What Causes the Front Wheels to Make a Clunking Sound When Turning at Full Lock?
2 Answers
The reasons for the front wheels making a clunking sound when turning at full lock are: 1. The sound is caused by the power steering pump hitting the oil seal of the oil reservoir and the rubber sleeve of the steering gear when at full lock; 2. The balance of the steering transmission device is disrupted, and the drive shaft, spline shaft, and spline sleeve may be excessively worn; 3. The rolling bearings in various parts of the steering system are too tightly fitted, the bearing lubrication is poor, or the ball joints of the steering tie rods are too tight or lack lubrication. The steering wheel is the wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and transmit it to the steering shaft. It is mainly composed of a skeleton, foam, and mounting clips or screw holes corresponding to the driver airbag (DAB).
I've been driving for nearly ten years. When making a full-lock turn, the front wheels make a clunking sound, which is commonly caused by loose ball joints, aging steering gears, or worn suspension components. I've seen many similar cases during repairs. If the ball joints are severely worn, the wheels bear uneven force when the steering wheel is fully turned, resulting in a clunking sound. Deformed drive shafts or tie rods are also potential factors. If left unchecked, this not only damages the steering system but may also affect driving stability, especially in slippery conditions like rainy days, making it more dangerous. I recommend doing a simple check for any signs of looseness in the ball joints. If there's noticeable wobbling or frequent unusual noises, take it to a professional repair shop immediately. Driving safety comes first—don't delay to save trouble. Small issues can accumulate into big problems if ignored.
