Why Does Your Car Make a Noise when Turning Right but Not Left?

PDF download Download Article
Discover what’s causing that noise when you make certain turns
PDF download Download Article

If your vehicle is only making noise when you turn right, it points to a problem with your suspension system, tires, or the components connecting those two things together. This is a cause for concern if the noise is also associated with trouble steering, since your vehicle may be on the verge of an expensive and dangerous failure. If your steering is fine though, it’s likely you’ve got a minor wheel or suspension issue. In this article, we’ll cover all of the reasons your vehicle may be making noise so that you can narrow it down and get your vehicle fixed.

Things You Should Know

  • A bad ball joint, CV joint, or wheel bearing can cause noise when you make a right turn.
  • Your suspension system can also cause noise on one side. The tie rod, bushings, struts, or shocks could be to blame.
  • See a professional mechanic to have your vehicle inspected and repaired.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*
Section 1 of 3:

Reasons a Car Makes Noise Turning Right

PDF download Download Article
  1. A faulty suspension joint, or ball joint, is going to make noise when you turn. The suspension joint connects the wheel and tire to your steering and suspension systems. Without this joint, the tire wouldn’t be able to turn. So, if one of those joints cracks or breaks, it will make noise on the tire when you turn. Depending on where that crack is, it may only make noise when you turn in one direction. [1]
    • What does it sound like? Creaking or popping noises. This will only come from the wheel with the bad ball joint.
    • The fix: See a mechanic to have them remove your tire and replace the ball joint.
    • The cost: Around $100-200.
  2. The CV joints connect each wheel on your vehicle to the corresponding axle. They allow each wheel to turn at a slightly different angle so you can make sharper turns. If one of those joints needs to be lubricated or replaced though, it may make noise when you turn right but not left. [2]
    • What does it sound like? A clunky, crunching sound. You will likely only hear this noise coming from one tire.
    • The fix: The CV joint probably needs to be replaced, so go see a mechanic.
    • The cost: Expect to spend $400-800 on a CV joint repair.
    Advertisement
  3. The tie rods connect your vehicle’s steering rack to the pinion and knuckles on your front axle. If one of the tie rods needs to be lubricated or it’s cracked, your steering wheel might feel “off.” You may also notice noise as that tie rod fights to help the pinion and knuckles turn. [3]
    • What does it sound like? This will likely result in a clunking, squealing, or thumping sound.
    • The fix: The tie rod needs to be lubricated or replaced by a professional mechanic.
    • The cost: Replacing the tire rod will run $200-300. Lubrication may only run $100 or so.
  4. The sway link bar connects the suspension system to the chassis of your vehicle. Without a functional sway bar, your vehicle won’t be able to handle all of the bumps on the road. Your vehicle will drive much rougher as a result, and the sway bar may make noise if you turn at a certain angle. [4]
    • What does it sound like? A sharp knocking sound.
    • The fix: The suspension system and the sway bar need to be examined by a pro, so see a mechanic.
    • The cost: Roughly $100-300.
  5. The wheel bearings sit inside of the wheel and connect the tire to the axle. Basically, they help the tire turn freely. If a bearing is damaged or cracked, the airtight seal opens and allows the grease to be exposed to the air. This causes the bearing to dry out, which will eventually create friction and generate noise. [5]
    • What does it sound like? A grinding, clicking, or humming noise. This noise will get worse the faster you drive or turn, and you’ll notice it only comes from one tire.
    • The fix: See a mechanic to get the wheel assembly replaced.
    • The cost: One bearing will run about $350. If one bearing has gone bad though, the others may need to be replaced soon, which would be about $1,400
  6. The bushings are rubber cushions that sit between the suspension and steering joints. They help your suspension absorb vibration so that your ride is comfortable. If one of the bushings wears down, your vehicle will feel a little less comfortable than it normally is. It may also make noise when you turn. [6]
    • What does it sound like? It’ll likely resemble rattling as the suspension creaks and grinds against the steering joint.
    • The fix: Get the bushing replaced. You can replace the bushing yourself if you’re handy, but it’s a fast and easy repair for a mechanic, too.
    • The cost: Roughly $250-300.
  7. The struts and shocks are what most people think of when they hear the word “suspension.” These are the coils and levers that connect each individual wheel to the suspension system. They absorb impacts and ensure your ride is comfortable. If one of them is damaged though, it’ll make noise as you turn and the shock fails to move freely.
    • What does it sound like? It depends. It’ll likely sound like creaking and cracking. It may sound like ticking, though.
    • The fix: See a professional mechanic to have the strut and shock on the problematic wheel replaced.
    • The cost: It really depends on what needs to be replaced. If it’s just a minor repair to a single component, it may only cost $300-400. It could be up to $2,000 for a brand new strut and shock assembly.
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Reasons a Car Makes Noise Turning Any Direction

