What Are the Causes of Abnormal Noises When a Car Turns?

[Brian]

Abnormal noises when a vehicle turns may be caused by aging of the steering tie rod ball joint, which requires timely replacement of the steering tie rod ball joint, followed by a four-wheel alignment. It could also be due to loose or aging power steering belts, necessitating corresponding maintenance for the vehicle. Below are detailed explanations regarding car maintenance: 1. Overview: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain components of the vehicle, also known as vehicle servicing. Currently, car maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, among others. 2. Purpose: The goal of car maintenance is to maintain the vehicle's appearance and technical condition, eliminate potential hazards, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.

[KadenFitz]

When dealing with similar issues, the most common cause is wear and tear on chassis components, such as loose ball joints in the steering knuckle or excessive play in the outer tie rods, especially in older vehicles that have been driven for several years. High humidity on rainy days can also accelerate the deterioration of dust boots, exacerbating the annoying noises. Aging stabilizer bar bushings can lead to creaking sounds when turning, making it feel like the entire car body is protesting. Frequent driving over potholes speeds up these problems, so I recommend everyone to regularly visit a shop and have these parts inspected on a lift. Don't wait until the noises get louder to fix them, as that might cause additional damage to other components, costing more money. Safety comes first, and timely repairs can save a lot of hassle. I've seen many car owners wait until steering issues arise before rushing in for repairs.

[OLeila]

Last time my car made a constant squeaking noise when turning left, and after some troubleshooting, I found out it was due to increased clearance in the front wheel bearing. The sound became more noticeable at 60 mph. If the lower control arm bushings are cracked, they can also cause a clunking noise—just shine a flashlight to check for cracks. Another often-overlooked issue is steering gear oil leakage; low power steering fluid can lead to a buzzing sound accompanied by abnormal noises. It’s easy to check—just pop the hood and see if the fluid reservoir level is low. Owners with aftermarket wheels should be extra cautious, as unevenly installed spacers can also cause friction noise. My friend had to replace a whole set of new tires just because he cheaped out on spacers. Anyway, it’s best to diagnose the issue early, otherwise, it’s both annoying and a safety concern.

[Tate]

Most car turning noises come from suspension system issues. Worn shock absorber top mounts produce a thumping sound, noticeable when going over speed bumps. Severely aged stabilizer bar links can create a metallic knocking noise, especially during sharp turns. Plastic components expanding and contracting after summer sun exposure are more prone to squeaking, sounding like crushed ice particles. During routine maintenance, check rubber components' elasticity - replace them if they become hardened or cracked.