Car Makes Noise When Turning: 3 Different Sounds And What They Mean 

Almost no car makes noise when turning; as you go around a corner, it should operate fluidly without sounds. However, if there is an issue with internal components, the vehicle will create multiple sounds to warn you about its condition. And it’s crucial to notice such signs early to save you from the big bucks of late treatments – and for the sake of your car.

In today’s post, Driverevolve will discuss 3 different sounds cars make when turning, their meanings, and possibly associated problems. 

Knocking And Clunking Noise When Turning

Faulty Tie Rods

Tie rods are essential components of the mechanism because they link up the turning joint to the steering shaft of a car. Tie rods bind the tires’ direction with steering wheel movement, allowing users to manage their vehicles better. 

Drivers will hear a clunking sound if their tie rod tip is loosened or damaged. Furthermore, deteriorated tie rod tips also make wheeling harder to control, posing a risk of accidents. If a vehicle produces such a sound when turning, car owners should thoroughly examine the tie rods.

Broken Sway Bar Link

Unlike the problem above, the anti-roll bars or sway bar links are responsible for regulating roll motions during steering or cornering. It also assists the 4-wheel auto in remaining stable on the street and avoiding slipping when making a rapid turn.

However, the sway bar may be degraded or cracked if your vehicle creates clunking sounds when going around a corner, which you must address right away. Not only will your car make a knocking sound when wheeling, but it will also cause difficulties in managing the vehicle.

Defective Ball Joints

Finally, ball joints link your wheel axles to the remainder of the suspension system. As a result, if a ball joint wears out or stops working, you could hear a creaking sound when turning your vehicle that gets noisier over time.

Creaking Noise When Turning

Dry Suspension Bushings

Bushings, as with all other auto components, degrade over time. As a result, they crumble, fracture, and make creaky sounds when steering the wheel. Car owners must change them as soon as possible to minimize the risk of a collision.

Damaged Power Steering Components

Double-check your power steering pistons, conveyors, and bars when you hear a creaking noise when turning the car wheel. When these components are broken or rusted, they make a cracking noise. They will also get even noisier during low-speed turns, alerting car drivers.

Worn Struts/Shocks

Struts and shock absorbers are incredibly crucial parts of your car and are usually pretty durable. 

However, if your car makes noises when turning (especially creaks) and you notice liquid leakage on the edge of your frontal shocks, you are in bad luck: your car’s shocks and struts are damaged and must be replaced. 

Squeaking Noise When Turning 

Power Steering Mechanism’s Problems

The power steering mechanism in your vehicle comprises a few parts. Each one is subject to deterioration and external damages and may necessitate maintenance at some stage in its lifespan.

All power steering systems have a piston, steering mechanism, and cables. If any parts mentioned above screw up or sustain damage, the consequence might be an irritating squeaky noise from beneath the hood.

A broken pump may even start whining, while defective steering joints might screech. Either of such might be to blame for the squeaky sound your automobile causes when moving around a corner.

Low Power Steering Liquid

It might have been a good while since you last had the power steering liquid level inspected, or it might have leaked. In any case, a power steering liquid shortage may cause squeaky noises when wheeling your car.

Most of the car parts are kept lubed by power steering liquid. Without this lubricant, a squeaking noise is almost inevitable.

Bad Power Steering Liquid 

If dust or contaminants have made their way into the power steering liquid, this lubricant will not perform as it usually does. Bigger contaminants can even cause unwanted abrasion where it is not desired. As a result, your car exhibits cranking sounds, rattles, or the dreaded squeak.

Low Lubrication In The Suspension And Steering

Another possible explanation for why a vehicle produces a squeaky sound when wheeling is a lack of lube in the suspension and steering.

An abnormal squeak may be due to a shortage of lubricating oil in moving mechanical components, especially parts of the suspension and steering systems. 

Tie rods, gaskets, bearings, and ball joints all require lubrication for optimal performance, so if you’ve noticed a squeaky sound when turning, contact an expert for a thorough check.

Ball Joints Or Bushings Problems  

Ball bushings and joints are 2 essential parts that function very closely with your wheel systems. You’ll notice slight vibrations while also hearing an irritating squeak when wheeling your car if something is wrong with these 2 components.

If your ball joints and bushings are malfunctioning, have them serviced by a specialist.

Faulty Steering Wheel Belt 

Squeaky noises during turning aren’t always related to the power steering mechanism (even though most of them are). Squeaks can also be caused by a damaged or loosened steering wheel conveyor. 

Snapped Suspension Springs

If your car squeaks when turning, the culprits might be the tires massaging against the tire arches or broken suspension springs. In case your car spring breaks, it poses a risk of perforating the tires, causing way more severe consequences than the squeaks. 

In the other situation where the tires settle against the arches, it could result in both the irritating squeaks and your car smelling like burning rubber.

Brakes Issues 

Your braking system is another part that is frequently responsible for an unpleasant squeak. 

Brakes are located within your tires and may easily be damaged. If any portion of the wheel mechanism has deteriorated, become loosened, has seeped fluids, or has exhibited rust and oxidation in the braking mechanism, your brakes will yield a squeaky sound.

In this case, the squeaks are most evident when you brake your car. If there is a squeaking noise while driving but not brakes applied, search for other reasons. 

Wrapping Up 

There are several reasons your car makes noise when turning, multiple kinds of noises, and dozens of possible root causes for each type. Above is our quick take on potential culprits behind different car sounds when wheeling. For a more detailed diagnosis, seek professional help and advice.

For more content like this, visit our Fun Driving section.