Knocking When Turning Steering Wheel

Updated at: 27-07-2023 - By: Lucas

When twisting the steering wheel, you may hear or feel noises or knocks. The steering system may be malfunctioning if you hear these noises.

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There are many various kinds of sounds, and each one can originate from a different location. The steering system should be checked as soon as you hear any of these noises or sounds, to prevent further damage and expensive repairs.

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What are the causes of noises when turning the steering wheel?

Knocking When Turning Steering Wheel

There are a few things we need to figure out before we can pinpoint what’s making the noises.

Type of sound. If it’s heard only once or constantly if we can barely hear the sounds or the noises are loud.
Where the sound is coming from. For example from the wheel or suspension, etc.
When the sound is heard. For example, when driving, when the car stands still when the steering wheel is turned all the way to the right and left.

Bad CV joint

Sometimes, the CV joint will groan or blow in your steering wheel when you turn the wheel completely to one side.

When traveling at high speeds or on uneven roads, CV joint noises are more likely to be heard. If there are no signs of wear or tear, you can apply CV joint grease to the joints.

Bad or failing steering rack

When you turn the steering wheel, you may notice a squeak or a rattling sound. When the car is driving or standing still, the noises can be heard, and they are caused by.

loose steering fasteners,
the plastic support sleeve is worn out,
backlash in the rack shaft bearings,
malfunction of the rack shaft bearings,
increased space between steering rack teeth. Most often noises caused by this issue are heard when the car is not moving.

If these noises are coming from anywhere other than the steering rack, it’s impossible to determine the source. In order to find the cause of the noise, it’s best to have a friend help you out, while one of you is lowered under the car to get close enough.

Bad struts, bad shock absorbers, and/or thrust bearings

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While driving on a straight road, you’ll hear the squeaks and rattles caused by faulty struts, defective shock absorbers, and damaged bearings.

Since greater strains are placed on struts and bearings by turning the steering wheel at high speeds, the sound is louder.

Damaged springs

A broken spring is another possible source of noise. When driving on rough roads or making a turn, you’ll notice a metallic clanking sound.

Bad or failing stabilizer bars (anti-roll bars)

Another component to blame for steering-wheel noise and knocks is a worn-out stabilizer bar, also known as an anti roll bar. When the automobile is moving, you can hear this symptom’s noises when you turn the steering wheel, and they are more noticeable on uneven roads.

If the car body tilts excessively in a turn and wobbles during braking, it has a bad stabilizer bar.

External material in the steering system

There is a small chance that you could snag a stone in the portions of your wheel responsible for movement if you enter a turn while driving.

A high probability exists that small rocks will come into contact with these components. So, be careful when driving on icy or snowy roads.

This is a bad condition because it’s hard to tell if there’s something generating noise in there. Knowing and looking for the solution is therefore preferable when confronted with this issue.

A loosen subframe bolt

Subframe bolt looseness is another unusual cause of suspension noise when turning, and the subframe itself can squeak when driving and even more so while shifting gears. Just tighten the bolt that corresponds to the problem.

A bad universal joint shaft

If you hear a clunk when you spin the steering wheel, it’s most likely the steering wheel shaft joint.

Faulty tire rod ends

It’s possible that the tire rod ends will fail due to normal deterioration. When you turn the steering wheel, you’ll hear squeaks and knocks.

First, remove the tire from the side that is making the bothersome noise. Then, jack up the automobile from that side and inspect the rods. The next step is to shake the rods, which should not be moving.