Why does the car steering wheel make a creaking sound when turning?

[Tom]

Car steering wheel makes a creaking sound when turning due to: 1. Unlubricated steering column with high friction; 2. Lack of power steering fluid; 3. Faulty universal joint; 4. Aging rubber bushings of the chassis suspension stabilizer bar; 5. Damaged plane bearing; 6. Issues with the power steering system; 7. Poor driving habits, such as excessive braking; 8. Abnormal wear on the brake disc and brake pad surfaces. Precautions for using the steering wheel include: 1. Do not remove both hands from the steering wheel simultaneously; 2. The amplitude and speed of steering wheel rotation should match the turning angle of the car and the vehicle's speed; 3. Avoid turning the steering wheel when the car is stationary to prevent damage to the steering system and tire wear; 4. Do not place left and right hands too close together on the steering wheel.

[Nicholas]

I've seen this issue quite often when the steering wheel creaks during turns. Most likely, it's a problem with the steering system, such as severe wear in the tie rod or ball joint components. Over time, the lubricant between these metal parts dries up or corrodes, causing harsh noises when they rub against each other. It could also be due to insufficient power steering fluid—low fluid levels make the pump work inefficiently, resulting in heavier steering and accompanying noises. I once drove an old car and ignored this sound, which nearly led to a steering failure and an accident. Now, whenever I hear it, I immediately get it checked, focusing on the fluid levels and suspension connection points. Regular oil changes and lubrication can prevent this. If the problem is more noticeable in winter, pay attention to how temperature changes affect material performance. In short, don't ignore it—safety comes first. A quick check at the repair shop will reveal the issue.

[Bentley]

A creaking sound when turning the steering wheel usually stems from aging suspension or steering components. For instance, damaged rubber bushings in the steering ball joint or tie rod can cause metal-to-metal contact and friction noise when lubrication is insufficient. Low or degraded power steering fluid can also lead to similar noises, as the pump requires adequate hydraulic pressure to function properly—insufficient fluid makes steering stiff and noisy. When troubleshooting myself, I first check the power steering fluid reservoir level and top it up if low. If the noise persists, it might indicate internal component wear, such as in the tie rod bearings, requiring professional diagnosis. To minimize vibration and wear, avoid rough roads when driving. Repair costs are generally low, often just a few hundred yuan for part replacements—don’t delay until more expensive overhauls are needed. Safety first; if the noise continues, visit a repair shop promptly.

[VonAva]

My new car has been driven for over a year, and recently it keeps making creaking noises when turning, which is really worrying. It might be some loose or worn parts in the steering system, like the tie rod end. I checked some information, and it said insufficient power steering fluid could also cause this—if the fluid is low, the pump won't work properly. First, simply check the fluid level in the reservoir; it's best if it's normal. If there's no leakage, it might be a damaged suspension-related component, and a mechanic should take a look. I drove straight to the shop, and it turned out to be a minor issue—replacing a part fixed the noise. Reminding myself to check for abnormalities before every start-up; safety can't be taken lightly. Deal with it promptly.