What Causes Your Car to Make Noises When Turning?
Normally your car should not be making any odd noises when turning. As you turn the steering wheel should feel smooth and the vehicle should not buckle or shake in any way. If you feel a vibration or hear a noise while turning, there is no doubt that something is wrong with your car. To begin diagnosing the problem, let’s figure out when you hear the noise.
- Does it happen at low, moderate, or high speeds?
- Do you hear the sounds when turning the steering wheel just a little bit or during sharper turns?
- Is there a vibrating noise, shaking, or any other feedback that you can feel?
Understanding when the noise specifically occurs is the first step to diagnosing your issue. Jot down your answers to our questions above and keep reading to learn more about what might be wrong with your car!
AAMCO Minnesota has Tips to Keep You Safe This Winter
• Replace your wiper blades regularly.
• Keep your battery in good shape.
• Keep your windows clear, and your sights clear.
• Replace your tires if necessary.
• Regularly change your oil.
If you know your vehicle could use some extra attention during these winter months, schedule an appointment today and ask us about our FREE WINTER SAFETY CHECK. Those who know, go to AAMCO.
Diagnosing Steering Wheel and Turning Noises at Lower and Higher Speeds
Low Speeds: 1 mph to 45 mph
Symptom
You hear creaking, popping, or clunking noises when turning.
Probable Cause
The likely cause of the noises that you hear are worn out or failing suspension joints. Overtime, these joints wear as they absorb all the juts, pumps, and impacts that your car endures during its’ daily drives. When a suspension joint is damaged it comes into contact with the connection point creating an audible sound. If the noise sounds like more clicking, then the issue is likely your CV Joints wearing out.
Symptom
You hear a whining, groaning, or squealing noise coming from your car when turning. In addition your steering wheel may feel stiff and unresponsive.
Probable Cause
These are all indications of a bad or failing power steering pump. This pump pushes the correct amount of fluid into your steering gears creating a smooth feel when turning your steering wheel. The whining noise is typically a leak in the system or even simply a low power steering fluid reservoir. Squealing noises may be caused by your belt slipping due to a failing pump. The infamous groaning noise is the worth of them all- this noise is a sign not only of pump issues but is also associated with further damage throughout your entire power steering system.
Higher Speeds: 46+ mph
Symptom
You hear a whining, groaning, or squealing noise coming from your car when turning. In addition your steering wheel may feel stiff and unresponsive.
Probable Cause
These are all indications of a bad or failing power steering pump. This pump pushes the correct amount of fluid into your steering gears creating a smooth feel when turning your steering wheel. The whining noise is typically a leak in the system or even simply a low power steering fluid reservoir. Squealing noises may be caused by your belt slipping due to a failing pump. The infamous groaning noise is the worth of them all- this noise is a sign not only of pump issues but is also associated with further damage throughout your entire power steering system.
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