What Causes the Chassis to Make Abnormal Noises When Turning the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Abnormal noises from the chassis when turning the steering wheel are mainly caused by a lack of lubrication. Below is a detailed introduction to the causes and solutions for abnormal noises from the chassis when turning the steering wheel: 1. Engine Abnormal Noises: Symptoms: There are many possible causes for abnormal noises from the engine compartment. Most people can identify the noise as coming from the engine compartment, often characterized by a sharp metallic sound or a whistling noise. Solution: Abnormal engine noises indicate a change in the technical state of a certain engine component. This can be due to excessive wear or improper assembly and adjustment. Some noises may even signal potential catastrophic engine damage. Therefore, when abnormal engine noises occur, they should be repaired promptly to prevent further damage. It is important to note that if the noise originates from inside the engine, the owner is usually unable to fix it themselves, and it is best to send the vehicle to a professional repair shop. 2. Transmission Abnormal Noises: Symptoms: If there is a "sandy" sound inside the transmission while driving, which disappears when the clutch or accelerator is pressed, or if there is a whistling sound when shifting gears. Solution: The transmission has many components, and the causes of abnormal noises can be complex. When analyzing and diagnosing, pay attention to: whether the noise is related to specific speeds, as some planetary gears may produce noticeable noises around 50 km/h; whether the noise is related to certain gears, which is crucial for diagnosing transmission issues—if a noise occurs in a specific gear, it is likely related to the components affecting that gear's transmission; if the noise occurs in all gears, it is often due to issues with the constant-mesh gear shaft or insufficient transmission oil. Also, note whether the noise is related to specific actions, such as shifting gears, starting, rapid acceleration, deceleration, or turning, as these can be effective indicators of the problem. Changing speed and direction is particularly important for diagnosing rear axle issues. If the transmission noise is significant, it is recommended to send the vehicle to a professional repair shop to identify and replace the faulty component. 3. Wear-Related Abnormal Noises: Symptoms: While driving, pressing the accelerator or brake may cause minor noises from certain parts of the vehicle. These noises are usually not loud and do not affect normal driving. Solution: Door noises are mainly caused by a lack of lubrication. Determine whether the noise comes from the door hinges or internal components such as the window regulator, door lock mechanism, or handle mechanism. For door hinges or limiters, use specialized hinge and track lubricants. For internal components like the window regulator, door lock mechanism, or handle mechanism, use specialized door accessory lubricants. Avoid using engine oil or regular grease, as they may freeze in winter and emit harmful fumes that can affect health.
Last time I was making a turn, the chassis kept making clunking noises, which really unsettled me. Experience tells me that steering-related noises are mostly caused by worn tie rod ends or loose steering column bearings. My old car had the same issue—when the ball joints lacked lubrication and aged, they'd produce friction noises. Suspension bushings, like the rubber blocks on control arms, are also prone to drying out, cracking, and deforming, affecting chassis stability, especially during sharp turns. Additionally, insufficient tire pressure or uneven tire wear can add extra vibrations. The solution is to regularly inspect chassis components to avoid problems during high-speed driving. Get to a repair shop early and have them check everything with a lift—replacing a ball joint or bushing usually fixes it. Don't wait for small issues to become big ones. These noises often come with delayed handling response, which is both time-consuming and dangerous.
