Always take the problem with whining, rubbing, creaking, and groaning from the engine seriously. When a car makes noise when turning, you can try to lubricate its parts, but it is often just temporary help.
In most cases, such a sound is an early warning that there is a problem with the vehicle you need to solve as soon as possible. Let’s consider the most common reasons for this condition.
The Sound Depends on the Speed
1. Noise at low speeds
If you notice a strange sound while turning at a low speed, the problem is connected with the suspension and power steering system. Worn out or broken suspension joints cause the occurrence of creaking noise.
When there is an issue with a damaged power steering pump or bad belt, you will hear a whining sound from the front of the car engine.
2. Noise at normal speeds
When you hear whining, screeching, or squealing when turning at an average speed, you should suspect that:
- Power steering fluid is on the low level
- There is an issue with a loose belt
- A tie rod linking the steering gear and knuckles is worn out
- Cracking on the hose allows a connection between the gear and the pump
You should take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as noticing a weird sound while turning.
3. Noise at high speeds
In such a case, you should check:
- CV joints when you hear crunching and clicking
- Bad coupling when the car makes the commotion while turning
- Wheel bearings when you hear humming
Since the bearings carry the load during a turn, every ignorance of the problem may lead to uneven tire wear.
Causes of Noise When Turning
4. Bad ball joints
Ball joints are crucial for sustaining movements of the steering knuckles and control arms. You can expect them to become dry over time if you fail to lubricate them regularly. As a result, you will hear a loud creaking noise when turning and experience shaking of the steering wheel.
5. Worn out jounce bushing
A jounce bushing, positioned on top of the front strut, can wear out and become dry and cracked at some point. The result is a sound of creaking or groaning while turning. Go to service right away since the problem will get worse over time and may become a reason for a car accident.
6. Bad struts and shocks
Both struts and shocks last long, but you should count on these pieces to become worn out over time. The noise while turning is the first sign that something is wrong with them. Replace these parts immediately to avoid the car begins to bounce while turning.
7. Leaking of power steering fluid
If you want the power steering system to work correctly, you need to lubricate it with a specially formulated fluid. That way, it can move the steering wheel smoothly again.
If that fluid starts leaking while flowing from a reservoir to the steering rack, steering box, and pinion, you will hear a strange noise when turning.
8. The damaged power steering rack
Once the power steering rack becomes damaged, it will start producing weird whining or creaking sound, especially at lower speeds. In such a situation, visiting a mechanic is recommended.
9. Worn steering column bearing
The upper bearing, placed on the steering column, is a common reason why your steering wheel starts making a noisy rubbing sound while you try to turn the car.
Basically, the plastic in a steering wheel rubs against the cowling positioned on the steering column, especially when its parts expand in hot weather.
10. Bad sway bar link
The sway (anti-roll) bar link allows reducing body roll while you turn the car. Thanks to this part, the four-wheel vehicle stays stabilized during driving since it prevents rolling when you need to turn sharply.
It is highly risky when the sway bar is damaged or broken since you can’t handle your car correctly in that case. The first sign that something is wrong is a clunking sound when turning. This condition requires immediate action and professional help.
11. Damaged tie rod ends
A tie rod is a piece connecting the steering arm to a steering rack of your car. It enables the wheels to move when you turn your steering wheel. Once it loosens or becomes damaged, you will hear a knocking sound while turning at lower speeds. Plus, you will have trouble with turning.
12. Clogged steering reservoir tank
The steering reservoir tank is a part of the car for storing the power steering fluid. Inside that reservoir is a filter that helps the fluid stays clean. Once the reservoir is clogged, you will hear it producing a noise when turning.
How to Fix the Problem
Whatever the reason for a strange and unusual noise is, you will need a professional mechanic to help determine and solve the problem.
After checking the steering and suspension systems, he will find out what causes the noise and recommend what to do. In most cases, it is possible fixing the damage or lubricate the dry parts, but sometimes replacing the broken piece is the only solution.
Take care to get a car insurance policy on time. That way, the insurance company will cover the expenses in the case of accidents, car breakdown, or some other trouble.
Also, most policies offer 24×7 roadside assistance, so you can wait for help when you hear a strange noise. Otherwise, you may face a more severe problem if you ignore the first signs that something is wrong.
Summary
The first thing you need to do once you hear a strange, loud noise when turning is to figure out what type of sound you hear and what part of the car it comes from. You will be surprised once you discover that your vehicle can produce a wide range of noises.
They include screeching, clunking, humming, clicking, crunching, popping, squealing, grinding, or whining. In any case, you should consult a mechanic about the primary problem and solve it as soon as possible to avoid additional complications.