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.
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 CarParts.com for quality power steering fluid: https://bit.ly/2RIr6wE
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. CarParts.com offers quality replacement power steering pumps right here: https://bit.ly/2GeW6ir
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.
Though it is technically possible to keep driving your vehicle even if it makes strange noises, it’s generally inadvisable. There’s no way to confirm whether or not these noises indicate a serious problem with your vehicle unless you or a mechanic give it a thorough inspection.
Neglecting to address the noises can potentially make problems worse, leading to costlier repair bills. In extreme cases, your vehicle might break down.
If your car makes strange noises when you drive, it’s important to diagnose the problem, get regular maintenance, and try to replace any inoperative parts.
If your vehicle makes strange noises when you turn, it’s important to either bring your vehicle to a mechanic for inspection or try and diagnose the problem yourself. It’s a good idea to check the steering and suspension systems to see if any components are inoperative or require lubrication.
Bring your vehicle to an auto shop for maintenance at least twice a year. Having a professional look at your vehicle doesn’t just help you single out causes for strange noises when you turn, but can also help identify potential problems before they worsen.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.