What Causes Abnormal Noises When Turning a Car?
3 Answers
The causes of abnormal noises when turning a car 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 power steering pump drive belt; 7. Power steering pump unloading idling; 8. Small gap between brake pads and brake discs; 9. Fault in the car's steering system. The solutions to abnormal noises when turning a car are: 1. Replace the steering tie rod ball joint; 2. Replace the stabilizer bar; 3. Top up hydraulic fluid; 4. Replace the steering gear bearing; 5. Adjust the power steering pump drive belt; 6. Adjust the gap between brake pads and brake discs.
I've encountered the issue of abnormal noise during turns several times before. The sound resembles a clicking or squeaking noise, which is quite annoying. The most likely cause is a loose or worn ball joint in the tie rod, especially during sharp turns when friction noises occur. Additionally, aging or cracked stabilizer bar bushings in the suspension system can also produce such sounds. These components are responsible for stabilizing the vehicle body, and over time, the rubber can harden and fail. Tire issues shouldn't be overlooked either, such as small stones stuck in the tread or uneven wear, which can cause abnormal noises when turning under stress. More importantly, loose bolts in the chassis area are a common source of such problems. It's advisable to park the car and manually shake the components near the wheels to check for any looseness. This poses a high safety risk, potentially leading to unstable handling. It's best to visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible for a comprehensive diagnosis of the steering and suspension systems using specialized equipment to prevent minor issues from escalating. Personally, I regularly inspect these components and tighten critical screws every six months, which effectively prevents the occurrence of abnormal noises.
My old car always made creaking noises when turning, and later I found out it was due to worn-out control arm bushings in the suspension—the aged rubber squeaked under turning pressure. Another time, it was a worn ball joint in the tie rod, producing a scary clunking sound. Stones stuck in tire treads can also cause brief noises, but persistent sounds should be taken seriously. A simple method is to park the car securely and tap the wheels by hand to check for loose parts, such as chassis bolts or stabilizer bar links. If you can tighten the bolts yourself, give it a try, but don’t force it if unsure—head to a repair shop immediately. The cost is usually low, often just replacing a small part. Safety first—never ignore turning noises, as they can lead to handling issues, especially dangerous at high speeds. I’m sharing this experience hoping it helps others. Remember to maintain your car regularly to prevent minor issues from escalating and affecting driving comfort.
