Why Does My Car Make A Noise When I Turn?

Have you ever noticed an odd noise coming from your car whenever you make a turn? This can be concerning, especially if the noise is new or particularly loud. Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Most drivers experience some form of noise when turning their vehicle.

While there are many reasons why your car may make noise during turns, fortunately most of them are relatively harmless and easy to fix. Identifying the root cause of this issue will help you determine whether you need to take immediate action or simply perform routine maintenance.

“A little knowledge about what causes these noises can save you time and money in identifying the problem.”

In this blog post, we will explore the most common reasons for strange sounds heard when making turns. From worn-out parts to issues with power steering, our guide will provide you with useful information on how to diagnose and solve the problem at hand.

Whether you’re hearing a grinding noise, clicking sound, or any other type of unusual noise during turning, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible before it becomes more serious. So let’s get started!

Identifying the Type of Noise

If you hear any unusual noise when turning your car, it’s essential to identify the type of sound. Understanding the different types of noises your vehicle can make while turning will help you determine the source of the problem and take prompt action before it escalates.

Understanding Different Types of Noises

Before figuring out what could be causing the noise, it is crucial to understand the various sounds that vehicles generally produce during turns. A grinding or whirring noise can indicate worn-out bearings in the wheel hub, while a clicking or ticking sound may suggest damaged CV joints. A squealing or screeching noise could result from an issue with the power steering system or low levels of power steering fluid. Moreover, a rumbling or rattling sound is often associated with exhaust problems or loose connections.

It is also essential to pay attention to other factors like when the noise occurs. If you only hear the sound when turning at slow speeds, then it most likely indicates issues with the suspension components. On the other hand, if the sound persists even at high speeds, it could be related to tire or wheel bearing problems.

Furthermore, some noises are only audible on specific types of surfaces. For instance, if you hear strange noises only when driving over bumps or uneven terrain, it might signal issues with the struts, shocks, or stabilizer bar links.

How to Determine the Source of the Noise

Once you have identified the type of noise, you need to pinpoint its source to carry out appropriate repairs or replacement as soon as possible before they lead to more significant problems.

• Check Your Power Steering Fluid Level: A low level of power steering fluid can lead to a whining noise while turning. Locate the power steering reservoir and check if it has enough fluid to ensure the noise isn’t caused by low levels of fluid.
• Inspect The Wheel Bearings: To find out if there’s an issue with your wheel bearings, lift your vehicle and wiggle the tire from side to side. If there is any play in the tire or roughness when rotating it, then chances are that the bearings have worn out and need replacement.
• Check CV Joints: Examining the CV joints for damage or wear involves looking underneath the car at each end of the axle shaft. You can also listen for clunking sounds when accelerating or shifting gears as these often suggest issues with the CV joints.
• Examine Your Tires: If you hear a rumbling sound while turning, inspect the tires for uneven wear, bulges, or other damages, which can cause vibration and noise while driving. Check the air pressure, too, as underinflated or overinflated tires could create additional noise while turning.
• Look At Your Suspension Systems: The suspension system includes multiple parts like struts, shocks, and control arms, all playing significant roles during turning. Look for signs of damage or wear in these components, which may be causing unusual noises.

If you don’t feel comfortable examining your car yourself, take it to a mechanic who can diagnose the problem without delay, thus ensuring your safety on the road. Whatever the suspected issue may be, addressing the root of the problem as early as possible guarantees you save time and money in costly repairs down the line.

“A healthy and balanced system always yields better results.” -Stephen Covey

Common Causes of Noise When Turning

If you’ve noticed a noise coming from your car when turning, it can be a sign of several different issues. Ignoring these noises can lead to further damage and costly repairs. It’s important to identify the cause of the problem as soon as possible, so let’s take a look at some common causes of noise when turning.

Worn Out Suspension Components

Your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb shock and provide a smooth ride. However, over time, various components can wear out, leading to noise and vibration while turning. The most common parts that are known to contribute to this issue include shocks, struts, and springs.

Suspension components are located in different areas of the vehicle, including the front and rear ends. If you hear noise when turning from the front end, the likely culprit is the front suspension. On the other hand, if the sound is coming from the back, then there might be an issue with the rear suspension components.

“A worn-out shock or strut will not only affect how your vehicle handles but can also impact tire wear and alignment.” -Evan Williams, Head Technician at AutohausAZ

Loose or Damaged Steering Components

Another potential cause of noise when turning is loose or damaged steering components. Your car’s steering system consists of various parts, such as tie rods, ball joints, and control arms. These components work together to ensure that your wheels turn smoothly and accurately.

