5 Reasons Your Car Makes Noise When Turning
August 17th, 2021 by Fix Auto USA
All cars are prone to wear and tear. And, as your car gets older, you may start to notice noise when turning.
Noises Your Car Can Make When Turning
Here are five common noises that can crop up when you are turning your car and what they can mean.
1. Creaking
Creaking sounds indicate your suspension joints may be worn out or broken. These sounds are more likely to happen when you’re driving at a low speed.
Alternatively, a creaking sound that gets louder over time typically indicates your car’s ball joints may be faulty. Meanwhile, if your suspension system’s bushing is not properly maintained, it can cause a creaking sound when you turn.
2. Whining or Screeching
If you notice a whining sound that seems to be coming from your engine, the power steering pump may be defective. Like the sounds that occur due to worn-out or broken suspension joints, the whining of a faulty power steering pump tends to happen if you’re driving at a low speed.
Comparatively, if your steering wheel makes noise when turning, your power steering system may be causing the issue. In this instance, you may notice a whining or screeching noise when you turn at a normal speed.
3. Crunching
You may hear a crunching sound when you turn at a high speed. In this instance, your car’s CV joints may be defective.
4. Clunking
A clunking sound that occurs when you turn the steering wheel indicates a tie rod may be loose or broken.
5. Knocking
A knocking sound may be attributed to a worn-out sway bar link. At this point, a defective sway bar link can hamper your ability to safely drive your car, too.
What To Do If Your Car Makes Noise When Turning
Bring your car to a certified automotive mechanic if you notice any noise when you turn. They can check out your suspension system and steering wheel and find out why the noise is occurring. Then, your mechanic can determine the best course of action to address the problem.
There may be times when lubricating your suspension system can correct noise that occurs when you turn your steering wheel. Or, worn-out or defective car parts may need to be repaired or replaced.
Also, if you hear a strange noise when you turn, it pays to search around your car’s cabin. An empty water bottle or other items on your cabin floor can make noise when you turn. If you remove these items from your cabin, you can stop the noise. Plus, you may be able to avoid a costly and time-intensive trip to a mechanic.
Is It Safe To Drive A Car That Makes Noise When Turning?
Noise that occurs when you turn your car’s steering wheel won’t disappear on its own. It’s often a sign that one or more car components are worn out or defective. Promptly bring your car to a mechanic if you notice noise when turning. If a car component fails while you’re behind the wheel, you can put yourself and others at risk of an accident.
Be proactive if you notice noise when you turn your steering wheel. Let a certified auto mechanic inspect and correct the issue, and you can eliminate the noise and drive safely once again.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto 5th Avenue, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Anchorage area and surrounding communities.
