Why Is My Car Making Noises When I Turn? Explained

When your car makes noises when you turn, it usually points to an issue with the steering, suspension, or drivetrain components. Common culprits include worn-out CV joints, faulty ball joints, low power steering fluid, or a damaged wheel bearing.

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Deciphering Those Turn-Related Car Noises

It’s a common, and often unsettling, experience: you turn your steering wheel, and your car responds with a symphony of squeaks, clicks, groans, or rubs. These noises are more than just annoying; they’re your car’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. Ignoring them can lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs down the line. Let’s dive into the common reasons behind these turn-related noises and what they might mean for your vehicle.

Common Sounds and Their Possible Causes

Cars can make a variety of noises when turning. Each sound often hints at a specific problem area.

The Clicking Noise When Turning

A clicking noise when turning, particularly when turning at low speeds, is often a tell-tale sign of a failing Constant Velocity (CV) joint.

• CV Joints: These are crucial parts of your car’s drivetrain, especially in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. They allow the drive axles to flex and move with the suspension while still transmitting power to the wheels, even when they are turned. The CV joints are protected by rubber boots filled with grease. If these boots tear, dirt and moisture can get in, damaging the joint and its protective grease. As the joint wears out, it develops play, and this play causes the clicking sound as the internal components grind against each other during turns.

  • Diagnosis: The clicking is usually more pronounced when turning sharply. The location of the click (left or right side) often indicates which CV joint is failing.
  • Repair: Replacing the CV axle assembly is typically the solution.

The Groaning Noise When Turning

A groaning noise when turning can be a bit more varied in its origins but frequently involves the power steering system or suspension components.

• Power Steering Pump: As you turn the steering wheel, the power steering pump works to make the process smoother. If the power steering fluid is low, contaminated, or the pump itself is failing, you might hear a groaning or whining sound. This sound often gets louder as you turn the wheel more.

  • Diagnosis: Check the power steering fluid level. If it’s low, you might have a leak. Also, observe if the sound changes with engine RPM.
  • Repair: Topping up or flushing the power steering fluid and replacing the pump if necessary.

• Ball Joints: These are pivot points in your suspension system that allow the wheels to move up and down and also turn left and right. When ball joints wear out, they can develop play, leading to a groaning noise when turning or when going over bumps. The noise is often a deep, resonant sound.

  • Diagnosis: A mechanic can check for play in the ball joints by lifting the vehicle and attempting to move the wheel.
  • Repair: Replacing the worn ball joint(s).

• Tie Rod Ends: Similar to ball joints, tie rod ends connect your steering rack to your steering knuckles, allowing you to steer the wheels. Worn tie rod ends can also produce groaning or clunking sounds, especially during turns.

  • Diagnosis: Visual inspection for damage and checking for play.
  • Repair: Replacing the faulty tie rod end(s).

The Rubbing Noise When Turning

A rubbing noise when turning often suggests something is physically making contact with a rotating part.

• Tire Rubbing: This can happen if your tires are oversized for your vehicle, if your suspension has sagged, or if there’s an issue with the fender liners or splash guards. When you turn, the tire might be making contact with the inner fender well or other body components.

  • Diagnosis: Visually inspect the tire clearance in the wheel well, especially when the wheels are turned. Look for scuff marks on the tires or the inner fender.
  • Repair: This might involve adjusting the steering stops, modifying the fender liner, or even fitting smaller tires.

• Brake Components: Sometimes, a slightly misaligned brake dust shield or a worn brake pad can rub against the rotor or caliper when the wheel assembly moves during a turn.

  • Diagnosis: Check if the noise is related to braking as well as turning. Inspect the brake components.
  • Repair: Straightening the dust shield or replacing worn brake parts.

The Squealing Noise When Turning

A squealing sound can be alarming and often points to friction in the suspension or steering.

• Suspension Components: Bushings, ball joints, and control arm components that have dried out or worn can create squealing sounds, especially when they are stressed during a turn.

