What to Do When There's Abnormal Noise During Braking While Turning but Not When Going Straight?
3 Answers
You can check if there are any foreign objects or bulges on the tires. Bulges on the tires or embedded stones or nails can cause abnormal noises at very low speeds. At high speeds, the noise may still be present, but it becomes less noticeable due to the high frequency. Check if the ball joints of the steering tie rods are loose. Loose ball joints can produce noise when turning to one side, and a mechanic should be able to diagnose this. However, note that manually pulling to check might not be effective, as if the ball joint is loose enough to be moved by hand, it's already too loose. Use a pry bar to apply some force and check. It's best to perform this operation on a lift for safety.
I used to encounter this issue frequently - squeaking noises when braking during turns, but no sound when driving straight. It's mostly a minor problem with the braking system. At that time, I did some self-inspection: first parked the car in a safe place and checked if the front brake pads had uneven wear, because uneven wheel force distribution during turns can easily cause friction noises. Also, I felt the brake discs to check for contaminants - once I found a small stone stuck in there, and the noise improved significantly after removing it. If you can't fix it yourself, it's best to take it to a repair shop and have a professional mechanic check the suspension components or wheel bearings, just to be safe. Remember, if the noise becomes severe while driving, don't force it - it could wear out other components. Regular maintenance can also prevent such issues.
As someone who has driven for over 20 years, I believe that experiencing brake noise during turns but not when driving straight is definitely a sign of issues with wheel-related components. I've encountered situations where uneven brake discs caused uneven friction during turns, resulting in noise. The solution was to have them resurfaced or replaced. Another possible cause could be loose or worn brake pads that rattle and produce noise when turning. My advice would be to avoid DIY fixes and take your car to a professional repair shop for diagnosis—they can quickly identify the issue with proper tools. Ignoring this problem could worsen the noise during high-speed turns and potentially lead to brake failure, which is a serious safety risk. Also, adopting better driving habits like avoiding sharp turns and sudden braking can help extend the lifespan of these components.
