Why Does My Car Make Noise When I Turn?

Hearing uncommon car noises in older vehicles is to be expected. As your car ages and experiences some wear and tear, these noises may become more apparent. One common noise you may hear is a sound when you turn the wheel. This can mean a variety of things depending on the sound and the speed at which it happens. To narrow it down and find the source of the problem, Plainfield drivers can trust the team at Napleton Mazda of Naperville to help — and soon, you won’t have to ask yourself the question, “Why does my car make noise when I turn?”

Reasons Your Car Makes a Noise When You Turn the Wheel

There are many reasons that your steering wheel could be making noise when turning, but these are some of the most common reasons:

• Suspension Joints: Especially when heard at lower speeds, a creaking, clunking, or popping sound could indicate worn out or broken suspension joints.
• Power Steering Pump: Also heard at low speeds, this sound is most often described as a whining sound that seems to be coming from the engine.
• CV Joints: If you hear a crunching noise when turning at high speeds, the CV Joints are usually the main culprit.
• Power Steering System: A screeching or whining noise while turning at normal speeds could mean an issue within the power steering system itself. Sometimes this fix is as simple as topping off the power steering fluid, while other issues can require more in-depth work. This complex system consists of hoses, belts, and more that can all fail over time.
• Tie Rods: A clunking noise when turning could indicate a loose or broken tie rod.
• Sway Bar Link: With a failing sway bar link, you will not only notice a knocking noise while you are turning but poor handling as well.
• Ball Joints: If the ball joints are the problem, you will most likely hear a creaking sound that gets louder over time.
• Bushing: This joint is part of your suspension system and can either need lubrication or to be replaced as time goes on. A creaking noise is commonly heard with this issue.
• Struts and Shocks: If you have noticed a noise coupled with a bouncy and loose feel when going over bumps in St. Charles, then chances are that the problem is with your shocks and struts.