Is Your Steering Wheel Making Noises When You Turn?

The steering wheel is crucial for controlling your vehicle’s direction. But when it starts making bizarre noises while you’re turning, it can be downright disturbing. Does your steering wheel make clunking, knocking, grinding or whining sounds when turning? If so, you’re likely wondering what causes steering wheel noise and how you can make it stop.
The good news is, in most cases minor steering noise is more an annoyance than a dire mechanical issue. But some sounds do indicate problems needing prompt attention.
This post will explore all the possible culprits behind noisy steering, quick fixes you can try yourself, when it’s smart to visit a mechanic, and how to help prevent future problems. Buckle up and get ready to diagnose what’s causing your steering wheel to sound off!
Table of Contents
What Exactly Causes That Irksome Steering Wheel Noise?
A variety of issues can cause a steering wheel to make unwelcome noises when turning. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Low Power Steering Fluid: Lack of sufficient power steering fluid is a frequent contributor to moaning, groaning or whining from the steering wheel. Fluid lubricates and protects the steering mechanism. Too little leads to grinding friction and noise.
- Faulty Power Steering Pump: If the pump circulating fluid through the steering system deteriorates, it can produce squealing or whining noises. A failing pump needs replacement.
- Loose Steering Shaft: The physical connection between the steering wheel and column should be tight. If looseness develops, it allows play and knocking sounds when turning.
- Worn Steering Components: Over time steering components like the rack and pinion wear down. Excessive looseness then leads to clunking or popping.
- Bad Wheel Bearings: Defective wheel bearings cause a low rumbling or roaring noise exacerbated by turns. They require prompt swap out before catastrophic failure.
- Low Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires flex too much in corners, producing a rubbing or squeaking noise from the steering wheel. Proper inflation stops the sound.
Now that you know why steering wheels act up, how do you know when it’s a small annoyance versus a real problem?
Clunking Noises While Turning – Should You Be Worried?
Hearing new sounds emanate from the steering wheel is always reason for attention. But some noises are more dire than others. Here’s a guide to gauging severity:
- Grinding, Clicking or Popping: These sharp mechanical sounds indicate immediate inspection is needed. Something is loose or broken in the steering mechanism.
- Knocking or Clunking Over Bumps: If you hear a clunk when turning over bumps or uneven pavement, worn steering or suspension components need addressing promptly.
- High Pitched Whining or Squealing: This points to issues like low power steering fluid or a failing pump. Have the system diagnosed quickly to prevent bigger problems.
- Occasional Clicking When Turning: This could simply reflect lubrication needs. Try adding power steering fluid first before worrying excessively.
Seeking diagnosis for any persisting or worsening steering noises is wise. But for mild or occasional sounds, a few DIY fixes may quiet your wheel.
Simple Quick Fixes to Stop Annoying Steering Wheel Noises
Before resorting to a mechanic, attemp a couple easy home remedies to silence a mildly noisy steering wheel:
- Add Power Steering Fluid: Insufficient fluid is a prime cause of whining and grinding sounds. Top up the reservoir to proper levels. But avoid overfilling.
- Inflate Tires to Correct PSI: Underinflated tires create steering wheel squeaking during turns. Inflate all tires to their recommended pressure.
- Tighten Steering Wheel: If a loose shaft is causing bothersome knocking noises, tighten the steering wheel nut until snug. Don’t over-torque it.
Caution: Don’t keep driving if DIY fixes don’t cure noises! Have a professional diagnose and repair.
When It’s Time to Take Your Car to the Mechanic
DIY solutions may provide temporary relief. But if your steering wheel resumes making unwelcome noises, it’s smart to visit a professional mechanic. Here are some signs a trip to the repair shop is in order:
- The noise persists after adding power steering fluid and inflating your tires.
- You hear grinding, clicking or loud knocking sounds from the wheel when turning.
- The steering feels loose, rough or lacks responsiveness.
- You notice leakage around the power steering pump area.
A trained mechanic has specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint if the power steering pump, wheel bearings, steering gearbox or other components need repair or replacement to cure noisy symptoms.
What Actually Happens When a Mechanic Fixes Noisy Steering?
So what specifically will a car repair shop do to fix your loud steering wheel? Here are the typical steps:
- The mechanic will first diagnose the cause of noise by testing components like the power steering pump, gearbox, bearings, belt, and steering linkage. They determine if low fluid, leakage, wear, or damage is present.
- If the pump is found faulty, they will replace it with a new or rebuilt one to stop whining and squealing noises.
- For low power steering fluid causing noise, they will drain out old fluid and add new. This provides fresh lubrication.
- If looseness in the steering shaft is detected, mechanics will tighten connections or replace loose joints or couplings.
- For worn steering linkage parts like ball joints, the faulty components get replaced with new ones. This prevents clunking.
- Wheel bearings making rumbling noises when turning will be replaced to restore quiet operation.
In most cases of steering noise, early diagnosis and repair prevents expensive damage from occurring. But does driving with noisy steering impact safety?
Is Driving With Noisy Steering Dangerous?
Hearing odd sounds from your steering wheel while cornering is always unsettling. But in most cases, noisy steering does not mean you are at risk of losing control or the wheel suddenly failing. However, some precautions apply:
- Noisy steering reduces control comfort and precision. As the noise worsens, steering feel and handling become more vague.
- Don’t ignore symptoms long term. Have any steering issue inspected so it doesn’t lead to breakdowns.
- Diagnosis often reveals additional wear issues. Noises frequently reflect deeper suspension or alignment problems.
While you can safely drive short distances with minor steering noises, remember they signal future headaches if left unattended. Schedule prompt service to keep your steering trouble-free.
How to Help Prevent Future Problems With Your Steering?
Once your noisy steering is cured, taking some proactive steps can help avoid repeats in the future:
- Check tire pressures frequently. Under-inflation strains steering components and causes noise.
- Replace worn tires. Bald tires make steering linkage work harder, accelerating wear.
- Follow factory maintenance schedules. This includes lubricating joints and replacing worn parts.
- Change power steering fluid at suggested intervals to maintain protection.
- Get wheel alignment checks. Improper alignment accelerates uneven tire wear and steering wear.
- Listen for noises. Having any new sounds inspected quickly reduces bigger repairs later.
Keeping your tires in top shape, components lubricated, and getting repairs done promptly will help ensure a long period of noise and trouble-free operation from your steering wheel.
The Bottom Lines
Few vehicle problems are more aggravating than a steering wheel that moans and groans every time you turn. But understanding the typical causes of noisy steering puts you in a better position to try DIY fixes or seek proper professional repairs. With some attentive preventive maintenance and prompt response to any emerging noises, you can keep your steering column sounding smooth for the long haul.