5 Common Steering Wheel Noises (and What Causes Them)
Steering should operate noise-free. But worn parts can cause concerning whines, groans or rubbing when turning. Don’t ignore these red flags.
Learn what suspension and steering components are engaged and stressed when turning, where issues may lurk, and how to inspect the system. Finding the cause of a steering wheel that makes noise when turning early on will save money and prevent safety hazards.
See Also: 9 Causes of Rattling Noise While Accelerating
Types of Steering Wheel Noise (and Their Causes)
It’s important to note that not every steering-related noise is the same, nor are their causes. Therefore, correct diagnosis often hinges upon being able to differentiate between these individual noises accurately.
Here are the most common types of steering-related noises you may encounter, and their likely causes.
#1 – Squealing
Probably the most common noise of concern you may hear when turning your steering wheel is that of a “squeal” or “screech”. Sounds of this variety are generally high-pitched in nature and tend to fade immediately after steering wheel movement ceases.
Possible Causes
The noises mentioned above typically originate in the power steering system itself, as it is put under strain. Oftentimes, low power steering fluid or worn power steering pump internals are to blame. A noise of this type can also be caused by a belt slipping across a power steering pump’s pulley.
#2 – Grinding
Grinding noises heard when steering should be of immediate concern. These noises are often metallic in nature, and tend to be easily heard, even over a vehicle’s engine. Additionally, some might also describe this sound as a “growl” of sorts. In any event, noises of this type always warrant further investigation.
Possible Causes
A fair amount of inspection and diagnostic work is typically required to locate the source of grinding noises when turning your steering wheel, as a number of possibilities present themselves.
Such noises can be caused by steering gear-related wear, significantly worn wheel bearings, or even compromised strut bearings.
#3 – Clunking
“Clunking” noises heard when steering are yet another cause for concern. These noises might be faint, or alternatively, can be shockingly loud. Many describe noises of the like as sounding reminiscent of a hollow “thud”, without any obvious metallic undertones.
Possible Causes
Steering-related clunking noises are almost always the result of wear and tear to articulating components. This wear causes components with bushings or ball sockets to move excessively during cornering and load shift.
Control arms, struts, and ball joints are all prone to wear of this type.
#4 – Knocking
Knocking noises and vehicles certainly don’t go together in any sense. However, noises of this type heard when cornering are not typically engine-related. Knocking noises heard when turning can be dull in sound, or can be far sharper, resembling the hammering of metal. The intensity of such noises can also vary.
Possible Causes
There are several potential causes of knocking noises that are heard when steering. However, the most common culprit behind these noises is a broken, damaged, or worn sway bar link.
Excessive tie-rod wear can also serve as the root cause of steering-related knocking noises.
#5 – Whining
Many drivers complain of hearing whining when turning their steering wheel from one direction to the next. This whining can be rather minimal in some cases, or, can border on the level of being mind-numbingly loud under more severe circumstances. The severity of this whining often foretells if an actual issue exists.
Possible Causes
Most power steering systems make a slight humming or whining noise whenever a vehicle’s steering wheel is turned all the way to the left or right wheel stop. This is normal in most cases and is no cause for concern.
However, if this noise is far more pronounced, or if it occurs with even minimal steering wheel movement, issues likely exist within the power steering system itself. Start by carefully checking your vehicle’s power steering fluid level.
Diagnostic Steps
The following steps can be used to assist in diagnosing irregular steering noises of concern. When attempting to diagnose steering-related noises, it’s always helpful to have an assistant available.
Step 1: Identify the Noise Type
Begin by trying to determine the type of noise that is being heard, whether it’s squealing, whining, grinding, or other. This can provide clues about the sound’s origin. Additionally, try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.
Step 2: Check Power Steering Fluid Level
Next, check your vehicle’s power steering fluid level. Top off the vehicle’s reservoir if necessary, and begin looking for the source of leaks if the level itself is found to be substantially low.
Step 3: Inspect Steering/Suspension Components
If the vehicle’s power steering fluid level proves to be sufficient, begin inspecting for obvious signs of wear or damage to all steering and suspension components. Look closely at all steering linkages and terminal components, while an assistant lightly turns the vehicle’s steering wheel from stop to stop.
Step 4: Replace Any Defective Components
Finally, replace any steering or suspension components found to be damaged, worn, or otherwise defective. Grease all serviceable joints on any additional components that are to remain in service.
Step 5: Further Inspect Steering Gear/Rack
If the offending noise persists, it will be necessary to further inspect the vehicle’s steering rack or steering gear for signs of internal failure. This often requires professional assistance.
Preventive Maintenance
While mechanical parts will eventually wear out, several key points of preventative maintenance can be done to delay this process. When performed regularly, these steps can extend the life of your vehicle’s steering and suspension components.
One key point of invaluable maintenance is a routine inspection of the power steering system as a whole.
A vehicle’s power steering fluid level should be checked and topped off at every oil change. If a known leak exists within the system, these checks should be even more frequent.
Additionally, you should periodically inspect for signs of leakage and fluid loss, repairing any such leaks that are persistent or severe.
It’s also important to periodically inspect all steering components for excessive wear or degradation.
Ball joints, control arms, and tie-rod ends exhibiting progressive wear should be scheduled for replacement. Likewise, compromised sway bar links with damaged bushings should be discarded.
Greasing of all serviceable joints within the steering system should also take place during every maintenance cycle.
In addition, shocks and struts require periodic inspection as well. Any such components found to be leaking fluid should be replaced, as should any shocks or struts that no longer possess sufficient damping qualities.
