What Causes the Squeaking Sound When Turning the Steering Wheel to Full Lock?
2 Answers
The squeaking sound when turning the steering wheel to full lock is caused by: 1. Damaged CV joint bearings; 2. Loose stabilizer links; 3. Excessive pressure from the power steering pump, resulting in abnormal noise. The steering wheel, also known as the helm, consists of a rim, spokes, and hub, with its fine internal splines connecting to the steering shaft. Types of steering wheels include: 1. Single-spoke steering wheel; 2. Dual-spoke steering wheel; 3. Three-spoke steering wheel; 4. Four-spoke steering wheel. Steering wheel materials include: 1. Foam plastic material; 2. Genuine leather steering wheel. The function of the steering wheel is to control the vehicle's direction of travel, manage wheel orientation, enabling the car to move straight or turn.
I've fixed quite a few cases of squeaking when turning the steering wheel to full lock, which usually occurs in the power steering system. When you turn to the limit, the system pressure increases, and the power steering pump may have insufficient or degraded fluid, causing friction noises, especially common in older vehicles. It could also be due to wear in the steering linkage ball joints or universal joints—if lubrication is inadequate, the squeaking starts. Don't underestimate this issue, as it can affect handling safety, such as increasing the risk of losing control during turns. It's advisable to check the fluid level or replace the power steering fluid promptly. If the problem persists, have a professional mechanic inspect whether the bearings are damaged. In daily driving, avoid frequently turning to full lock to extend component lifespan and save on repair costs. In short, address it early to prevent minor issues from becoming major failures.