Have you ever noticed strange noises when turning your car’s steering wheel?
These noises might not seem very important if you don’t notice anything functionally wrong with your car. But you need to understand that strange noises coming from your steering wheel are not normal.
A healthy vehicle should not produce steering wheel noise. However, if you hear these noises when turning the steering wheel, you should not ignore them for too long, as it could mean that something is wrong with one or more of the many components of your vehicle.
The 7 Main Causes of Noise When Turning Your Steering Wheel
Noises coming from your steering wheel can likely be attributed to a problem within the steering system or the suspension system. Every time you turn the wheel, the components of these systems are subjected to stress, and this tension can wear them out over time.
To identify exactly the problematic area of your noisy steering wheel, you must first learn about the main causes. Here are seven of the most common reasons why your steering wheel makes noise when turning.
1) Dry Ball Joints
Ball joints are responsible for allowing the suspension arms and steering knuckles to move smoothly. It is important that these joints are lubricated; otherwise, they dry out and create a lot of startup noises when used. They are used every time you turn the steering wheel.
2) Clogged Reservoir
Every vehicle has a steering reservoir that stores power steering fluid. The fluid is kept clean by a filter that exists in the reservoir. If this filter were to be backed up with debris, then the reservoir would become clogged.
Consequently, it would not be able to supply the steering system with clean power steering fluid. This will create noise every time you turn the steering wheel.
3) Bad Tie Rod Ends
Tie rod ends help move the wheels when the steering wheel turns. If you have worn tie rod ends, rattling noises will start coming from the tie rod ends whenever you turn the wheel.
4) Worn Shocks
Shocks are what help absorb vibrations and bumps from driving. If the shocks were to deteriorate or wear out, the vehicle would bounce much more and cause noises every time you turn the steering wheel.
5) Bad Suspension Bushings
Suspension bushings will not last forever in your vehicle. Once they start to go bad, they separate and eventually form a crack.
You’ll know when this happens because every time you turn the wheel, you’ll hear a squeaking noise you’ve never heard before. This means you need to replace the suspension bushings.
6) Faulty Power Steering Rack
The power steering rack is responsible for supplying the steering rack with hydraulic fluid every time you turn the steering wheel. If you have a faulty power steering rack, then the steering rack won’t get an adequate supply of this fluid.
This will cause a whining sound every time you turn the wheel. You’ll hear this sound the most when turning at low speeds in corners.
7) Low Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is essential for allowing the power steering pump to lubricate the steering rack and enable the driver to turn the steering wheel smoothly.
If there were a leak in the reservoir or hydraulic lines, there wouldn’t be enough power steering fluid going to the steering rack and providing the type of pressure needed for you to turn the wheel smoothly.