What Causes the Steering Wheel to Make Noise When Reversing?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the steering wheel makes noise when reversing: 1. Friction: The floor mats installed at the rear of the car are too large and come into direct contact with the steering column. As the steering column rotates, friction occurs, leading to noise. If the steering column lacks lubrication, it will produce friction sounds, and lubrication oil needs to be applied. 2. Lack of lubrication in bearings: When turning the steering wheel, if the noise seems to come from outside the car, it may be due to a lack of lubrication in the shock absorber's plane bearings. Open the hood to confirm if the noise originates from the top of the shock absorber. If the plane bearings lack lubrication, apply grease or replace the plane bearings.
I've encountered the issue of strange noises when turning the steering wheel while reversing several times. The most common causes are worn tie rods or ball joints, where increased clearance leads to clunking sounds when turning; insufficient power steering fluid or air bubbles in the system can cause squealing as the power assist weakens; also, uneven tire tread wear or small stones stuck in the tread can produce friction noises during turns. Personally, I notice these sounds more when driving in rainy conditions or dusty areas, and I've found that lubricating rubber bushings can help reduce squeaks. If you hear a clicking sound, it's dangerous as it might indicate loose ball joints posing a risk of loss of control. I recommend immediately checking and topping up the power steering fluid level, and if that doesn't help, visit a repair shop to tighten components—don't skimp on this to avoid bigger problems later. Regular maintenance, such as using professional-grade fluids, can prevent 90% of these issues, especially for older vehicles which require more frequent checks on the suspension system.