  • Diagnosis: This can be harder to pinpoint. Lubricating suspect suspension components might temporarily alleviate the noise, indicating the source.
  • Repair: Replacing worn bushings or other suspension parts.

• Power Steering Belt: A loose or worn power steering belt can slip on the pulley, especially when you’re actively using the power steering (i.e., turning). This can manifest as a high-pitched squeal.

  • Diagnosis: Check the tension and condition of the power steering belt.
  • Repair: Tightening or replacing the belt.

The Clunking Noise When Turning

A clunking noise when turning often suggests looseness or wear in the suspension or steering linkage.

• Ball Joints: As mentioned before, worn ball joints can cause clunking sounds as they move loosely within their sockets, especially when the steering is applied.
• Tie Rod Ends: Similarly, loose tie rod ends can produce a clunk when steering input is applied.
• Sway Bar Links/Bushings: These components help control body roll during turns. If they are worn or loose, they can cause a clunking sound.
• Struts/Shocks: While less common for turning-specific noises, worn strut mounts or loose shock absorbers can sometimes create clunks during cornering.
• Diagnosis: A mechanic will thoroughly inspect all suspension and steering linkages for any excessive play or damage.
• Repair: Replacing the worn or damaged components like ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, or bushings.

Deeper Dives into Specific Components

Let’s explore some of the most common culprits in more detail.

The Wheel Bearing Noise

A wheel bearing noise when turning often changes character depending on whether you’re turning left or right. Wheel bearings are essential for allowing your wheels to spin freely.

• How They Work: Wheel bearings are located within the wheel hub and allow the wheel to rotate smoothly. They are subjected to significant stress, especially during turns, as they handle lateral forces.
• Symptoms of Failure:
  • Humming or Growling: A constant humming or growling sound that increases with speed is a common indicator of a worn wheel bearing.
  • Turning Noise: When a wheel bearing starts to fail, the noise often gets louder when you turn towards the side with the bad bearing. Conversely, it might decrease or disappear when you turn away from that side. For instance, if your front right wheel bearing is going bad, you might hear a humming noise when turning left (as more load is put on the right side) and potentially less noise when turning right.
  • Clicking or Popping: In some cases, a severely damaged wheel bearing can also produce clicking or popping sounds.
• Diagnosis: A mechanic can often diagnose a bad wheel bearing by lifting the vehicle and trying to wobble the wheel. There should be no play. Driving at different speeds and listening carefully for changes in the noise with steering input is also key.
• Repair: Replacing the wheel bearing or the entire hub assembly, which often includes the bearing.

The Steering Column Noise

While less common than wheel or suspension noises, a steering column noise when turning can occur due to issues within the column itself.

• Clock Spring: This is a coiled electrical connector that allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connections for the airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls. If the clock spring is failing, it can sometimes produce clicking or grinding sounds.
• Steering Column Bushings/Bearings: The steering column itself has various bushings and bearings that can wear out over time, leading to squeaks or rattles.
• Tilt Mechanism: If your steering column has a tilt adjustment, the mechanism itself could be a source of noise if it’s worn or not properly lubricated.
• Diagnosis: The noise is typically felt or heard directly from the steering column itself, often a more localized sound than wheel-based noises.
• Repair: This can involve replacing the clock spring, servicing or replacing steering column components, or lubricating the tilt mechanism.

The Suspension Noise When Turning

Suspension noise when turning is a broad category, as many suspension components can produce sounds under the stress of cornering.

