When you’re driving your car and have to make a turn, you should not hear any noises as you’re turning the steering wheel. If you do hear noises, then there could be a problem with one of the many different components of your vehicle. Turning puts a lot of stress on these parts and if they become too worn out, then it will cause whining or groaning sounds to occur. This may seem like no big deal but you shouldn’t ignore these sounds. They could be an early warning sign of a serious problem that you need to take care of promptly before it gets worse.
The suspension system and steering system of a vehicle all work together to allow the steering wheel to turn the tires of your vehicle. In most economy cars, this would be its two front wheels. The turning of the steering wheel depends on there being plenty of power steering fluid and a healthy belt and pump. Then, your suspension system is put under pressure from the turning. The parts most affected include the control arms, steering knuckle, and ball joints.
Top 8 Causes
When there is a problem with a component in the suspension system or steering system, then it will have trouble supporting the vehicle’s heavy weight. They must also be able to move in the ways they’re supposed to. Although lubrication will help preserve their lifespan, these parts will fail eventually. The first warning sign will be noises while turning the steering wheel.
Read also: 5 Causes of Steering Wheel Shakes at LOW and High Speeds
Below are the top 8 causes of these noises.
1. Jounce Bushing is Dry
The front strut has something called a jounce bushing on the top of it. If the bushing becomes dry, then turning will create creaking or groaning sounds. These sounds will get worse the longer you wait to fix the problem.
2. Bad Power Steering Rack
A whining sound while turning could be the result of a bad power steering rack. This whining sound will be most recognizable while driving at lower speeds. Sometimes a bad belt or vane pump could cause this too.
3. Bad Struts and Shocks
Your struts and shocks will last a while in your vehicle but eventually, they will get worn down and go bad. You will first hear noises when you turn. If the parts are not replaced, the car will begin to bounce during these turns too.
