What Causes Abnormal Noise When Turning the Car?

[LaEsther]

Reasons for abnormal noise when turning the car: 1. Friction between plastic parts: The steering wheel is usually made of plastic components. If the temperature drops, the plastic may harden, naturally leading to friction noise; 2. Steering gear failure: If the noise during steering is very loud, it might be caused by excessive gear clearance in the steering gear, requiring replacement of the steering gear; 3. Dirty power steering fluid: If the power steering fluid is too dirty, it increases the pressure in the power system, causing a buzzing noise from the power steering pump. Therefore, the power steering fluid should be replaced promptly; 4. Improper tension or aging of the power belt: For mechanical hydraulic power steering, if the power belt is improperly tensioned or aged, it will produce abnormal noise. Adjust the belt tension or replace the belt.

[McAlexander]

A squeaking noise when turning the car is often caused by wear and tear or insufficient lubrication in the steering system. If the tie rods or ball joints are aged and the lubricant has dried up, they will produce a squeaky friction sound when turning. When the power steering pump malfunctions—such as due to low fluid levels or internal damage—a noticeable humming sound occurs, which intensifies with sharper turns. Loose mounting points on the shock absorbers can also generate a dull knocking noise during turns, which can be quite annoying. Internal issues like rusted steering racks or damaged bearings may lead to sharper metallic scraping sounds. Dry weather or low temperatures can cause lubrication to fail more easily, making these noises more frequent. I recommend regularly inspecting these components and applying specialized grease to prevent long-term wear that could lead to more severe problems, such as stiff or unresponsive steering. If you notice any unusual sounds, take the car to a professional repair shop immediately—don’t delay.

[VonAlejandro]

I've been driving for decades and have seen too many cases of steering noise. The common ones are just a few: worn-out tie rod ball joints creak when the lubricant dries up; aging power steering pumps emit a humming sound; loose shock absorbers rattle during turns. Older cars are especially prone to these issues—my old Ford had all these problems. In cold, dry winter weather when lubrication is insufficient, the noises occur more frequently. Once I ignored a slight noise, and soon the steering became heavy, nearly causing an accident on a curve. Since then, whenever I hear unusual sounds, I immediately take the car to the shop for inspection. During routine maintenance, I remind the mechanic to lubricate the joints thoroughly and use high-quality grease to extend their lifespan. Safety comes first when driving—even minor noises shouldn't be ignored.

[LeoDella]

When there's abnormal noise during steering, I usually check it myself first. Inspect under the chassis for any loose or rusted tie rods or ball joints, and spray some lubricant to see if the noise reduces. Make sure the power steering fluid is sufficient, add some if it's too low. Listen to the type of noise: a buzzing sound might indicate a power steering pump issue; a squeaking sound could be joint friction; a dull thud may suggest loose shock absorbers. These preliminary steps can save time and money. However, don't attempt to disassemble complex steering components yourself—safety is paramount. If you find any issues, get it repaired promptly. Drive gently and steer smoothly to reduce component impact. Maintaining these habits can help minimize such problems.