If any of these parts become loose or damaged, they can create noise and play in the steering wheel. You may notice sounds like clunking, popping, or creaking as you make turns. Additionally, if these problems persist, it could lead to a loss of steering control, making it dangerous to drive.

“If you hear a noise while turning and are unsure what is causing the issue, visit your mechanic to have them inspect the vehicle. The problem may be something small, but if left unrepaired, it could result in more significant issues down the line.” -Steve Waterworth, CEO of Holts Auto

Issues with the Wheel Bearings

A common cause of noise when turning can also be related to your car’s wheel bearings. The wheel bearings provide support for the wheel hub and spindle assembly, allowing it to rotate smoothly. Over time, these parts become worn or damaged, leading to grinding or growling sounds while turning.

You might notice that the sound increases as you make turns more frequently or at higher speeds. In some cases, you may even feel vibration through the steering wheel. It’s important to replace damaged or worn wheel bearings to ensure your car operates safely and quietly on the road.

“Wheel bearings play a vital role in protecting your tire against wear and tear by distributing weight evenly across the tires’ surface.” -Dave Cappert, Technical Editor and Contributor at RepairPal

Problems with the CV Joints

Lastly, your car’s CV joints can also contribute to noisy turning sounds. CV (constant velocity) joints allow power from the engine to be transmitted to the wheels, enabling movement. If these components become damaged or worn out over time, they can create audible clicking noises during turns.

In some cases, you may notice that the clicks happen more frequently as you turn corners tighter or faster. Ultimately, ignoring this issue can lead to significant damage to other components of your vehicle, such as the transmission, so it’s critical to address any problems with the CV joints right away.

“CV joint issues are typically the result of damage rather than wear and tear. Therefore, it’s essential to inspect them as soon as you hear any abnormal sounds coming from your vehicle.” -Steve Waterworth, CEO of Holts Auto

If you’re experiencing noise while turning your car, these common causes should help identify what might be wrong. As always, it’s crucial not to ignore any unusual noises or vibrations when driving, as they may indicate serious issues with your car’s components. When in doubt, take your car to a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

When to Seek Professional Help

When the Noise Persists After DIY Repairs

If you are hearing noise when turning your car, it is natural to try to repair it yourself. However, if the noises persist even after several fixes, it might be time to seek professional help. While DIY repairs can be helpful in some situations, they can cause more harm than good if you do not have enough knowledge about cars.

Inappropriate fixing of mechanical problems like alignment and suspension systems, for instance, may increase excessive tire wear and give rise to dangerous handling risks. Incorrect oil changes could lead to engine bearings wearing out faster or insufficiently lubricating other parts that require it.

“It’s essential to make sure the work you’re doing is done correctly because of modern vehicles’ complexity,” states Mike Stoops, executive director of technical training at ASE (Automotive Service Excellence).

Therefore, when strange sounds continue after specific repairs, don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. An experienced technician has advanced tools and qualifications to diagnose any issues quickly and efficiently before irreversible damage occurs.

When the Noise is Accompanied by Other Symptoms

Cars produce different kinds of sounds ranging from squealing and grinding to whirring and grumbling. While most of these noises tend to disappear as soon as you turn off the ignition, certain sounds may indicate severe problems with your car’s internal components. For example, clunking, clicking, or knocking noises when making turns may be accompanied by other warning signs such as:

• A strange odor coming from under the hood
• A burning smell from underneath the car
• An illuminated check engine light on your dashboard
• Oil spots or fluids leaking onto your garage floor
• Decreased acceleration or power steering issues

In such cases, it’s best to stop driving the car immediately and contact an expert mechanic. Ignoring these types of warnings could cause serious mechanical problems that might require expensive repairs if not addressed early enough.

“The rule is, if there are accompanying unusual symptoms with a noise, don’t wait; get it inspected right away,” suggests John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic.

A professional mechanic will go through all the aspects of your vehicle to identify any underlying issues causing those noises, diagnose the root problem, and possibly suggest alternatives to fix it depending on your budget.

Occasional sounds when turning aren’t necessarily a matter of concern for many drivers. However, persistent and abnormal noises while making turns signify something more significant than potential costly damage without immediate repairs. Remember, your safety on the road should come first, so be proactive about fixing any issues that arise in due time.

Costs Associated with Repairing Noises When Turning

As a car owner, you may have experienced your vehicle making some noise when turning. There are several reasons why your car makes noises when turning, and it is essential to address these issues early enough before they develop into bigger problems.

Diagnostic Costs

The first step towards fixing any problem in your car is determining the root cause of the issue. Most auto mechanics will charge a diagnostic fee that ranges between $100-$200 to identify the problem. The mechanic will perform various tests and inspections on the car to pinpoint the source of the noise. These tests usually involve driving the car around the block or lifting it onto hydraulic lifts to check under the hood.

