What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Turning the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel may be caused by wear in the CV joint. The solution involves disassembling and inspecting the inner walls of the left and right inner CV joints for wear and indentations. In most cases, the issue arises from indentations caused by wear on the inner walls of the CV joints, specifically at the points where the outer surface of the ball bearings frequently contacts during torque transmission (load-bearing points). Another possible cause is the sound of the turn signal rebound clip. This typically produces three clicking sounds per full rotation of the steering wheel. Below are some related explanations: 1. Noise from the steering column dust cover. If you hear noise coming from below the steering wheel whenever you turn it, whether stationary or moving, you should check the steering column dust cover. 2. Noise due to interference with the clock spring (spiral cable). If the noise comes from inside the steering wheel when turning, this is often caused by interference with the clock spring (spiral cable) inside the steering wheel. 3. Noise from the 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. 4. If the noise is not from the shock absorber's top bearing, check whether the stabilizer bar bushings are loose or damaged.
There is abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel, which I have encountered several times while driving, especially noticeable at low-speed turns, sounding like a clunking or squeaking noise. Common causes include: first, insufficient or aged power steering fluid, causing the oil pump to grind dry and produce noise. If ignored, high oil temperature can damage the power steering system, leading to difficulty in steering. Second, wear or looseness in the tie rod or ball joint, increasing the gap between components, causing friction noise when turning. Third, a loose belt, where the power steering belt in the engine compartment can produce a screeching sound if misaligned. From my experience, abnormal noise is not only annoying but may also hide safety hazards, such as a broken tie rod leading to loss of steering control. Therefore, upon hearing such noise, it's best to pull over and check the fluid level or tire pressure. If the issue persists, take the car to a repair shop as soon as possible—don’t skimp on maintenance and risk bigger problems.
