Have you been noticing a squeak or a creaky noise when turning steering wheel recently? While it is common, that noise is definitely not something you want to happen while you’re on the road.
However – if you know where to look, there are options to diagnose and fix the problem. If you’re into cars or just interested in learning how to maintain your vehicle, here’s a list of things that could cause a creaking sound when you turn your steering wheel.
Topic Summary
Causes of Creaky Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
Lack of Lubrication
The more you use your steering system, the more courser the moving parts can become, leading to dry joints and creak-inducing friction.
Power Steering Rack
If you have a power steering rack, it will send your steering rack hydraulic power steering fluid anytime you turn the wheel. If you have a problem with your power steering rack, it will not get the fluid it needs to turn smoothly.
Instead, you will hear a whine whenever you turn the wheel, and the whine will be most pronounced whenever you turn at low speeds.
Broken or Cracked Bushings
Not to forget bushings another essential part of your ride. They hold things in place and allow them to move without things touching and making noise. If your bushings have done their job and everything fits together snugly, you won’t hear anything at all.
But if the bushings are cracked or broken, you will know about it – and not in a good way. Your car will make a horrible creaking noise every time you turn the wheel.
Worn-Out Suspension Components
Problems with suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or bushings might cause creaking sounds when the steering wheel is turned.
Steering Column Problems
Problems with the steering column—say, worn bearings or out-of-whack alignment—can lead to creaking noises.
Damaged Power Steering Rack
But car parts that may have geared up with you need to look at when you hear creaking noise when you turn the steering wheel, such as the power steering pump, belt, and rack.
These parts will make a creaking noise when they get damaged or worn down. Secondly, these parts will make a very loud creaking noise, especially when you are turning very slowly, so you can easily notice.
Worn Struts/Shocks
That is an advantage. Well, unless you find that the car is making noise when you take the corners, or you see fluid on the side of the front shocks, or nothing on the high side of the rear shocks and everything on the low side.
You will have bad news. The bad news is that shocks and struts are bad and need to be changed. Do you experience the motion of the vehicle? You lose, bouncy, going through bumps.
Worn Ball Joints
Another necessary part is the ball joint, which connects the steering knuckles with the arms. The ball joint is essential for controlling and adjusting the vehicle’s changes and for making its movements so it has been lubricated.
However, the grease eventually wears, and when this happens, the car noise starts.
Temperature and Humidity Changes
Extremely high or low temperatures or humidity can affect the rubber components of steering and have negative consequences, like squeaking or creaking.
Diagnose and Fix Creaky Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
Check for Lubrication Needs
- Inspect the steering components for signs of dryness or corrosion.
- Coat the steering shaft, joints, and other movable parts liberally with a lubricant as recommended in the owner’s manual.
Examine Suspension Components
- Visually inspect suspension parts for wear and tear, rust, or damage.
- Replace any worn-out components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or bushings.
Evaluate Steering Column Integrity
- Ensure the steering column is securely mounted and aligned correctly.
- Check for any loose or worn bearings and replace them if necessary.
Consider Environmental Factors
- Be mindful of temperature and humidity changes and their impact on rubber components.
- Address any squeaks or creaks promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Can I Drive with Creaky Noise?
It seems that most vehicle owners would be concerned about the condition of their vehicle if the steering wheel started creaking while driving, but is there anything to worry about? Surprisingly, it really does depend on the reason for the noise.
There are a number of common causes behind steering noises, and some are more serious than others. An easily identified and not-so-serious issue can be a lack of lubrication in some of the components of the steering, particularly if the vehicle is old.
The same applies to worn suspension parts and even to a common problem in the steering column.
For example, out-of-spec precipitation can lead directly to increased resistance (parts rubbing against each other) and wear that might create drivability problems or negatively affect handling (for example, if friction is lost at a steering ball joint or tie rod end that affects either wheel alignment or stability).
Problems with tall steering columns could include loose bearings or misalignment of the steering column linked to the steering wheel. It is important to address these issues as soon as possible to avoid any safety hazards.
For optimal functioning of the vehicle’s steering and enhanced safety, proper maintenance checks can be conducted, and minor glitches need to be taken care of instantly in terms of repairing work.
If one notices the strange sound or is not sure whether it is a major problem or not, they should contact a mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and deal with it in the right way.
The less aggressively you drive and the fewer abrupt maneuvers you make, the lower the risk of damaging or dislodging the teeth until they’re repaired. Of course, it goes without saying that you should stay safe and that your car will be road-ready.
FAQs On Creaky Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
Why does my steering wheel make a creaking sound?
Creaking sounds when turning the steering wheel can be caused by the following: Lack of lubrication in steering components, faulty parts in the suspension, problems with the steering column, or environmental factors such as seasonal changes.
Is it safe to drive with a squeaking steering wheel?
In some, it can be. Different problems, like worn suspension components or steering column issues can cause a creaking steering wheel. If those components are having a performance problem, vehicle handling can be affected, and this can create a risk for driving. Have it checked out by your mechanic to make sure its operation is safe.
What do I do about the squeaking of the steering wheel?
In most cases, the squeaking steering wheel is fixed by checking and lubricating the steering system parts, replacing worn suspension components such as ball joints or tie rod ends, making sure that your steering column is aligned accordingly, and warding off the environmental influence on rubber parts.
Can I lube the steering wheel myself?
Yes, you can lubricate some steering components yourself – including some steering wheel shafts – if the car’s manual recommends it. Consult a mechanic or ask what type of solvent or lubricant the car manufacturers recommend for specific steering shafts, joints, or other moving steering components. Steering lubes are designed to help reduce this friction, so again, lube keeps the car’s moving parts turning smoothly and improves its overall function.
When should I make an appointment with the mechanic?
The squeaky steering wheel noises make me nervous. It is advisable to schedule an appointment with the mechanic in case squeaky steering wheel noises continue despite the application of lube or when other symptoms are observed, such as play in the steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and changes in how the car handles. Driving in an unsafe road condition is better prevented than cured.
Conclusion
Dealing with squeaky steering wheel noises immediately not only improves your comfort behind the wheel but also provides your vehicle with a safe driving condition in the long term.
Knowing why they occur and following the steps listed will help you determine the reason behind the steering wheel noises and perform maintenance or repair, restoring your nice and quiet steering wheel.