“A good technician can diagnose a problem in an average of ten minutes.” -Tom Torbjornsen

If you take your car to the dealership for repairs, they might waive the diagnostic fees if you agree to have them fix the issue. Private auto shops might also offer the same deal. In cases where multiple tests are required to pinpoint the issue, the cost of diagnostics may increase. But this is all dependent on the size of the auto shop you bring your vehicle to, its location, and expertise level of the technicians who work there.

Costs of Replacing Parts

One of the leading causes of noise when turning comes from damaged or worn-out parts within the steering system such as ball joints, tie rods, power steering pumps, sway bar links amongst others. If replacements become necessary, the costs involved vary depending on other additional factors like the make and model of the vehicle and labor fees attributed to the varying difficulty level of the replacement process.

“When replacing suspension components such as struts, shocks, ball joints, and tie rods, the cost may be between $500 to $1500.” -NAPA AutoCare

If your car is under warranty, you can use it to cover the replacement of parts. However, this only works if the repair is within the terms and conditions outlined in the warranty agreement.

Labor Costs for Repairs

The labor fees charged by an auto mechanic will depend on several factors that include service standards, geographical location, experience level of technicians, and national average rates. The hourly labor fees generally range from $70-$120 per hour with expert mechanics that come attached to dealerships having a higher charge rate billing at approximately $160 per hour. It is important to note that some autoshops might bundle or split charges based on the time spent replacing various damage-insistent parts such as stabilizer links, axles, springs, wheel bearings amongst others.

“Charges vary and start anywhere from $60-$95 per hour.” -The Family Handman

To save money, try getting quotes from multiple shops before deciding where to get repairs done. Always ensure the company provides clear, transparent pricing information so you don’t encounter any surprises when picking up your vehicle once it’s fixed.

In a nutshell, repairing noises when turning involves three elements: diagnostics, part replacements, and labor fees. Be sure to understand these costs to make educated choices about how to proceed with repairing issues in your own vehicle.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Noises When Turning

Car noises are common, but they can be bothersome and even alarming when turning. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that car owners can take to avoid these noises. Whether it’s through regular maintenance or taking a closer look at certain components of the vehicle; here are some ways to help reduce noise and improve driving experience:

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

The most essential factor in preventing noise during car turns is doing routine maintenance and inspections on your automobile. Some car parts become worn out over time while others need adjustment periodically.

Scheduled service visits will make sure your mechanic inspects all parts. They check for wear and tear so that any damaged equipment can replace early with new ones to prevent dangerous situations later on. This is important because neglecting basic or advanced care for your car may lead to it making crunching sounds when you turn the wheels.

“It’s much cheaper to keep up then fix something after it has broken down, ” says David Baxter of Kenwood Tire & Auto Service in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

In addition to mechanics evaluating your car in professional inspections, Doing a visual survey periodically yourself before going out on the road is another important method. This involves checking components like brake pads, CV joints, tie rods/hinged ball joints (steering linkages), suspension systems etc., looking for signs of damage like cracks, tears, or leaks. It doesn’t require a specialist certificate as long as you have access to some online resources showing you how different auto services look.

Replacing Worn Out Parts Before They Fail

Noise problems from the mechanical component’s failure are not limited to sudden malfunctions that result in accidents. Noise-producing components like shock absorbers, bearings, and belts can break down gradually over time. If you hear sound from the car, better to take action promptly before it turns into something expensive overall since things depend on other amenities.

Everything is connected when talking about auto parts; for example, a timing belt failing or being broken will lead to significant engine damage that is among the priciest vehicle maintenance expenses. Additionally, whereas steering wheels have moving components like tie rods responsible for pushing and pulling tires around corners’ rims, they may wear out unevenly without the owner noticing much until symptoms become obvious.

“Wheel bearings are very important because if one bearing fails, it could be catastrophic,” says Michael Calkins, manager of technical services at AAA.

Driving Habits That Can Reduce Wear and Tear on Components

As far as driving habits that reduce noise go, there are some helpful strategies car owners should consider adopting:

• When parking your car, do not turn tightly against curbs
• Avoid large potholes by slowing down well ahead of them
• Use brakes early and gently instead of hard braking done at the last moment
• Mindful acceleration practices looking ahead rather than shifting gears roughly or speeding up sudden bursts.

Lastly, if you notice even a slightly unusual or peculiar sound coming from your automobile, don’t think otherwise and instead report the concern to mechanics immediately- avoiding potential danger while keeping yourself and passengers safe.

“Extending the life of your car starts from the moment it’s purchased,” concludes Baxter.

Frequently Asked Questions