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Ruben Fidalgo
April 25, 2023
Do you hear noise when you turn the steering wheel of your car? Discover in this article the most common causes of noise and how you can avoid it.
The steering of a car is an essential component, it is what allows us to turn right or left and stay straight, so having it in good condition is crucial for our safety. if we hear a noise when turning the steering wheel or we notice something strange when we do it, we must be alert to avoid both possible accidents and a high bill when repairing it if we let it be.
It may interest you: How to recognize car noises that anticipate a breakdown
The most characteristic noises when turning the steering wheel and their causes
Sometimes we hear a strange noise when turning the steering wheel and it is not for a serious reason, but for something as innocent as that the wheels are stepping on something and this is the one that “creaks” when turning the steering wheel. There are noises that are produced simply because the steering wheel rubs against the casing of the steering column trim, something that is not serious in itself, but it is rare that it did not rub before and starts to do so at a specific moment. This would tell us that either the steering column has shifted for some reason or the trim has come loose and rubs.
I hear a growl when turning the wheel
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One of the most symptomatic noises that there is a problem in the direction of the car is that it is heard as a kind of chewbacca growl when we turn the wheel, especially if we take it all the way and insist on keeping it there.
That growl is almost certainly caused by a too low level of the hydraulic fluid of the steering assistance system. It occurs because the pump that generates the pressure to help us turn the steering wheel sucks air and this causes the power steering fluid to emulsify and form foam and bubbles that cause cavitation in the pump gears.
It is urgent that we check the level of the steering fluid, because cavitation are a kind of micro-explosions that rapidly deteriorate the pump and the seals that maintain the tightness of the circuit.
If the level is low, all you have to do is top up with fluid for power steering, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop a few times to prime the circuit and recheck the level; the sound should disappear. It is convenient to check why the level of the steering fluid has dropped, since it is a hermetic circuit. If we have leaks, we must seal them as soon as possible.
If the noise is produced and the level is correct, it is necessary to check the tightness and tightness of the pump suction hoses, since air may be entering through them. If they are also OK, then the pump is almost certainly worn and needs to be replaced.
Hydraulic steering assists are no longer used in today’s cars. In its place an electric motor with a reduction is mounted. In the first generation Mini it was a recurring complaint from its owners a high-pitched howl when turning the steering. It is a higher pitched sound than the one described above and is caused by the noise of the reduction gears. I’m afraid that in that case there is no choice but to live with that sound or change the whole set.
I hear a knock when turning the steering wheel
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This symptom is somewhat more serious, especially if, in addition to the noise, we notice that blow to the hands through the steering wheel. Very often the cause of that bump when turning the steering is that one of the rubber parts on which the steering or suspension mechanism is mounted has worn out of the car.
I am afraid that here the best thing to do is to go to the workshop, so that they check the entire front end and the tightening of the steering mechanism anchors, ball joints and suspension arms, for which a platform lift is necessary to keep the car supported on the wheels while one inspects the car from below and another moves the steering.
There are some models, such as the first generation of the Hyundai i30, in which the most frequent cause of this blow when turning the steering wheel is an elastic piece that serves as a coupling between the steering column and the electrical assistance system.
It is a kind of rubber star that is very cheap, but requires several hours of labor to replace it because you have to disassemble almost the entire steering column and interior trim. As soon as you start to notice it, go change it, because when that star is crushed, two metal pieces begin to rub against each other and that can end up damaging the mechanism and the pieces that we will have to change will be much more expensive.
I hear a pop when turning the steering wheel
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On some models, especially those that mount McPherson type front suspension, the front suspension rests on the chassis turrets on a piece called cupel. This piece is an elastic union that allows the rotation of the spring and the front shock absorber with the wheel. It consists of a metal plate that is screwed to the chassis and a bushing mounted on a rubber that is what absorbs the movement of the brace when turning the wheels.
Over time, that rubber bushing of the cup dries out and cracks or the seat of the bushing itself wears out and the result is that produces an annoying noise similar to what wheels make when turning on the floor of some garages, as well as a small crack.
If we hear this sound, we must start thinking about changing the cups, something that must be done in pairs. It is not recommended to change only the one on one side, otherwise, slight asymmetries are produced on the front axle that can cause reactions on the steering.
Recommendations to avoid noise when turning the steering wheel
It seems like a truism, but what is essential to avoid strange noises when turning the steering wheel and so that, in general, the operation of the car is correct is to wear a good maintenance of all components and take maximum care of the vehicle itself. Visiting the workshop frequently -not only when it is necessary to repair something-, in addition to saving money in the long run, is the best step to prevent.
