6 Causes of a Popping Noise When Turning
If you’ve recently noticed your vehicle making odd or otherwise abnormal noises when turning, you’re likely quite concerned. This noise can be especially concerning if it comes in the form of a “pop” or “clunk”.
In this article, we’ll look at the most likely reasons behind that popping noise you’re hearing when turning, along with a step-by-step diagnostic process to help you pinpoint the exact cause.
Identifying the Type of Popping Noise
In most instances, the biggest key to isolating the root cause of a vehicle’s abnormal popping when cornering, comes down to closely evaluating the characteristics of the noise itself. You need to ask yourself several questions while evaluating this noise.
1. Is the noise continuous or intermittent?
2. Is this popping heard only under very specific conditions, or every single time the vehicle is turned?
3. How loud is the pop?
4. Does the noise seem to have a specific origin?
All of these questions, when carefully considered and honestly answered, will put you that much closer to determining the source of the offending noise.
Even if you intend to let a professional handle the issue, having an answer to these questions can assist your service center in providing you with the timeliest repair possible (and maybe even saving you some money).
Common Causes of a Popping Noise
There are several potential underlying issues that can lead to the presence of an abnormal popping noise while turning. Learning to identify the source of such noises can be of immense value when attempting to resolve the problem. Here are several of the most common causes of a popping noise that is heard primarily when turning.
1) Worn Ball Joints/Tie-Rod Ends
Ball joints and tie rod ends are two distinct components found within the construction of a vehicle’s front end, both of which articulate through the use of a ball-and-socket design.
As excess wear begins to plague these components, a noticeable “pop” or “clunk” is often heard while driving. Your steering wheel may also shake or wobble while driving with ball joint or tie rod end issues.
2) Compromised CV Joints
CV, or constant-velocity, joints are utilized by virtually all front-wheel drive vehicles. These joints are found in a vehicle’s CV axles, allowing for torque to be transferred to each front wheel along a defined shaft that is constantly being articulated to the left or right. It is not uncommon for these joints to “pop” when dry or worn.
3) Dry Secondary Steering Shaft Joints
Vehicles employ the use of secondary steering shafts to transmit the rotation of the steering wheel to the input of a vehicle’s steering gearbox or rack. This shaft generally features U-joints that prevent binding under rotational force. Over time, these joints can become dry and start to “pop” due to normal wear.
4) Bound Strut Mounts
A vehicle’s struts serve as an integral part of the suspension system. Each strut is allowed to pivot at its upper mounts during cornering, due to the use of an integrated bearing.
5) Gearbox/Rack Failure
Though somewhat rare, a failing steering gearbox or rack can begin “popping” when it is articulated during typical turning/cornering. This noise is not only heard but is also commonly felt on the steering wheel as well. In most cases, replacement of the defective component is required.
6) Loose/Dangling Inner Fender
At times, a vehicle’s inner fender liner can become dislodged at its fasteners, creating a low clearance situation between itself and the tire of that particular wheel well. Under these circumstances, noise is often heard as a vehicle’s front wheels are cut sharply, making inner fender to tire contact possible.
Diagnostic Steps
The following steps can be used to assist in diagnosing the root cause of a popping noise that is heard when driving. These steps are largely the same, whether being diagnosed by a professional, or at home, in a DIY fashion.
1. Test Drive Vehicle
First, a vehicle should be test driven to determine if the noise in question is a steady continuous popping while turning, or is a singular pop heard at each turn.
2. Check for Front End Play
Next, lay under the front end of the affected vehicle having an assistant lightly turn the steering wheel back and forth. Listen for the “popping” in question, while closely watching for excessive free play in the vehicle’s tie-rod ends.
You can also check for ball joint play on most vehicles by placing a floor jack under the lower control arm at each wheel end and lifting, before attempting to slack the ball joint using a pry bar.
3. Inspect Upper Strut Mounts
Upper strut mounts can be inspected by carefully observing for signs of abnormal hesitation while the affected vehicle’s steering wheel is being turned by an assistant. These bushings are best seen through the engine bay with the hood raised.
4. Check for Steering Shaft Binding
To check for the binding of U-joints in a vehicle’s secondary steering shaft, place your hand around the under-dash portion of this shaft, while having an assistant slowly turn the steering wheel. You can often feel a localized “popping” or shutter, or might even be able to see free play within the shaft’s U-joints.
5. Evaluate Steering Gearbox/Rack
If none of the above checks have yielded any conclusive results, there is a chance that the vehicle’s steering gearbox/rack is to blame.
These components should be tested for binding in accordance with that which is specified by manufacturer-specific service literature for the model of vehicle in question.
What Can Happen If You Ignore the Issue
Nothing good can come from ignoring strange noises, such as popping, that occur when turning.
This wear will only increase as time passes, presenting the possibility of complete failure. When components such as tie-rods or ball joints structurally fail while driving, the results can be unnerving. Such failure often results in a loss of vehicle control and steering acuity.
At best, this can easily leave you stranded, requiring your vehicle to be towed. At worst, you could quickly find yourself involved in an accident.