, or other weird sounds while taking turns? Probably the power steering rack is damaged. There can be one other underlying issue that causes this damage. For example, steering fluid leakage, excessive vibration of the steering wheel, or death wobble.
The power steering rack may also get damaged if your steering wheel is tight and too stiff. Some automobile experts say that fluid contamination and the damaged steering pump are also common causes of the damaged power steering rack.
It is better to visit the mechanic and get the steering rack repaired to avoid any future issues.
6. Worn Steering Column Bearing
Does the car make rubbing or grating sounds as soon as you take a turn? The steering column bearing is probably damaged. Due to the damage, the bearings and internal gears are rubbing against each other, and the friction makes noise.
The steering column bearing is essential for safe car driving. It helps you navigate and drive smoothly in different road conditions and keeps the steering movement smooth to make turnings smoother. It is usually located above the steering system and is directly connected to the steering wheel.
You will hear sounds if it has worn out and does not work properly. To be sure about the damage, check if the steering tilt function locks properly; if not, the steering column bearing needs some repair.
It is better to insist on either mechanism soon because a damaged steering column bearing is very dangerous and can even cause accidents on the road. Depending on the degree of the damage, the mechanic may repair the bearing or replace it completely.
7. Bad Sway Bar Link
The Sway or anti-roll bar link cuts down the excessive body roll of the car during turning. It prevents unnecessary jerking and inertia-related issues also. Due to the sway bar link, the car remains stabilized and prevents rolling even in sharp turns.
But, if the sway bar is damaged or broken, the car often makes clunking sounds while you turn on the road. The sound signals that the bar link is damaged and needs immediate replacement. So, if you feel that the car is not stabilized properly during a turn, visit a mechanic immediately to resolve the issue.
8. Damaged Tie Rod Ends
The tie rod connects the front wheel pair and the steering rack. It allows you to have smoother control over the steering wheel during driving, especially making a turn.
If it is damaged or has become loose, you will find that the car makes a knocking sound on turns, especially if you are driving at a slower speed. The turning is also not smoother, and you may need to push the steering extra hard to make the turning.
9. Clogged Steering Reservoir Tank
A clogged steering reservoir tank often leads to a wired grating sound while you make a turn on the road. This tank holds the power steering fluid.
If the tank is damaged, the fluid will leak outside, and the car steering system will not have enough lubrication. The reservoir tank has a filter to clean the fluid and prevent leakage and contamination.
But, if the filter gets clogged, the car will produce sounds. So, getting professional help to clean the clogged filter is better.
How To Fix The Problem
The unusual noises you hear while turning on the road can indicate your car’s issue. So, it is better to solve the problem as soon as possible to prevent any unfortunate event.
Issues like less lubricant in the power steering system can be easily solved by adding lubricant. However, it is better to get professional help.
You must visit a mechanic or your nearest service center as soon as possible and ask a mechanic to check what is wrong with your car. The professional will be able to find the root of the noise and the problem and will repair or replace the needed part,
The Best way to avoid such noises is to get regular car servicing and maintenance. Try to take the car for a thorough check-up and service at least once per year. On top of that, change the engine oil every 50000 miles to ensure the car is in proper condition.
If you frequently travel on bumpy and unmaintained roads, getting special tires can offer some safety and cushioning effects is better.
Besides that, try to get a proper car insurance policy and renew it at the right time. The insurance policy can offer you coverage in many repairing works and other incidents like a car breakdown or case of accidents.
Whenever you hear a noise, please do not ignore it. Instead, take fast action to ensure everything is right for your car.
Conclusion
The loud and strange noises you hear while turning your car can indicate that something is wrong with the machine. It can be less lubricating oil, damaged ball joints, or other issues.
It is better to visit an automobile mechanic to check things and find what needs repair to keep the car in a safe condition.
