What Causes the Noise Under the Steering Wheel When Driving on Rough Roads?

[Gianna]

Here are the specific reasons for the noise under the steering wheel when driving on rough roads: 1. Check the car's shock absorbers. It is best to go to a 4S shop or repair shop and use a lift to raise the vehicle to inspect whether there are gaps in the shock absorbers or faults in the suspension. If the shock absorber is leaking oil, it may be due to a faulty oil seal gasket, and the shock absorber needs to be replaced. Generally, the service life of a shock absorber is 80,000-100,000 kilometers. When the car reaches 80,000 kilometers, the technician should be asked to check the condition of the shock absorbers during regular maintenance, and repair any faults promptly. 2. Excessive clearance in the steering tie rod ball joint may also cause noise when turning. In severe cases, it may lead to steering wheel shaking or uneven tire wear. The ball joint should be replaced at a 4S shop or repair shop as soon as possible. 3. Excessive clearance or looseness in the lower control arm. The lower control arm is an important component that maintains the elasticity of the car body and is part of the car's suspension. It connects the axle and the frame, helping to absorb the impact of rough roads on the car. Once the lower control arm fails, it should be replaced promptly at a 4S shop or repair shop.

[LaEmiliano]

I've encountered this issue of strange noises under the steering wheel countless times in my decades of driving, especially when going over bumpy roads where the rattling starts. The most common sources are loose steering linkage rods or untightened screws that creak when jolted on rough surfaces, or worn-out steering column bearings that produce friction noise when turning the wheel. Another frequent culprit is aged shock absorber brackets or cracked plastic components that cause rumbling sounds when vibrations reach below the steering wheel. Don't underestimate this problem—many cars I've serviced developed sluggish steering or even loss of control due to these noises. I recommend parking and gently shaking the steering wheel to locate the sound, but it's best to have a professional shop inspect and reinforce the components, as safety should always come first.