PDF download Download Article
  1. The power steering pump keeps all of the fluid in your power steering lines pressurized so that you can turn the wheel without resistance. If that pump has gone bad or it’s slowly dying, your vehicle will likely make noise when you turn. Your steering wheel will also be harder to turn than it normally would be if the pump is bad. [7]
    • What does it sound like? Your vehicle will probably make a whining or grinding noise when you turn in any direction.
    • The fix: The pump needs to be swapped out. See a mechanic to have the fluid drained and the pump replaced.
    • The cost: About $500.
  2. If the power steering pump is fine, low fluid levels can trigger similar symptoms. Without pressurized fluid lines, the wheels will struggle to pivot as you drive. This will make it harder to turn the wheel, and it will also cause noise as you turn the wheel. [8]
    • What does it sound like? Whining, sloshing, or flushing. If the fluid is really low, you’ll likely hear grinding noises, too.
    • The fix: If it has been a long time since your car has been serviced, you may just need to refill the power steering fluid . The odds are high there’s a leak somewhere though, so see a mechanic just in case.
    • The cost: If you just need new fluid, it’ll be around $8. A flush and repair may run up to $300, though.
    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.

  3. Your vehicle’s alignment refers to how the tires are lined up relative to the chassis and steering rack. If the alignment is off, your steering wheel won’t be flat and centered when you’re driving straight. If it’s bad enough, your vehicle may even jeer to one side when you let go of the wheel. You may also notice that your wheels make noise when you turn. [9]
    • What does it sound like? Screeching or grinding. It’s probably going to be a very mild noise unless the alignment is way off.
    • The fix: This is one of the more common vehicle issues people run into. See a mechanic to have the alignment fixed .
    • The cost: Realignment shouldn’t be expensive. It usually runs about $75-150.
  4. The rack and pinion refer to a metal bar and gear next to the front axle. They connect the steering wheel to the front axle and help the tires move as you turn the steering wheel. If something is damaged though, your vehicle will make noises when you turn in either direction. If the rack and pinion fail, you won’t be able to move turn at all. [10]
    • What does it sound like? This is a gnarly sound. It’ll probably resemble a flittering grinding noise. You may even feel your steering wheel clicking or thumping as you turn.
    • The fix: This repair requires a professional. See a mechanic to have the rack and pinion inspected, repaired, and replaced as needed.
    • The cost: It really depends on your vehicle and how expensive the parts are. It could be as low as $500, or as high as $4,000.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Is it safe to drive if my car makes noise while turning?

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is not the kind of issue you can ignore, and you absolutely cannot drive if your steering is abnormal. However, if your car is handling just fine, you’re probably in the clear to drive for a very short distance. If you have any doubts whatsoever though, get a tow to the mechanic.
    • The problem with holding off on getting this fixed is that the fail-state for a lot of these minor issues can be very severe. A bad wheel bearing or CV joint could easily lead to a broken axle, for example.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Install Snow Chains on Tires
      How to
      Put a Spare Tire on Your Vehicle: 11 Simple Steps
      How to
      Loosen Lug Nuts
      How to
      Let Air Out of a Tire
      How to
      Change Wheel Bearings
      How to
      Remove a Stuck Wheel & Prevent It From Happening Again
      How to
      Check Tire Tread with a Penny
      How to
      Put Tires on Rims
      How to
      Cut a Tire
      How Old Are Your Tires? Reading the DOT Code & Replacing Old Tires
      How to
      Replace Tie Rod Ends
      How to
      Measure Rims
      How to
      Identify Run Flat Tires
      Air Pressure Draining from Your Tires? Here’s What It Means and How to Fix It
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

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

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.uti.edu/blog/automotive/ball-joints
      2. ↑ https://carpartswarehouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/CVJoints.pdf
      3. ↑ https://caradvise.com/the-simple-guide-to-tie-rods/
      4. ↑ https://www.newmarcorp.com/blog/what-does-a-sway-bar-do/
      5. ↑ https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/how-do-i-know-if-i-need-new-wheel-bearings/
      6. ↑ https://www.cars.com/articles/what-problems-do-worn-suspension-bushings-cause-1420681259213/
      7. ↑ https://tireworks.net/power-steering-issues-101-an-overview/
      8. ↑ https://tireworks.net/power-steering-issues-101-an-overview/
      9. ↑ https://neighborhoodroadside.com/signs-of-bad-wheel-alignment/
      1. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/tire-wheel/rack-and-pinion-replacement-cost-what-you-can-expect

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,337 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement