What Causes the Steering Wheel to Make Noise?

[McAlan]

The causes of abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel are as follows: 1. Wear of the half-shaft CV joint. Inspect the inner walls of the left and right inner CV joints for wear and pits. In most cases, the noise is caused by pits formed on the inner wall of the inner CV joint where it frequently contacts the outer race of the ball bearing, i.e., the torque transmission point (stress point). The noise from the turn signal return clip. The steering wheel makes three clicking sounds per full rotation. 2. Noise from the steering column dust cover. If you hear noise coming from below the steering wheel when turning it, whether stationary or moving, check the steering column dust cover. 3. Interference noise from the clock spring. When turning the steering wheel, if the noise comes from inside the wheel, it is mostly caused by interference from the clock spring inside the steering wheel. 4. Loose or damaged stabilizer bar bushings. This not only causes noise when turning but also when driving on uneven roads. Loose stabilizer bar bushings can be fixed by adding shims, but damaged ones must be replaced. 5. Dirty power steering fluid. If the fluid is too dirty, it increases the pressure in the power steering system, causing a "humming" noise from the power steering pump. Replace the power steering fluid promptly. 6. Noise from the turn signal return clip after activating the turn signal. If the noise occurs only when turning the steering wheel after activating the turn signal, it is from the return clip of the turn signal auto-return mechanism. This is normal—each full rotation of the steering wheel produces three clicks because the steering column has three auto-return notches per rotation. The noise stops when the turn signal is turned off.