What is the problem when the steering wheel makes noise at full lock?
2 Answers
Steering wheel making noise at full lock is due to: 1. The plane bearing under the steering wheel is damaged; 2. The ball joint of the stabilizer link is loose. During car steering, the front suspension system is subjected to constantly changing forces, with internal stress accumulation. When steering reaches a certain degree, increased stress causes instantaneous displacement at the loose ball joint, resulting in vibration and abnormal noise. The plane bearing, also known as the pressure bearing, is located at the top of the front shock absorber where it connects to the vehicle body. Its working principle is that when the car turns, the shock absorber rotates with the wheel, and the plane bearing is required to complete this rotation between the shock absorber and the vehicle body. If such abnormal noise occurs, it should be promptly inspected and repaired, otherwise it may cause the steering wheel to become unable to turn.
When I turn the steering wheel all the way while driving, I also hear that buzzing sound, which has been giving me a headache for a while. After looking into it, it's mostly likely an issue with the power steering pump, because turning the wheel all the way increases the pump's pressure significantly, causing noise. It could also be that the power steering fluid is low or has air mixed in, leading to abnormal sounds. Another possibility is wear on the ball joints or tie rods, where increased friction during turning causes noise. I've tried topping up the steering fluid or checking the fluid level myself; if the fluid is dirty, replacing it with new fluid works quite well. But in severe cases, it's necessary to visit a car shop to check if the pump is faulty. Prolonged conditions like this can also accelerate the aging of other components, affecting steering safety. In daily driving, it's important to avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for too long. For example, being gentler when reversing can prevent this issue, something I often remind my family about.
