What are the causes of a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds?
3 Answers
The causes of a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds: 1. The noise comes from the suspension: After opening the engine hood, you can see the two tower tops that secure the front shock absorbers. Inside these tower tops are plain bearings. When turning, the front shock absorbers also rotate, and the plain bearings of the front shock absorbers will produce noise as they rotate. 2. The noise comes from the plain bearings: If the plain bearings are poorly lubricated or damaged, a clicking noise will occur when turning the steering wheel. 3. The noise comes from the steering wheel: If the noise comes from below the steering wheel, it is caused by the steering column dust cover. This is due to insufficient lubrication of the steering column dust cover, which creates friction noise. Simply applying some grease inside the dust cover will eliminate the noise. If the noise comes from inside the steering wheel, it is caused by damage to the airbag clock spring inside the steering wheel.
I once encountered a situation where my car made a clicking sound when turning at low speeds. After inspection, it turned out to be a worn-out ball joint in the tie rod. That component connects the wheel to the steering system, and over time it can deform or loosen, causing rough movement and strange noises when turning. I tried applying some lubricant as a temporary fix, but ultimately had to replace it with a new part. I recommend getting it checked early, especially if you frequently make low-speed turns in city traffic jams, as this can accelerate wear. Regular maintenance of the steering system can extend its lifespan and prevent safety hazards. If ignored, the risk of steering failure increases significantly, and that's no joke. You can do a simple check yourself by looking for obvious looseness at the connection points between the tires and suspension, but for more complex issues, it's best to visit a professional shop.
I'm quite familiar with this abnormal noise. The most common cause of a clunking sound when turning at low speeds is aging steering or suspension components. For example, when ball joints wear out and the gaps increase, metal collisions occur during rotation, resulting in noise. Or, if the rubber bushings on the shock absorber mounts crack, it can cause impact sounds. To diagnose, you can jack up the front wheels and gently rotate them to listen for the source of the noise. Additionally, abnormal tire pressure or wheel hub issues might also be the cause, though these are less common. Don’t take it lightly—prolonged neglect can reduce steering precision and increase the risk of accidents. Professional technicians use specialized tools for precise diagnosis. It’s recommended to regularly inspect chassis components and apply anti-rust agents to slow down aging. Safety comes first.
