What causes the abnormal noise in the Nissan Tiida steering gear?
3 Answers
Reasons for abnormal noise in the Nissan Tiida steering gear: Steel plate friction sound: Abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel while stationary is likely caused by the friction between the spring steel plate of the horn wire transmission and the steering wheel. The sound usually comes from inside the car and is a rustling metal friction noise. The solution is to apply some lubricating oil at the friction point between the spring steel plate and the steering wheel. Toe-in and half-shaft issues: If the abnormal noise occurs while driving, the sound usually comes from the front suspension outside the car. If it is a sharp sound, it may be due to excessive or insufficient front wheel toe-in, causing tire scrubbing when turning the steering wheel as the front wheels do not turn parallel. If it is a grinding noise, it is likely caused by excessive wear of the half-shaft CV joint. The solution is to replace the worn parts promptly.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience behind the wheel of a Nissan Tiida, I'm all too familiar with steering gear noise issues. Last month, my car also started making creaking sounds, and the steering wheel felt like it was sawing when turning. A friend suggested I first check the power steering fluid—sure enough, the level was a bit low, so I promptly topped it up with dedicated ATF fluid, and the noise immediately subsided by more than half. But with an older car, the tie rod ends are prone to wear, and when the rubber boots age and let dust in, friction noises start to appear. If the noise persists after topping up the fluid, it could be due to excessive gear clearance inside the steering gear or a leaking seal—a common issue with this Nissan model. If left unrepaired, the noise will only get worse over time, the steering will feel heavier, and driving on the highway will become nerve-wracking. I recommend regularly checking the fluids and suspension components during routine maintenance—addressing small issues early saves money and ensures safety. If DIY repairs are too challenging, it's best to visit a professional shop; a technician can usually pinpoint the problem just by lifting the car.
From my perspective, the first thing to check for steering system noise issues is the wear on the ball joints—they endure tremendous pressure daily. The Nissan Tiida's materials aren't very durable, and once the rubber boot cracks, water gets in and causes rust. Noise can also come from a loose steering column bearing or a malfunctioning power steering pump producing a humming sound. Pay extra attention if the noise is noticeable during cold starts. During inspection, simply shake the tire; if there's wobbling, tighten the components. But the safest approach is to measure the power steering fluid pressure to see if it's within the standard range. Don't ignore the noise—it indicates worsening wear, and sudden steering lock-up could be dangerous. I've encountered this multiple times where users neglected repairs and ended up replacing the entire steering gear at a much higher cost. Have the technician thoroughly inspect the steering system during every maintenance service to avoid unexpected expenses.
