What causes the squeaking sound when turning the steering wheel to the limit?
2 Answers
Reasons for the squeaking sound when turning the steering wheel to the limit: 1. If the noise occurs in the morning or when the car is not warmed up, accompanied by slight shaking of the vehicle, it is a normal phenomenon; 2. There may be an issue with the power steering fluid; 3. Some car models use hydraulic power steering, and when the steering wheel is turned to the limit, the hydraulic power steering pump operates under high load, which can cause noise, and this is normal. The power for the steering system comes from hydraulic fluid. If the hydraulic fluid becomes dirty or deteriorates, the formed oil film cannot meet the normal working strength, and the deteriorated hydraulic fluid's lubrication performance decreases, leading to increased friction between metal parts, reducing the lifespan of the components, and potentially causing abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel.
I was driving when the steering wheel made a creaking noise at full lock, which scared me into rushing to the repair shop. The technician said this is mostly caused by insufficient lubrication in the steering system. Lack of oil in the steering column or tie rod joints can cause friction noise, which can accelerate component wear. My old car once had a complete power steering failure due to long-term neglect, costing over a thousand to fix. Regularly checking the power steering fluid level is crucial, and it should be topped up at least once a year. Prevention is better than cure—steering hesitation at high speeds can be really dangerous. Remember, this noise isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a reminder to maintain the car promptly, saving a lot of hassle.
