Why Does Your Car Make Noise When You Turn?

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How to diagnose the noises your vehicle makes when you turn
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If your vehicle makes noise when you turn, it’s likely that your axles, suspension system, or power steering system are to blame. Narrowing the problem down will depend on the type of sound you’re hearing and the other symptoms you’re experiencing—which is why we're here to break it all down and help you figure it out. Plus, we'll explain how much it costs to fix each issue, so read on for a complete guide to a car that makes noise when turning.

Things You Should Know

  • Suspension issues, such as bad CV joints, bushings, or ball joints are the most likely cause if you hear crunching or creaking from one side when you turn.
  • Your power steering system is likely to blame if you hear screeching or whining when you turn in any direction.
  • The tie rods and sway bar link could be the culprit if you hear popping, knocking, or cracking.

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1

CV Joints

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    The 4 CV joints connect each wheel to their respective axle. These joints allow the wheels to turn at different angles so that they don’t fight one another on sharp turns, and they help the transmission transfer power by rotating. If they’re damaged, they can make a lot of noise. You may also notice your car shaking when you accelerate. [1]
    • What’s it sound like? When you turn around corners, you’ll notice a clicking noise. You’ll hear a knocking noise if the damage is especially bad. The sound may only occur on one side.
    • How do you fix it? See a mechanic to have the CV joints swapped out if they’re damaged. If the connection to the transmission is the issue, they’ll need to be adjusted.
    • What’s it going to cost? If you need a brand new CV joint, it’ll cost $900-1,200 each. Basic maintenance may only run $100-150 each, though.
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2

Suspension Ball Joints

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    The suspension ball joints connect your front wheels to the vehicle via the suspension (they’re in the back as well if you drive a truck), and every wheel has two of them. If one (or more) of these joints is rusty, worn down, or damaged, it can cause noises when you turn your wheels and the suspension joints rub against another part of the vehicle. [2]
    • What’s it sound like? Creaking, clunking, or popping near the tires. It sort of depends on how your vehicle’s suspension is designed and how many joints are damaged. It may only occur on one side.
    • How do you fix it? A mechanic will remove your tires, inspect the ball joints and replace any joints that have lost their shape or been damaged.
    • What’s it going to cost? This is surprisingly cheap most of the time. Each ball joint will run $100-150, so expect that plus the shop’s labor cost.
3

Power Steering Pump

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    The power steering pump keeps the power steering fluid pressurized so you don’t have to turn the wheel harder when you’re turning at high speeds. If the power steering pump is bad, you’ll hear noises when you turn. You’ll also notice it’s harder to steer than it normally is. [3]
    • What’s it sound like? A whining or groaning noise when you turn. You may also notice a squealing when you start the engine.
    • How do you fix it? The pump probably needs to be replaced, so see a mechanic to have the problem diagnosed. In fringe cases, the power steering fluid may need to be replaced .
    • What’s it going to cost? Expect to spend somewhere between $500-800 on a new power steering fuel pump. New fluid may only cost $50-80.
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4

Power Steering System

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    Power steering fluid is the lifeblood of your steering wheel. The fluid is what makes it possible for you to move hundreds of pounds of rubber and steel by lightly turning a wheel. The system is a complex combination of hoses, gears, and belts; if any of those components are damaged, it can interfere with your ability to steer properly. This will also make a ton of noise!
    • What’s it sound like? Typically, you’ll hear screeching or whining noise when driving at normal speed. The noises will get more dramatic when you turn.
    • How do you fix it? Have a professional check out your power steering system. They’ll make any adjustments or repairs.
    • What’s it going to cost? This will run you anywhere from $125-1,600 depending on what kind of work needs to be performed. If it’s a fluid refill or a minor repair, it’ll be on the lower side. Power steering system failure will require more expensive work.
    EXPERT TIP

    Hovig Manouchekian

    Auto Repair & Design Specialist
    Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.
    Hovig Manouchekian
    Auto Repair & Design Specialist

    Top up your power steering fluid to ensure a smooth ride. Contaminated power steering fluid is a common cause of a stiff steering wheel, as are low levels of fluid. Fix contaminated fluid with a system flush. If the fluid level is low, there may be a leak in the system. Keep the reservoir filled with fresh fluid.

