What Causes Steering Wheel Noise When Turning?
2 Answers
Steering wheel noise during rotation can be caused by various factors such as aging of the tie rod end ball joint, loose stabilizer bar bushings, dirty power steering fluid, or lack of lubrication in the shock absorber top bearing. Below are detailed explanations for the causes of steering wheel noise when turning: 1. Lack of lubrication in shock absorber top bearing: If the noise seems to come from outside the vehicle when turning the steering wheel, it might be due to insufficient lubrication in the shock absorber's top bearing. You can verify this by opening the hood and listening if the noise originates from the shock absorber top mount area. Applying grease may solve the issue, but if the noise persists, replacement is necessary. 2. Loose stabilizer bar bushings: If the noise isn't from the shock absorber bearing, check the stabilizer bar bushings for looseness or damage. Loose or damaged bushings will not only cause noise during steering but also when driving over rough roads. Looseness can sometimes be fixed by adding shims, but damaged bushings require replacement. 3. Dirty power steering fluid: Contaminated power steering fluid increases system pressure, leading to a humming noise from the power steering pump. The solution is to replace the power steering fluid promptly. 4. Aging tie rod end ball joint: Worn tie rod end ball joints can cause both steering wheel vibration and noise. This typically requires replacement of the tie rod end followed by a four-wheel alignment.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered the issue of strange noises when turning the steering wheel several times. These sounds usually resemble creaking or clicking, often indicating problems with certain components of the steering system. For example, the universal joint inside the steering column might lack lubrication, causing metal-to-metal friction and noise when turning; or the ball joint in the tie rod may be worn and loose, producing a clicking sound. In cold weather, the grease thickens, making such noises more likely. Ignoring this issue can lead to heavier steering, unstable control, and even safety hazards. I suggest car owners perform a simple check first: find a flat spot, park the car, and turn the steering wheel left and right to locate the source of the noise; check the power steering fluid level if it's a hydraulic-assisted vehicle. However, don't delay—it's best to take the car to a repair shop as soon as possible for a technician to diagnose and fix the issue. Regular maintenance can prevent most of these problems.