What Causes the Hissing Friction Sound from the Front Wheels When Turning at Low Speed?
4 Answers
Low-speed turning with a hissing friction sound from the front wheels is caused by excessive wear of the brake pads, leading to abnormal noise. It is necessary to promptly inspect the brake pads and replace them if needed. Below is relevant information about brake pads: 1. Brake Pad Maintenance: The effectiveness of a car's braking system is largely determined by the brake pads, which are crucial for the vehicle. Regular inspection and protection are essential. Under normal driving conditions, the brake pads should be inspected every 5,000 kilometers. Not only should the remaining thickness be checked, but also the wear condition of the pads, whether the wear on both sides is even, and whether they retract smoothly. Any abnormalities must be addressed immediately. Brake pads should be replaced when their thickness is reduced to approximately 0.5 cm. 2. Brake Pad Replacement: When replacing brake pads, it is best to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This ensures the best braking performance and minimizes wear between the brake pads and discs. After replacement, it is important to pump the brakes several times to eliminate any gap between the pads and the brake discs.
A hissing sound from the front wheels during low-speed turns? In my 20+ years as a mechanic, I've seen this often. The most common cause is the power steering pump straining when steering system resistance increases - especially noticeable during stationary turns. Another possibility is uneven ball bearing pressure from worn front wheel bearings causing squeaking. Oh, and if the outer CV boot cracks and leaks grease, letting grit inside, it'll create a rustling noise. Once had a car where a torn boot was ignored, eventually requiring a full CV joint replacement costing over a thousand. These noises may seem minor, but neglecting them can lead to heavier steering or sudden jamming - never delay safety-related issues.
I also encountered this kind of abnormal noise when I first bought the car. There was a hissing sound like metal rubbing whenever I turned the steering wheel. After checking at the 4S shop, it turned out to be a brake pad issue. The mechanic said some models' original brake pads didn't have chamfered edges, causing side friction against the brake disc when turning, which produced the noise. Another time, it was the tire sidewall rubbing against the inner fender liner, deforming the plastic panel. Now I've developed a habit of checking for small stones stuck in the tire treads and cracks in rubber components when washing the car. In my opinion, although such noises don't affect driving, it's always better to identify the cause early for peace of mind.
From your description, it sounds like dry friction noise. Focus on checking three areas: 1) Whether the power steering fluid reservoir level is sufficient - replace if the oil appears black; 2) Aging of the lower control arm bushings can cause metal-on-metal dry grinding with a hissing sound; 3) Poor retraction of brake calipers leading to slight pad-disc contact. Last week, my brother's car had cracked bushings - fixed with just 50 yuan in parts cost. Recommend against DIY disassembly - proper diagnosis requires lifting the vehicle and manually shaking the wheels. Never neglect steering system issues - most repair shops now offer free inspection services.
