5 Common Steering Wheel Noises
Steering should operate noise-free. But worn parts can cause concerning whines, groans or rubbing when turning. Don’t ignore these red flags.
Learn what suspension and steering components are engaged and stressed when turning, where issues may lurk, and how to inspect the system. Finding the cause of a steering wheel that makes noise when turning early on will save money and prevent safety hazards.
Types of Steering Wheel Noise (and Their Causes)
It’s important to note that not every steering-related noise is the same, nor are their causes. Therefore, correct diagnosis often hinges upon being able to differentiate between these individual noises accurately. Here are the most common types of steering-related noises you may encounter, and their likely causes.
1) Squealing
Probably the most common noise of concern you may hear when turning your steering wheel is that of a “squeal” or “screech”. Sounds of this variety are generally high-pitched in nature and tend to fade immediately after steering wheel movement ceases.
Possible Causes
The noises mentioned above typically originate in the power steering system itself, as it is put under strain. Oftentimes, low power steering fluid or worn power steering pump internals are to blame. A noise of this type can also be caused by a belt slipping across a power steering pump’s pulley.
2) Grinding
Grinding noises heard when steering should be of immediate concern. These noises are often metallic in nature, and tend to be easily heard, even over a vehicle’s engine. Additionally, some might also describe this sound as a “growl” of sorts. In any event, noises of this type always warrant further investigation.
Possible Causes
A fair amount of inspection and diagnostic work is typically required to locate the source of grinding noises when turning your steering wheel, as a number of possibilities present themselves. Such noises can be caused by steering gear-related wear, significantly worn wheel bearings, or even compromised strut bearings.
3) Clunking
“Clunking” noises heard when steering are yet another cause for concern. These noises might be faint, or alternatively, can be shockingly loud. Many describe noises of the like as sounding reminiscent of a hollow “thud”, without any obvious metallic undertones.
Possible Causes
Steering-related clunking noises are almost always the result of wear and tear to articulating components. This wear causes components with bushings or ball sockets to move excessively during cornering and load shift. Control arms, struts, and ball joints are all prone to wear of this type.
4) Knocking
Knocking noises and vehicles certainly don’t go together in any sense. However, noises of this type heard when cornering are not typically engine-related. Knocking noises heard when turning can be dull in sound, or can be far sharper, resembling the hammering of metal. The intensity of such noises can also vary.
Possible Causes
There are several potential causes of knocking noises that are heard when steering. However, the most common culprit behind these noises is a broken, damaged, or worn sway bar link. Excessive tie-rod wear can also serve as the root cause of steering-related knocking noises.
5) Whining
Many drivers complain of hearing whining when turning their steering wheel from one direction to the next. This whining can be rather minimal in some cases, or, can border on the level of being mind-numbingly loud under more severe circumstances. The severity of this whining often foretells if an actual issue exists.
Possible Causes
Most power steering systems make a slight humming or whining noise whenever a vehicle’s steering wheel is turned all the way to the left or right wheel stop. This is normal in most cases and is no cause for concern.
However, if this noise is far more pronounced, or if it occurs with even minimal steering wheel movement, issues likely exist within the power steering system itself. Start by carefully checking your vehicle’s power steering fluid level.
Diagnostic Steps
The following steps can be used to assist in diagnosing irregular steering noises of concern. When attempting to diagnose steering-related noises, it’s always helpful to have an assistant available.
Step-1) Identify the Noise Type
Begin by trying to determine the type of noise that is being heard, whether it’s squealing, whining, grinding, or other. This can provide clues about the sound’s origin. Additionally, try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.
Step-2) Check Power Steering Fluid Level
Next, check your vehicle’s power steering fluid level. Top off the vehicle’s reservoir if necessary, and begin looking for the source of leaks if the level itself is found to be substantially low.
Step-3) Inspect Steering/Suspension Components
If the vehicle’s power steering fluid level proves to be sufficient, begin inspecting for obvious signs of wear or damage to all steering and suspension components. Look closely at all steering linkages and terminal components, while an assistant lightly turns the vehicle’s steering wheel from stop to stop.
Step-4) Replace Any Defective Components
Finally, replace any steering or suspension components found to be damaged, worn, or otherwise defective. Grease all serviceable joints on any additional components that are to remain in service.
Step-5) Further Inspect Steering Gear/Rack
If the offending noise persists, it will be necessary to further inspect the vehicle’s steering rack or steering gear for signs of internal failure. This often requires professional assistance.
Preventive Maintenance
While mechanical parts will eventually wear out, several key points of preventative maintenance can be done to delay this process. When performed regularly, these steps can extend the life of your vehicle’s steering and suspension components.
One key point of invaluable maintenance is a routine inspection of the power steering system as a whole. A vehicle’s power steering fluid level should be checked and topped off at every oil change. If a known leak exists within the system, these checks should be even more frequent.
Additionally, you should periodically inspect for signs of leakage and fluid loss, repairing any such leaks that are persistent or severe. It’s also important to periodically inspect all steering components for excessive wear or degradation.
Ball joints, control arms, and tie-rod ends exhibiting progressive wear should be scheduled for replacement. Likewise, compromised sway bar links with damaged bushings should be discarded. Greasing of all serviceable joints within the steering system should also take place during every maintenance cycle.
In addition, shocks and struts require periodic inspection as well. Any such components found to be leaking fluid should be replaced, as should any shocks or struts that no longer possess sufficient damping qualities.
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs, for each axle to which work is being conducted, as this prevents abnormalities in load distribution.