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs, for each axle to which work is being conducted, as this prevents abnormalities in load distribution.
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Hi, I changed my cv axel and left the car sitting without putting the front passenger side wheel and everything back together for about a year. Well, I finally decided to put it back together and now every time I turn to the right it makes a loud knocking noise under that side. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Double check your work. Make sure the axle nuts are tight. Make sure you didn’t leave any components disconnected.
thanks, now if am to visit the garage I have where to start from concerning the steering box
I have the same problem with my car’s steering wheel making noise when turning. It’s really annoying!
Can you tell if the noise is coming from the steering column inside the cabin, something under the hood, or something under the car? What does the noise sound like? Does it click, groan, or something else?
I own mk7.5 Gti 2018 with 25000 km..these days when I turn steering wheel there’s a knock or crack sound especially fromm the right side and sometimes under my feet . What’s the problem?
Is this something with steering box?
Someone will likely see the problem by putting your car up on a lift. Check the tie rods, sway bar end links, struts, wheel bearings, and steering rack.
I need advice. A used SUV I haven’t owned even three weeks now, but only have driven a two hour trip and then an 8 hour trip to and from my destination. It’s done fantastic so far, until I was coming home today. The weather changed drastically and the temperature dropped. When I go to pull out from parking, turning the wheel slowing as you do when pulling out… It has started making a mild whining noise. It only does it when doing this, but not while actually driving it. It’s not loud and the steering isn’t being affected. What does mean? Can someone please give me some advice? I would very much appreciate it.
Would you describe this as a “groaning” sound? If so, it sounds like the power steering system is working extra hard for some reason. It’s common for vehicles to do this when you hold the steering wheel at full lock, and it’s not good for a hydraulic power steering system to hold the wheel there for more than a few seconds.
If you have a truck-based SUV, also check to make sure you’re not driving around with 4×4 turned on. It’s very bad to do this on pavement, as this feature is only intended for off road use where the tires are able to slip freely on dirt, snow, and gravel surfaces.
Please help me my rx330 jeep, whenever I try to turn it if I am not accelerating, it’s hard, and if am moving on low speed, and decides to make a full wheel turn, to left or light, u will be hearing noise like something is holding it, a sounds like ko ko ko, bd will b braking the movement, my mechanic has changed tie rods, and ball joints, yet, what do I do
Has the mechanic checked your power steering system? It sounds like perhaps something is wrong with your power steering.
Insightful, helpful, invaluable. I now know problem with my car has to be one of #2!!
Well has this noise over 15 or so years ago.moving slow or not moving just rocking steering wheel left to right hear a Zipper like noise. Some call it a swoosh. Not very loud. No loose and no clunk. Sorta have to rock wheel back and forth fast to hear it. Steering always perfect other than that back after all these years. No noise outside no noise under hood no noise under car. GM fixed it last time. I sorta remember what they replaced instead of fix because I still has GM warranty at the time. It’s a 2000 pontiac grand am gt sedan 3.4L
My steering wheel couldn’t turn properly anymore, the power steering was broken. I went to a mechanic and they charged a lot to change the ‘power steering pressure hose’.
Now it turns easily, but it makes a weird scary noise whenever i am turning the wheel more than 45 degrees, especially at low speed…
Can you describe the scary noise? Does it sound sort of like a groaning?
When I turn the steering wheel, there’s loud noises coming from the front. I’m having it towed. The mechanic said it could be anything. Hope it’s not an expensive repair. Thanks for your information.
Good luck, I hope it’s a simple fix.
Did u find out what it was and how much it costed I’m currently in same situation
I took my car to a tire shop to see what it needed and surprisingly he said I only needed an alignment about a month later I got 4 brad new tires but the wheel whines when I turn and there’s power steering fluid in it but wheels tight too but yesterday I noticed the power steering level has not changed at all it’s almost like there’s something in the system preventing it to reach the places that need to be lubricated I’m so worried that it’s going to be something real bad that I can’t afford can anyone give me some pointers and opinions please? Thanks
Consider having the power steering system inspected if you are concerned. Sounds like the whining is the pump struggling. Perhaps there is air in the system or maybe the pump is on its way out. A mechanic should be able to help you narrow that down.
Very Informative article, thank you.
My vehicle is a prado tx land cruiser.I just fited a new steering rack last month.
But the noise as not stopped and at times the steering is stif
Not sure what the noise could be in your case. It would be best to take your vehicle to a mechanic to get it checked out.
Hi guys! I would very much appreciate if i can get an answer since my mechanic cant seem to find the problem. I have a mercedes 2015 c class diesel.
When i turn the steering wheel right or left i can FEEL a click from the steering wheel. Its a 1 second click (or less) no grinding or squeeking. My mechanic changed both arm bushings. But the problem is still there. Its very annoying.
I also can confirm its nothing to do with the tires as i just changed them as well.
It sounds like you’ll need to find a mechanic who can give you a more thorough diagnosis, at least for this issue. All people on the internet can really do is throw out suggestions, but you’ll need someone to feel it and do some testing in person to narrow down the scope of the problem.
Perhaps you need a new steering rack and pinion, tie rod ends, or something may be binding in the clock spring. Simply throwing parts at the problem will get expensive really quick, though.
Hi 👋
I got the exact same problem with my Vw golf Gti 2018 .when I turn my wheel to the right I hear the sane sound .
I just saw your comment , did you find your answer ?
Article informative and straight to the point.
Thanks, now when I take the car in to the mechanic I will have a clue as to what they are talking about.
Very helpful. Concise. Thank you.
Thank You
Nice Article