What are the causes of steering wheel noise in cars?
2 Answers
Car steering wheel noise causes: 1. Friction between plastic components: The car's steering wheel is made of plastic. When used in winter with lower ambient temperatures, the plastic hardens and produces noise, which is normal friction; 2. Abnormal noise from within the steering wheel: If the noise comes from inside the steering wheel, it may be caused by the airbag clock spring; 3. Aging of the tie rod end ball joint: With prolonged vehicle use, the tie rod end ball joint ages, causing noise when turning the steering wheel; 4. Abnormal noise from the stabilizer bar. The car steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device that controls the vehicle's direction, and its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and transmit it to the steering shaft.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered steering wheel noises several times, mostly due to looseness or wear in the steering system. For instance, squeaking or clicking sounds when turning the wheel usually indicate a faulty steering column bearing or excessive component clearance. If there's a humming noise, it might be due to insufficient power steering fluid, requiring timely refill or pump replacement. Tire issues can also contribute, such as wheel imbalance or uneven wear, causing more pronounced steering wheel vibrations at high speeds. Once, I neglected it, and the steering became less responsive, nearly causing an accident. I recommend visiting a professional repair shop early to prevent minor issues from worsening. During routine maintenance, don't forget to have the technician inspect steering components like suspension ball joints and control arms. Regularly replacing the power steering fluid can prevent major problems. Remember, safety comes first—don't wait for the noise to act.
