What Causes the Clicking Sound When Turning the Steering Wheel After Replacing the Shock Absorber?
4 Answers
Reasons for the clicking sound when turning the steering wheel after replacing the shock absorber are as follows: 1. Abnormal noise from the rebound spring of the turn signal switch: If the sound occurs only after activating the turn signal switch and then turning the steering wheel, it is the sound from the rebound spring of the turn signal auto-return mechanism, which is normal. This design is for the convenience of the driver. 2. Noise from the steering column dust cover: If the sound comes from below the steering wheel when turning the steering wheel, whether stationary or moving, check the steering column dust cover. Lack of lubrication in the dust cover can cause dry friction noise. Applying some grease inside the dust cover will eliminate the sound. 3. Noise from the steering column universal joint: If a "clicking" sound is heard from below the steering wheel when turning it, it may be from the universal joint in the steering column. Lubricating the universal joint with grease can help; if the sound persists, the part may need replacement. 4. Dryness noise from the airbag clock spring: If the sound comes from inside the steering wheel when turning it, it is likely due to dryness in the airbag clock spring. Remove the steering wheel airbag clock spring, apply some grease, and check if the sound persists. If it does, replace the airbag clock spring as it may be damaged.
I've encountered a similar issue before, let me share my experience. After replacing the shock absorbers last time, there was a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel, which really annoyed me. It could be due to loose screws or components during installation, such as the top mount screws or tie rod nuts being loose, causing friction sounds when the car turns. Another possibility is a damaged thrust bearing - the new shock absorber might not properly compress the old bearing, resulting in abnormal noises. Additionally, the shock absorber itself might be incompatible, with old chassis components dragging down the new parts. At that time, I personally checked the tightness of the screws and found the top mount screws weren't properly tightened. After tightening them, the noise reduced. But for a complete solution, it's best to have a professional shop recheck everything - safety first. Remember, clunking noises aren't just annoying; ignoring them long-term could wear out the steering system, leading to more expensive repairs later.
As a seasoned driver, I've seen this kind of situation many times. The clunking sound when turning after replacing shock absorbers is usually due to improperly installed components, such as loose top mounts or worn-out thrust bearings, which cause friction noise during steering. It could also be that the tie rods or lower control arms are old, and the new shock absorbers haven't balanced the pressure properly. Once, I replaced them in my own garage, and the clunking sound turned out to be from a small forgotten screw—it was easily fixed and then everything ran smoothly. I recommend checking the tightness of the chassis screws first before heading out on a long trip. If the problem persists, take it to a mechanic—safety should never be taken lightly. Regular maintenance checks on chassis components are always better than fixing issues after they arise.
A clunking sound when turning after shock replacement may be due to improper installation of the top mount or wear in the thrust bearing causing looseness. The noise indicates unstable component fixation, such as loose screws or new shocks being incompatible with old parts, compromising steering safety. I once experienced a similar issue during a long drive, and the next day's inspection revealed an unsecured top mount - timely repair prevented major problems. Recommend parking to check for obvious chassis looseness, then contact a professional shop to eliminate potential hazards.
