Why Does My Car Make a Noise When I Turn?

Auto News · April 13, 2019

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Low power steering fluid is one reason why your car squeaks when turning the wheel.

Does your car make a screeching noise when turning? There are several possible reasons why this is happening and it usually means you have to replace or fix a part or two. It’s always best to have a mechanic inspect your car to get a proper diagnosis but you can check out our list below to get an idea of what’s causing the problem.

Causes of Car Noise

Low amount of or contaminated power steering fluid – When your car makes a screeching noise when turning, it is possible your power steering fluid is running low. As you know, the fluid is used to lubricate your vehicle’s power steering system, so your car could squeal while you’re driving when you’ve lost too much fluid. Adding more fluid should fix the issue. Check out Auto Parts Warehouse for quality power steering fluid:

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It’s also possible that your car makes noises because your power steering fluid is contaminated with dirt and debris. In this case, you will have to replace all the fluid in your car.

Faulty power steering pump – The power steering pump needs lubrication to work properly. A damaged power steering pump due to low amount of fluid could be another cause of car noise when turning. Add fluid to solve the problem but if the noise remains, best consult a mechanic immediately as the pump might need to be replaced right away. Auto Parts Warehouse offers quality replacement power steering pumps right here:

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Dry suspension and steering components – Suspension and steering components such as tie-rod ends, seals, ball joints, and universal joints should be lubricated in order to function properly. Even a single dry part can contribute to noise when turning.

Loose belt – Squealing noises can also be due to a loose or worn out power steering belt. The power steering belt, which is responsible for supplying power to the power steering system, wears out or becomes loose due to constant use. Inspect for damage and replace it as soon as possible once you start hearing unusual noises.

Interior trim rubbing – It’s possible for new cars to have the steering wheel housing rub against the interior trim when the weather is hot. When temperatures are high, these materials expand, causing gaps to close and producing noises.

Tire issues – Underinflated tires, worn out tire treads, and loose wheel bolts can create screeching noise when turning. Always check if your tires and wheel cover are properly inflated and bolted. Tire rotation helps prevent treads from wearing out, so do it regularly.

Worn out brake pads – You must check your brake pads right away if your brakes squeal while you’re driving because it usually indicates that the pads are already worn out and need replacing. Don’t wait for this squealing noise to turn into a grinding noise because then it means you’ve already severely damaged your brake components.

Remember: your safety should be your primary concern while on the road, so check your car immediately when you start hearing unusual noises.