What Causes the Steering Wheel to Make Noise When Turned to the Full Lock?
2 Answers
Analysis of the reasons for the squeaking noise when the steering wheel is turned to the full lock is as follows: 1. If the noise occurs in the morning or when the car is not warmed up, accompanied by slight shaking of the car, it is a normal phenomenon. The reason is the Ackermann angle design. The Ackermann angle is the angle difference between the outer and inner wheels when the car is turning. Because the turning radius of the inner and outer wheels is different, the inner wheel always needs to turn more than the outer wheel to ensure smooth turning of the car body. 2. Issues with the power steering fluid. Power steering fluid is essentially hydraulic oil. The power for the steering system comes from the hydraulic oil. If the hydraulic oil becomes dirty or deteriorates, the oil film formed cannot meet the normal working strength, and the lubrication performance of the deteriorated hydraulic oil decreases, leading to increased friction between metal parts, reducing the service life of the parts, which may cause noise when the steering wheel is turned. 3. Some car models use hydraulic power steering. When the steering wheel is turned to the full lock, the hydraulic power steering pump is under high load conditions, which can cause noise, and this is a normal phenomenon.
There's an abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel to full lock. I've encountered similar situations several times in my decades of driving. It could be due to wear in the tie rod ends of the steering system, where increased friction between components at full lock produces creaking or squeaking sounds. Insufficient lubrication can exacerbate the issue. If left unaddressed over time, it may lead to steering failure or abnormal tire wear, which is quite dangerous. Whenever I notice such noises, I habitually inspect under the car, such as checking for oil leaks or loose components, but it's best to have a professional mechanic conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. Avoiding the habit of turning to full lock and slightly releasing the steering can reduce this wear. During maintenance, remind the technician to focus on inspecting the steering and suspension systems to avoid unnecessary major repairs and expenses. Personally, I believe driving safety comes first, and even minor issues shouldn't be ignored.