• Ball Joints: As previously discussed, worn ball joints are a prime suspect for groaning, clunking, or even creaking noises during turns.
• Tie Rod Ends: Similar to ball joints, they can cause clunks or pops when worn.
• Control Arm Bushings: These rubber or polyurethane components isolate vibrations and allow the control arms to pivot. When they degrade, crack, or wear out, they can cause creaking, squeaking, or clunking sounds, particularly noticeable when turning or going over uneven surfaces.
• Sway Bar Links and Bushings: These connect the sway bar to the suspension. Worn links or bushings can lead to clunking or rattling sounds, especially during turns where the sway bar is actively working.
• Strut Mounts: The top of your struts often have rubber mounts that connect to the car body. These can wear out, crack, or become compressed, leading to clunking or creaking noises when the suspension moves, which happens during turns.
• Diagnosis: A thorough inspection of all suspension components for play, wear, or damage is necessary. Sometimes, a mechanic might spray lubricant on suspect bushings to temporarily silence them, helping to identify the source.
• Repair: The specific repair depends on which component is failing, typically involving replacement of the worn part.

Table of Common Noises and Their Likely Causes

Here’s a quick reference guide to help you identify the source of your car’s turning noises:

Noise Type	Likely Cause(s)	Location Clues
Clicking noise	CV Joint failure	Usually from the front wheels, more noticeable on sharp turns.
Groaning noise	Low power steering fluid, failing power steering pump, worn ball joint/tie rod end	From the front of the vehicle, associated with steering effort.
Rubbing noise	Tire rubbing on fender/component, brake dust shield contact	Around the wheels, can be constant during turns.
Squealing noise	Worn suspension bushings, failing ball joint, loose power steering belt	Around the wheels or from under the hood.
Clunking noise	Worn ball joint, worn tie rod end, loose sway bar link/bushing, worn strut mount	From the wheels or suspension area.
Humming/Growling	Failing wheel bearing	From a specific wheel, changes pitch with speed and turning direction.

What to Do When You Hear a Noise

1. Note the Details: When you hear a noise, try to pay attention to:

   • The type of sound: Clicking, groaning, rubbing, squealing, clunking.
   • When it occurs: Only when turning left? Only when turning right? Both? At low speeds? At high speeds?
   • The location: Does it seem to come from the front left, front right, rear, or under the car?
   • Other factors: Does it change with braking? Does it happen over bumps?

2. Check Fluid Levels: For groaning or whining noises, a simple check of your power steering fluid is a good first step. Ensure the engine is off and cool before checking.

3. Visual Inspection: If you’re comfortable, and the car is safely parked, you can sometimes look for obvious issues like torn CV boots, loose components, or tires rubbing against the fender liners.

4. Consult a Professional: The best course of action for most turning noises is to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: Can I drive my car if it’s making noise when I turn?

  • A1: It depends on the severity and type of noise. Minor squeaks from a dry bushing might be tolerable for a short period, but clicking from a CV joint, or clunks from suspension components, indicate wear that could lead to a loss of control or a component failure. It’s always best to get it checked out promptly.

• Q2: How much does it cost to fix a car making noise when turning?

  • A2: The cost varies significantly based on the problem. Replacing a tie rod end might be a few hundred dollars, while a failing CV axle could be similar. Wheel bearings can also range from a couple of hundred to several hundred dollars depending on the vehicle and whether the hub needs replacement. Power steering pump replacement can be more expensive.

• Q3: Is a clicking noise when turning always a CV joint?

  • A3: While CV joints are the most common cause of a clicking noise when turning, other issues can sometimes mimic this sound. Worn wheel bearings or even some loose suspension components could potentially produce a clicking sound, though the characteristic “clicking on turns” is strongly associated with CV joints.

• Q4: How often should I check my power steering fluid?

  • A4: It’s a good practice to check your power steering fluid level periodically, perhaps every few months, or whenever you check your engine oil. If you notice the steering becoming harder or hear groaning noises, check it immediately.

• Q5: Can I fix a torn CV boot myself?

  • A5: While it’s technically possible to replace just the CV boot, it’s a labor-intensive process and requires specialized tools. Often, if the boot is torn, the joint itself has already been contaminated and is starting to wear. It’s generally recommended to replace the entire CV axle assembly when a boot is torn, as this ensures the entire joint is sound.

By paying attention to the sounds your car makes and seeking professional diagnosis when needed, you can keep your vehicle safe and running smoothly, turning after turning.