A car makes noise while turning for several reasons, many of which point to common car problems involving the steering or suspension system. These noises can signal worn parts like a car ball joint, damaged struts and shocks, or even issues with the power steering. Ignoring the sounds can lead to more serious mechanical failures and higher repair costs. Recognizing these warning signs early helps you stay ahead of potential trouble. This article breaks down the most frequent causes of turning-related noises and what they mean for your car.
At Rimrock Certified Select, trained technicians can inspect your vehicle, identify the root cause, and recommend the right solution. Visit our vehicle service center today!
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Worn or Failing CV Joints
If your car makes noise while turning, one of the most common culprits is worn or failing CV joints. CV (constant velocity) joints allow the front wheels to receive power while turning and moving up and down with the suspension. You typically find them in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, but some rear-wheel-drive cars also use them. Over time, these joints can wear out, especially if the protective rubber boot tears. Once the boot cracks, dirt and debris enter while grease leaks out. This contamination leads to accelerated wear and, eventually, joint failure.
You might hear a clicking or popping noise coming from one or both front wheels when you turn sharply. That sound usually grows louder as time passes and becomes more noticeable during tight, low-speed turns. Ignoring this issue can lead to complete CV joint failure, which may leave your car undrivable. If your car makes noise while turning and you notice grease splattered near the wheel or inside the rim, that’s another red flag pointing to a bad CV joint.
Bad Power Steering Components
The power steering system helps you turn the wheel with ease, especially at low speeds or when parking. If something goes wrong in this system, you might hear a whining, groaning, or squealing noise when you turn the steering wheel. These sounds often point to low power steering fluid, a worn pump, or a loose or slipping belt.
Low fluid levels can result from a leak in the system. As the fluid drops, the pump starts pulling in air, which causes the whining sound. If your power steering pump is going bad, it may struggle to circulate fluid, making noise whenever you turn. A worn or loose belt attached to the pump can also cause a high-pitched squeal, especially during quick or sharp turns.
If your car makes noise while turning and the steering feels stiff or jerky, that’s another clue the power steering system needs attention. You should check the fluid level first and look for leaks around hoses and connections. Getting the system inspected and repaired quickly helps you avoid total power steering failure and keeps your driving safe and controlled.
Worn Suspension Parts
The suspension system plays a critical role in keeping your drive smooth and stable, especially when taking turns. Key components like car ball joints, control arms, sway bar links, and bushings wear down from regular use, rough roads, or lack of maintenance.
When suspension parts become loose or damaged, you may hear clunking, creaking, or knocking noises during turns. These sounds often come from excessive movement or metal-on-metal contact between worn components. Car ball joints, in particular, allow your wheels to pivot while supporting the vehicle’s weight. If they wear out, you might feel vibration in the steering wheel or hear loud clunks when turning the wheel.
Bushings and control arms also help keep the suspension properly aligned. Once these parts wear down, they allow too much play in the system, leading to noises when you steer or hit a bump. If your car makes noise while turning, especially at low speeds or over uneven surfaces, have a professional check the suspension.
Faulty Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate with minimal friction while supporting the vehicle’s weight. Over time, these bearings wear down due to constant use, especially if they are exposed to water, dirt, or lack proper lubrication. When they fail, they often produce a grinding, humming, or growling sound that gets louder as you accelerate or turn.
You might first notice the noise during wide or sharp turns, particularly if the sound changes depending on the direction you turn. For example, a bad bearing on the right side may get louder when you turn left, since more weight shifts to that wheel. If your car makes noise while turning and the sound worsens, it’s important to act quickly.
Faulty wheel bearings can also affect your car’s alignment and braking performance. You might feel vibrations in the steering wheel or experience uneven tire wear. In extreme cases, a completely failed bearing could cause the wheel to lock up or even separate from the vehicle. Have a mechanic inspect the wheel hub assembly if you suspect bearing issues.
Struts and Shocks Issue
If your car makes noise while turning, worn or damaged struts and shocks could be to blame. These components play a key role in stabilizing your vehicle and absorbing road impacts, especially during turns and uneven driving conditions. When struts or shocks start to fail, you may hear clunking, rattling, or knocking noises, especially when you steer at low speeds or drive over bumps.
Eventually, struts and shocks wear down due to regular driving, rough roads, and exposure to the elements. When they lose their ability to dampen movement, your suspension may allow excessive bouncing or swaying. That added movement can cause metal components to contact each other and produce noise during turns. If your car makes noise while turning and also feels unstable or bouncy, your suspension likely needs attention.
Worn struts and shocks can also lead to uneven tire wear and longer braking distances, both of which affect overall driving safety. You might notice fluid leaking from the strut body or feel a difference in ride quality. Replacing these parts can restore the smooth, quiet ride your car once had.
Final Thoughts
Hearing unusual sounds when your car makes noise while turning can be frustrating, but those sounds often point to fixable issues. From a worn car ball joint to damaged struts and shocks, many of these noises stem from common car problems that affect steering, suspension, or wheel components. Addressing these problems early helps protect your vehicle’s performance and safety.
At Rimrock Certified Select, skilled technicians are ready to inspect your vehicle, diagnose the issue, provide reliable repairs and regular maintenance. During your visit, be sure to also check out our amazing inventories of reliable used cars and used SUVs/trucks!
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