What Causes the Noise from Suspension Springs When Turning?
3 Answers
The noise from suspension springs when turning can be caused by various reasons. Here is a detailed explanation: 1. Friction between plastic components: Since the steering wheel is usually made of plastic parts, if the temperature drops, the plastic becomes harder, which can naturally lead to friction noise. 2. Noise coming from the steering wheel: If the noise originates from the steering wheel, the issue is most likely due to the clock spring (spiral cable) inside the steering wheel. Remove the steering wheel and apply some grease to the clock spring to see if the noise persists. If it does, replace the clock spring as it may be damaged. Be gentle when removing the steering wheel, or disconnect the airbag fuse to prevent the airbag from deploying. 3. Aging of the tie rod end ball joint: If the tie rod end ball joint is aged, it can cause the car's steering wheel to shake and produce noise. In such cases, the tie rod end ball joint should typically be replaced, followed by a four-wheel alignment.
I've driven quite a few cars, and it's quite common to hear creaking or clicking sounds from the suspension springs when turning. Usually, this is due to issues with the springs themselves, such as aging and deformation after long-term use, or twisted spring coils causing friction noises. Another possibility is wear on the spring mounts or rubber gaskets, which can become loose and collide under steering forces, producing sounds. Another common cause is damaged shock absorber seals, where leaked oil fails to provide cushioning, leading to uneven force distribution on the springs during turns, resulting in creaking. It's also important to check the connecting components of the steering and suspension systems, such as worn lower control arm ball joints or stabilizer bar bushings. If these are loose, they can indirectly affect the springs' load distribution during turns, causing noise. When driving, avoid sharp turns or rough roads. During regular maintenance, have a technician inspect the overall condition of the suspension. Address any issues early to prevent them from turning into major repairs that cost more.
As someone who enjoys delving into the mechanical principles of cars, I've found that the causes of suspension spring noise during steering aren't limited to the spring itself. If the spring is fatigued, deformed, or cracked, it naturally makes noise under pressure changes. However, more often the issue lies in the failure of the shock absorber's piston rod seal, leading to insufficient hydraulic pressure, causing the spring to jump and rub when steering force is high. Wear in steering system components like tie rods or rocker arm bushings can also disrupt suspension balance during turning, indirectly causing spring noise. Loose or rusted fixing bolts on suspension components can creak when friction coefficients are high. I recommend avoiding sharp steering wheel movements to reduce sudden turn impacts; during maintenance, test spring tension and shock absorber oil condition—simple adjustments can prevent minor issues from accumulating into major hazards.
