What are the causes of abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel?
3 Answers
The causes of abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel are: 1. Insufficient lubrication of the steering column, resulting in high friction; 2. Lack of power steering fluid; 3. Faults in the universal joint, plane bearing, or power steering system; 4. Aging of the rubber bushings on the suspension stabilizer bar links; 5. Poor driving habits, such as excessive braking; 6. Abnormal wear on the brake disc or brake pad surfaces. The solutions for abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel are: 1. Lubricate the steering column; 2. Refill the power steering fluid; 3. Replace the universal joint, plane bearing, or power steering system; 4. Replace the rubber bushings on the suspension stabilizer bar links; 5. Adjust the gap between the brake disc and brake pads.
I've had a similar experience with my own car—the annoying squeaking sound when turning the steering wheel. There could be several reasons: worn or loose tie rods (the most common cause), cracked or aged top mounts on the shock absorbers, stuck brake pads causing friction noise, corroded or insufficiently lubricated steering column bearings, or if the noise is loud and accompanied by vibration, damaged suspension components like ball joints. These parts endure constant pressure, and daily driving over bumps accelerates wear. If left unrepaired, the issue may worsen and even affect steering control. My advice is not to ignore unusual noises—get a reliable mechanic to inspect the steering and suspension systems. After daily use, pay attention to whether the steering feels smooth to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Recently I handled a car with abnormal noise issues. The owner reported strange sounds when turning the steering wheel. After inspection, it was mainly mechanical wear: when the steering wheel turns, worn-out tie rod end joints tend to creak; damaged or deformed shock absorber top mounts; insufficient power steering fluid or air bubbles causing noise; or possibly unbalanced tires increasing friction sounds during turns. These minor issues accumulate and may sound scary but are usually easy to fix. When driving, I make it a habit to test the steering several times while parked and investigate any abnormalities early. Remember, safety first—ignoring strange noises could lead to steering failure someday, especially during high-speed turns, which poses significant risks. So don't cut corners to save money; consulting a professional mechanic is always the right move.
