What Causes Abnormal Noise When a New Car Turns?
4 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noise when a new car turns are: 1. Aging of the steering tie rod ball joint; 2. Faulty stabilizer bar; 3. Insufficient hydraulic fluid; 4. Cold start; 5. Damaged steering gear bearing; 6. Slipping of the steering pump drive belt; 7. Steering pump unloading idle; 8. Small gap between brake pads and brake discs; 9. Fault in the car's rotation system. The solutions for abnormal noise when a car turns are: 1. Replace the steering tie rod ball joint; 2. Replace the stabilizer bar; 3. Refill hydraulic fluid; 4. Replace the steering gear bearing; 5. Adjust the steering pump drive belt; 6. Adjust the gap between brake pads and brake discs.
It's quite common for new cars to make strange noises when turning. I think the main issue is still with the chassis components. If the steering system, like the tie rod ball joints, lacks lubrication or wasn't properly installed during assembly, it will squeak when under force during turns. You also need to pay attention to the tires. New tires have a hard surface, and before they're worn in, they can make a rustling sound when turning and pressing against the ground. I once saw a case where the front skid plate screws weren't tightened properly, causing a clanking sound when turning due to rubbing against the axle boot. During the break-in period of a new car, rubber components like suspension bushings are still stiff and prone to making noises when twisted during turns. It's recommended to first visit the dealership to have the chassis lifted and inspected, especially the control arm bushings and the steering gear connections. If it's a tire issue, it should resolve itself after driving a thousand kilometers or so to wear them in.
When I first got my new car, there was always a clunking sound when turning. Later, I found out it was small stones stuck in the wheel arch. The edges of the plastic guards from the factory weren't completely smoothed out, so when turning, the wheels would squeeze against the fender under lateral force, causing a rattling noise. Overinflated tires can also cause the tread to deform and produce a dull thud, especially when the ground temperature is high. The stabilizer bar bushings in the suspension are particularly important—if they lack grease from the factory, they'll squeak when twisted during turns. Also, if the brake calipers don't retract properly, lightly braking while turning can make the discs scrape, producing a rustling sound. I recommend first cleaning any debris from the tire treads, then checking the installation gaps of all plastic components under the chassis.
Three common causes of steering noise: Worn CV joints produce a clunking sound, even in new cars if grease wasn't evenly applied during assembly; Deformed brake dust shields scrape when turning; Loose chassis connection bolts shift under steering force. Factory inspections may occasionally miss these issues. When turning the wheel fully, the power steering pump works harder - hydraulic fluid flow noise is normal. Recommend recording the sound type for technicians, as metal grinding and rubber squeezing noises require different solutions.
