What Causes Abnormal Noises When Turning?
3 Answers
Abnormal noises during turning can be attributed to the following specific reasons: 1. Transmission noise: If the car makes abnormal noises at idle and the noise disappears when the clutch is depressed, it indicates that the noise originates from a transmission malfunction. Transmission noise is usually caused by worn bearings or gears. 2. Engine compartment noise: Some sounds from engine vibrations are normal, but there are exceptions, such as the high-pitched squeal of a belt, which is typically caused by belt slippage. Another example is the sharp sound of metal dry friction, usually due to damaged bearings in the generator, water pump, or power steering pump. 3. Steering wheel noise: If a "click" sound is heard when turning the steering wheel left or right, it is most likely caused by an issue with the steering gear. The most common cause is friction due to aging of the steering linkage and ball joint rubber bushings. 4. Suspension noise: The suspension system operates continuously while driving, and the rubber bushings between the shock absorbers and various links will inevitably wear out. When the bushings age or fall off, abnormal metal impact sounds may occur. 5. Tire noise: Noise from tires is generally tire roar. If a "tapping" sound is heard, it may be due to small stones or nails embedded in the tread.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I've seen it all. The most common cause of turning noise is a faulty outer CV joint. Inside the CV joint, there are several steel balls rolling in tracks. If there's insufficient grease or the dust boot is torn allowing sand to enter, it will make a clicking sound when turning, especially when the steering wheel is turned to its limit. Another possibility is a problem with the steering gear, such as excessive gear wear, which can produce a knocking friction sound. When brake pads are nearly worn out, the brake caliper may wobble during turns, creating a metallic scraping noise. If the power steering pump fails, the squealing sound is particularly harsh and is most noticeable at low speeds during sharp turns. Tires are also prime suspects—pebbles or nails stuck in them can cause a tapping sound, but the noise changes with vehicle speed. If the underbody guard is loose, the entire chassis twisting can produce a clanging noise. Never ignore unusual noises. My neighbor once endured it for half a month and ended up spending nearly two thousand to replace the entire axle.
Having repaired cars for fifteen years, the most common case I've encountered is damage to the CV joint (constant velocity joint). When the grease inside the CV joint dries up or contains impurities, the steel balls don't roll smoothly during turns, producing a rattling sound. The more you turn the steering wheel, the more frequent the sound becomes. A loose tie rod end can also cause a clunking noise, which can be tested by shaking the wheel by hand. In hydraulic power steering systems, if the power steering fluid is low or the pump is worn, you'll hear a whining noise when turning. The braking system also requires attention—if the caliper guide pins seize, it can cause dragging brakes, resulting in a screeching sound from the brake disc and pads rubbing during turns, and the wheel hub may feel hot to the touch. Worn suspension bushings are even more troublesome; they may not make noise when going over bumps, but they'll squeak when twisted during turns. My advice is to first jack up the car and have someone shake the wheels side to side to locate the source of the noise, but ultimately, you'll need to inspect the chassis on a lift.
