What Causes Abnormal Noise When Turning the Steering Wheel at Low Speed?
3 Answers
There are six possible reasons for abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel: the steering gear dust cover may be leaking oil; the tie rod end may be aged or have excessive play; the power steering fluid may be insufficient or too dirty; the clock spring may be faulty; the rubber bushings around the stabilizer bar may be loose; or there may be an issue with the universal joint. Solutions for abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel: Steering gear dust cover leaking oil: Replace the dust cover with a new one and apply grease. Tie rod end aging: Replace the tie rod end and perform a wheel alignment. If the power steering fluid is insufficient or too dirty: Check the fluid level and quality. If it is insufficient, top it up. If the fluid is too dirty, replace it. Clock spring failure: Remove the steering wheel and apply lubricant to the clock spring or replace the clock spring. Rubber bushings around the stabilizer bar are loose: Add shims or replace the rubber bushings. Universal joint issue: Replace the universal joint. Avoid turning the steering wheel to the extreme limit during daily use. Correct method for turning the steering wheel: Avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary. Try to turn the wheel only after the vehicle starts moving. Turning the wheel while stationary should only be used occasionally in special circumstances, such as when maneuvering out of a parking space. When the vehicle is parked, return the steering wheel to the center position to prevent unnecessary load on the suspension system and tires. When making a U-turn, avoid turning the steering wheel to the extreme limit.
As a car owner, I was terrified when I encountered strange noises while turning the steering wheel at low speeds, especially since I had just gotten my driver's license. I was driving to the supermarket and heard squeaking sounds while parking. Later, I looked it up online and found out it was an issue with the power steering system. For example, a loose power steering pump belt, lack of oil, or aging components can easily cause noise. It could also be due to wear and insufficient lubrication in the ball joints under the steering column. At low speeds, the system is under more stress, making friction more noticeable and producing the noise. I tried tightening the belt, but the noise persisted, so I quickly went to the repair shop and replaced the faulty parts, which cost me less than 500 yuan to fix. Don’t take such issues lightly—if the steering fails at high speeds, it could be extremely dangerous. Regularly checking the power steering fluid and belts can prevent problems, ensuring peace of mind and safety. Now, I get my car serviced every six months.
Having driven for over a decade, low-speed steering noise isn't uncommon, with a few typical causes: one is an issue with the power steering pump, either low or degraded fluid; another is loose or corroded suspension components like strut mounts or tie rods, which creak under the load of low-speed turns; aging wheel hub bearings near the tires can also contribute. I recommend checking simple things first—like fluid levels and belt tension—adding some lubrication might help temporarily, but serious cases need repairs. My neighbor’s car had this issue last time; inspection revealed a bad ball joint, and replacing it fixed the noise. Remember: ignoring small noises long-term harms the car and costs more, risking breakdowns that disrupt plans.