5

Tie Rods

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    The tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckles where the front wheels pivot when you turn the wheel. If the tie rods aren’t lubricated properly or they’re cracked, it can toy with your steering alignment. This kind of turning trouble is best dealt with quickly since a snapped tire rod will cause your axle to separate. [4]
    • What’s it sound like? A clunking or thumping noise coming from the axle area.
    • How do you fix it? The tire rod either needs to be lubricated by a pro, or replaced entirely.
    • What’s it going to cost? This is one of the cheaper repairs. Expect to pay $150-400 depending on whether the rod needs maintenance or to be replaced.
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6

Sway Bar Link

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    The sway bar connects your vehicle’s suspension system to the actual body of your car. Your suspension system absorbs all of those bumps and potholes, and the sway bar keeps your car stable while it’s doing all of that absorption. If the sway bar link is damaged, you’ll notice a much rougher ride and trouble handling your vehicle on rougher roads. It’ll also make a ton of noise. [5]
    • What’s it sound like? A popping or knocking whenever you go over bumps or turn on an imperfectly flat road.
    • How do you fix it? Sway bar replacement is very straightforward for even a novice mechanic, although we still don’t recommend a DIY repair as raising the vehicle for this requires special equipment.
    • What’s it going to cost? This should run around $125-200.
7

Bushings

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    The suspension bushings are the rubber or polyurethane cushions mounted around car suspension and steering joints. They absorb a lot of the vibrations from potholes and bumps, kind of like your body’s cartilage that protects your joints. When the bushings wear down, those vibrations will make their way to the steering column and vehicle. You’ll also experience loose steering and poor handling alongside the noise. [6]
    • What’s it sound like? Clunking and rattling every time you turn the wheel or brake hard. You may hear squeaking too, if the bushings just need to be lubricated. The noise may only occur on one side of the vehicle.
    • How do you fix it? The worn-down bushings need to be replaced. If the bushings are dried out, they need to be lubricated. See a mechanic for this work.
    • What’s it going to cost? You’re probably going to spend around $250-350 for each bushing that needs to be replaced.
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8

Struts and Shocks

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    Every vehicle is suspended above the ground by a suspension system made up of shocks and struts. These are the components that bounce up and down when you drive over a bump. They also keep the tires pushed against the pavement when you drive and help your vehicle stay flat. If the struts and shocks are damaged, it can lead to tire cupping, braking issues, and swaying when you change lanes. [7]
    • What’s it sound like? You’ll hear knocking and banging when you drive. You’ll also hear a cracking or snapping noise when you make hard turns.
    • How do you fix it? Your suspension system probably needs an overhaul and any struts and shocks that are damaged need to be replaced.
    • What’s it going to cost? If you need to replace both the struts and shocks, expect to spend $300-900. It’ll be less if only one set of the components needs to be swapped out.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What else can I do to improve a car's power steering?
    Audra Fordin
    Certified Automotive Technician
    Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper.
    Audra Fordin
    Certified Automotive Technician
    Expert Answer
    Aside from regular maintenance, a really good way to improve your car's power steering is by checking the tire pressure. Make sure it's up to your car manufacturer's specifications. Details about the tire pressure can be seen on the side door of your passenger or driver side of the car, marked with a number and a PSI.
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      Tips

      • If the noise only occurs when you turn in a specific direction, it’s a big sign that the problem has something to do with the CV joints, bushings, or ball joints on that side of your vehicle. It also broadly points away from your power steering system in general.
        Thanks
      • As tempting as it may be to repair any of these issues yourself, leave these repairs to a professional. DIY work on a suspension, axle, or power steering system is just too risky and difficult.
        Thanks
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      Warnings

      • Do not drive if you’re struggling to control the vehicle. However, if you have complete control and the noises are minimal, you can drive for a short period. Just know that you’re best off going to the mechanic right away, and the risk that you cause serious damage to the vehicle by continuing to drive is high. [8]
        Thanks
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance, check out our in-depth interview with Audra Fordin .

      References

      1. ↑ https://autotrends.org/bad-cv-joint-symptoms/
      2. ↑ https://www.bluestar.com/get_informed/article/the-purpose-of-control-arms-bushings-ball-joints
      3. ↑ https://cartreatments.com/bad-power-steering-pump-symptoms-replacement-cost/
      4. ↑ https://www.cars.com/auto-repair/glossary/tie-rod/
      5. ↑ https://repairpal.com/sway-bar-end-link
      6. ↑ https://www.cars.com/articles/what-problems-do-worn-suspension-bushings-cause-1420681259213/
      7. ↑ https://www.lesschwab.com/article/shocks-struts/how-to-tell-if-your-shocks-or-struts-are-bad.html
      8. ↑ https://autotrends.org/noise-when-turning-steering-wheel/

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