What Causes the Front Wheels to Make a Rattling Sound When the Steering Wheel is Fully Turned?
3 Answers
The reasons for the front wheels making a rattling sound when the steering wheel is fully turned are: 1. Damage to the plane bearing; 2. Aging of the bushings between the shock absorber and the suspension, leading to increased clearance and friction between the suspension and shock absorber during steering; 3. Steering system failure. The solutions are: 1. Replace the plane bearing; 2. Replace all aged rubber bushings on the suspension; 3. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected and repaired at a 4S shop. The steering wheel is the wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. The gear system introduced between the driver and the wheels by the steering wheel operates flexibly, effectively isolating severe vibrations from the road.
Not long after I got my driver's license, I was pulling into a parking spot in my neighborhood with the steering wheel turned all the way, and the front wheels started making a loud creaking noise—it felt like the whole car was about to fall apart. Later, I learned that it might have been due to worn-out ball joints in the tie rods. When these rubber components age, they can dry out, crack, and leak oil, causing stiffness and creaking when turning. Another possibility was low power steering fluid, leading to insufficient pump pressure and resulting in metal-on-metal grinding noises. The issue was even more noticeable in cold weather because the lubricant's viscosity increases. I tried checking the tire pressure and the tightness of the steering system myself and found that addressing small issues promptly can save a lot of trouble. Regularly adding lubricant or replacing worn ball joints is key—otherwise, steering failure on the highway can be extremely dangerous, especially for new drivers. It's important to learn basic maintenance knowledge to stay calm in such situations.
I often tinker with my old car, and when the steering wheel makes a creaking sound at full lock, the first thing I think of is a damaged ball joint. If the tie rod end is worn and loose, you can feel the play by shaking it. Or, the power steering pump might have low oil pressure—try replacing the hydraulic fluid. If the suspension system, like the control arm mounting bolts, is loose, it can also cause noise, so check the fasteners yourself. I use a stethoscope to locate the noise source, addressing it early to prevent major steering system repairs. A reminder: the noise is more frequent during cold starts or in humid rainy seasons. Timely maintenance can extend part lifespan, saving money and ensuring safety.
