What Causes the Noise When Turning the Steering Wheel?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for noise when turning the steering wheel: 1. Friction between plastic components. The steering wheel is usually made of plastic parts, which harden in cold temperatures, leading to friction sounds. 2. Noise coming from inside the steering wheel. The clock spring (spiral cable) may cause noise from inside the steering wheel. You can remove the clock spring and apply a small amount of grease. Note: Remove the steering wheel slowly or disconnect the airbag fuse to prevent the airbag from deploying. 3. Aging of the tie rod end ball joint. The tie rod end ball joint needs replacement, followed by a four-wheel alignment. 4. Noise from the stabilizer bar. Loose or damaged stabilizer bar bushings can cause noise when turning. Simply adding a shim can solve the problem. 5. Noise from the strut mount bearing. Applying a small amount of grease to the strut mount bearing may help; if the noise persists, the bearing needs replacement.
I just noticed a creaking sound when turning the steering wheel, which worries me because I had a similar issue with my old car. Possible causes include wear and aging of the steering shaft or ball joints, especially when the car has been driven for a long time and the lubricating grease dries up, leading to friction. Another possibility is loose control arm ball joints in the suspension system, which can produce unusual noises during turns. I recommend checking the chassis components first. If you can feel looseness when shaking the wheels by hand, the parts should be replaced immediately. Also, don’t overlook the tire condition—uneven tire pressure can amplify steering noise. Safety-wise, this shouldn’t be delayed, as unusual noises might affect steering precision and increase risks during turns. Visit a repair shop promptly, and regularly applying lubricating grease to the joints can help prevent such issues.
When driving, there is an abnormal noise from the steering wheel, and I've noticed a few times that the sound is squeaky. Common causes include excessive clearance in the universal joint of the steering gear or aging rubber components in the chassis. This issue is more likely to occur when driving frequently in the city with many turns. Misaligned tires or loose wheel hubs can also cause steering noise. I tried simple solutions, such as checking the lubrication condition and adding some oil if it's insufficient. However, it's best to visit a professional repair shop for diagnosis and use tools to test the steering system to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Developing a habit of checking the steering components during every maintenance can save a lot of hassle.
