Why Does My Car Make Noise When I Turn?

When people age, they sometimes hear noises as they move, as their bones and joints don’t work as well as they did in their youth. The same is true for automobiles. As cars age and experience normal wear and tear, new noises may be audible while driving. If you’re experiencing noise when you turn, though, it could mean a variety of things, depending on the sound and at which speed(s) it occurs. Contact our service pros or read on below to learn more about the answer to the question, “Why does my car make noise when I turn?”

Common Steering-Wheel-Related Noises While Driving

If your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Wagoneer vehicle is working at 100% capacity, you shouldn’t hear any noise while turning the steering wheel. If you start to hear any of these types of sounds, chances are, something isn’t quite right with your vehicle or its steering system:

• Clunking
• Popping
• Creaking
• Squealing
• Groaning
• Screeching
• Whining

While some of the above noises can be fixed pretty simply, others are far more serious and require making a service appointment for immediate attention.

So, Why Does My Car Make Noise When I Turn? Here’s Why:

Here are just some of the most common reasons your vehicle is making noise when you turn and what you might do to remedy the issue:

• Power Steering System: Do you hear a screeching or whining noise while turning at normal speeds? If so, the issue could relate to your power steering system itself. Sometimes, all that will be required is topping off your power steering fluid. Other times, one of the many other components like hoses or belts within the power steering system may require replacement or repair.
• Power Steering Pump: A whining noise that seems like it’s coming from the engine bay heard while steering at low speeds is likely due to a faulty power steering pump.
• Suspension Joints: Creaking, clunking, or popping sounds that you hear while turning (or possibly while going over speed bumps, too) could indicate worn out or broken suspension joints.
• CV Joints: If you hear a crunching noise while turning at higher speeds, your vehicle’s CV Joints are usually to blame.
• Bushings: If you hear a creaking noise while turning, your bushings may need lubricating or replacing.
• Struts and Shocks: A bouncy and loose feel while driving, not to mention noise while turning usually is due to bad shocks and/or struts.
• Tie Rods: A clunking noise you hear when turning could indicate (a) loose or broken tie rod(s).
• Sway Bar Link: Sway bar links that break result in knocking noises while turning plus poor handling.
• Ball Joints: If the ball joints are at fault, you will probably hear a creaking sound that gets louder over time.

Find the Cause of Your Car Noises at Ryan Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Now that you’re closer to the answer to the common question “Why does my car make noises when I turn?” it’s time to get real answers. The truth is, neither we here at Ryan Chrysler Jeep Dodge, nor anywhere near Watford City or Dickinson for that matter, will be able to tell you why exactly your car is making noises when you turn until your vehicle comes in for a service inspection. So bring your vehicle into our service center in Williston today! Still looking for answers to other common service FAQs? Consult our service tips guide! And whenever you do schedule service, take a look at our current money-saving service specials, too!