What Causes the Clicking Sound When Turning the Steering Wheel While Stationary?
2 Answers
Car stationary steering wheel clicking sound causes: 1. Steering column lacks lubrication, causing high friction; 2. Insufficient power steering fluid; 3. Universal joint failure; 4. Aging and hardening of suspension stabilizer bar bushings; 5. Damaged plane bearing. Solutions for car stationary steering wheel clicking sound: 1. Replace tie rod end and perform wheel alignment; 2. Replace dust boots or apply grease; 3. Replace steering gear; 4. Adjust or replace drive belt tension. Correct steering wheel operation methods: 1. Avoid turning wheels while stationary - turn after vehicle begins moving; 2. After parking, return steering wheel to center position to prevent suspension and tire stress; 3. When making U-turns, avoid turning steering wheel to maximum lock position.
I've been driving my family sedan for over a decade, and recently there's always a clunking sound when turning the steering wheel while stationary. At first, I thought it was a pebble stuck somewhere, but upon inspection, it turned out to be wear in the ball joint of the steering system. This part usually goes unnoticed, but during stationary turns, the stress is higher, and worn components can make noise, which is quite annoying. If the ball joint loosens while driving at high speed, losing control of the direction could lead to serious accidents, so don't take it lightly. I immediately went to the repair shop and replaced the part, and it's much better now. I recommend having the mechanic check the chassis steering components during regular maintenance, especially small parts like tie rods and stabilizer bars. Replacing them early can save a lot of trouble, as delaying repairs can double the cost. Driving safety comes first, and extra caution is needed when you have elderly or children in the family.
