Why does the front wheel squeak when the car is turning?
3 Answers
The reasons for the front wheel squeaking when the car is turning are as follows: 1. Severe wear: The front tires of the vehicle are significantly worn, and the owner needs to replace them. 2. Lack of lubrication: The steering gear is damaged or lacks lubrication, and the owner should apply some lubricating oil to the steering gear bearings. 3. Foreign object friction: There are foreign objects on the ground that cause friction with the tires when turning in place. Tire maintenance methods are as follows: 1. Reduce the use of the steering function: Owners should try to avoid turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is parked. This causes considerable wear to both the steering gear and tires. It is best to use the steering function while the vehicle is moving, as this minimizes tire wear. 2. Steering gear maintenance: Owners should service the vehicle's steering gear every 10,000 kilometers to prevent damage from excessive use. The most critical component of the steering gear is the bearing. When the vehicle leaves the factory, the bearing is coated with a large amount of grease, but this grease gradually wears away with use. Owners need to replenish it periodically.
I've encountered this issue several times recently, all caused by squeaking noises from worn ball joints in the steering system. When the car turns, the noise from the front wheels may originate from aging or insufficient lubrication at the connection points between ball joints and tie rods. These components develop gaps over time, causing friction noises when they rub against each other. Additionally, don't forget to check the suspension components - loose shock absorbers or lower control arms can also generate noise during turns. I recommend lifting the vehicle for thorough inspection first. If you find severely worn parts, replace them immediately as impaired steering could be dangerous. Regular maintenance with grease application to pivot points can prevent many issues. Misaligned brake components like calipers or pads rubbing against wheels can also cause noises, so comprehensive troubleshooting is necessary. In short, such minor issues shouldn't be ignored - visiting a professional repair shop promptly is the wisest approach. Delaying repairs might lead to bigger hazards, as driving safety should always come first.
I've been driving for over a decade and have experienced several instances of squeaking sounds when turning. Initially, I thought it was debris stuck in the tires, but later learned it's mostly caused by chassis issues. For example, if the tie rod end is loose or worn out, it can create friction and noise when turning, and in severe cases, even cause the steering wheel to shake. Uneven tire wear can also lead to squeaking when the contact surface is under pressure during turns, and checking the tread depth can give a preliminary indication. Additionally, old or insufficiently lubricated wheel bearings can produce squeaks, affecting the smoothness of turns. When I handle such issues myself, I usually start by driving slowly and turning to listen for the source of the noise. Then, I find a flat spot to stop and manually check the tires for looseness. If anything seems off, it's best not to push it and instead take the car to a shop for a thorough inspection to avoid breakdowns on the road. Remember to regularly lubricate the steering system—developing good habits can prevent a lot of headaches.
