Is It Normal to Hear a Squeaking Sound When Braking and Turning the Steering Wheel?
3 Answers
It is not normal to hear a squeaking sound when braking and turning the steering wheel. The causes of the abnormal noise are as follows: 1. The abnormal noise is not obvious at low speeds, but a uniform buzzing sound is heard at high speeds: This phenomenon occurs when a wheel bearing of the vehicle is damaged. Long-distance driving places high demands on the wheel bearings. Bearings of poor quality or those that have been used for a long time will fatigue and become damaged under prolonged high-speed operation, resulting in abnormal noise. 2. A rhythmic buzzing noise is heard at low speeds, and the noise weakens at high speeds: The vehicle's four-wheel alignment is inaccurate, and long-distance driving causes significant tire wear, leading to uneven tire wear and abnormal noise. 3. The idle speed is slightly higher or slightly unstable after high-speed driving: During prolonged high-speed operation of the engine, some of the carbon deposits inside the engine will burn off due to high temperatures and be expelled with the exhaust. This is why people often say that the vehicle feels lighter after high-speed driving. However, in some engine control systems, the engine control unit cannot immediately adapt to the reduction of carbon deposits in individual cylinders and continues to inject fuel and ignite according to the previous adaptation values, causing changes or instability in the idle speed. After the engine runs for a while, the control unit will gradually learn new adaptation values, and the idle speed will return to normal.
I recently experienced the same issue with my car—hearing a creaking sound when braking and turning the steering wheel. At first, I thought it was normal, assuming older cars naturally develop some noise over time. However, after checking online forums, I realized it might actually indicate a problem, such as worn brake discs or a minor issue with the steering system. For example, if the brake pads are too thin, the friction noise increases, and the pressure changes during turning can trigger more noticeable sounds. Another possibility is loose chassis components, like suspension arms or steering linkage lacking lubrication, leading to dry friction and noise. For safety, I recommend not delaying and taking the car to a repair shop for a professional inspection. Identifying and addressing minor issues early can prevent them from affecting daily driving. Usually, replacing brake pads or tightening some bolts can resolve the problem—it’s not a major issue, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
To be honest, my old car has made creaking noises several times, and it really bothers me every time I brake or turn the steering wheel. Based on my years of driving experience, this is definitely abnormal—possible causes include severely worn brake pads or a lack of grease in the ball joints of the steering system. I remember one time when the noise got louder halfway through my drive. I took it to the repair shop, and it turned out the edges of the brake discs had corroded, causing a grinding sound. Simply replacing the pads or adding some lubricant made it quiet again. If not fixed early, it could lead to steering wheel vibrations or even brake failure, increasing the risk of an accident. I suggest you first check the condition of your brakes. If the noise persists, have a professional inspect it—don’t push your luck. Safety should always come first when driving.
