Why Does My Car Make Noise When I Turn?

There are a myriad of car noises that you might experience on trips from Overland Park to Gardner, including but not limited to scraping, screeching, popping, and grinding. If you experience any of these while you’re turning your vehicle, what does it mean? Well, in truth, it can be indicative of a wide range of issues, some serious, some benign. Read on below, because we here at the Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service center have the details surrounding what to do if you hear your car making funny noises when turning the steering wheel.

Common Car Noises When Turning the Steering Wheel

When it’s working correctly, a car’s steering wheel shouldn’t make any noises when you turn it. That said, if at any point you hear clunking, popping, creaking, squealing, groaning, screeching, or even whining, then it’s probably time to schedule a service appointment. 

Reasons Your Car Makes a Noise When You Turn the Wheel

Some of the most common causes for steering wheel noises while turning include:

• Suspension Joints: Especially when heard at lower speeds, a creaking, clunking, or popping sound could indicate worn out or broken suspension joints. 
• Struts and Shocks: If you have noticed a noise coupled with a bouncy and loose feel when going over bumps in Lenexa, then chances are the problem is with your shocks and struts. 
• 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. 
• 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.
• Power Steering System: A screeching or whining noise while turning at normal speeds could mean an issue resides within the power steering system itself. Some of these repairs can be simple, such as topping off the power steering fluid, while others 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.

Let Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Investigate Your Steering Issues

Ready to learn more about your steering wheel noises and get closure to the question, “Why does my car make noise when I turn?” We can help answer the question once and for all! Check out our service tips to learn more, or book service online or by calling 913-971-0182 — but not before browsing our current money-saving service coupons!