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It’s scary hearing your car squeak when you take a turn. Sometimes the noise can be too much, and you can’t be sure if the car will make it to your destination.
As a driver, you shouldn’t ignore any squeaking noise coming from your car. It doesn’t matter how little it is.
In this article, we will discuss some of the common causes of car squeaks when turning and how to fix them.
What Does It Mean When Your Car Squeaks While Turning?
If you hear the car squeak or make some squealing noises when your steering wheel is turned there is a problem with your car. It’s either you have low power-steering fluid, suspension losing lubrication, or your steering wheel is rubbing against its housing on the interior side of the trim.
In short, these are the major problems that will make your car squeaks.
What Causes Car to Squeaks When Turning?
Basically, the causes mentioned above are the major reasons why you will hear your car squeak. Here I will discuss them in detail to make you understand why and how they make car squeaks while turning.
Low Power-Steering Fluid
The steering wheel fluid affects how your steering sounds and feels when driving. With sufficient steering fluid, the steering wheel feels smooth and easy to control. Turning your car becomes easy, and you don’t use much energy on it.
However, when the fluid is used up, the turning becomes difficult. The steering wheel, on the other side, becomes heavy and makes squeaking noises.
The noises you will hear because of this problem will remain constant when the steering wheel remains off-center.
Contamination of Power-steering Fluid
Another cause of squeaks on your car could be dirty steering oil. When the oil is dirty, it can’t lubricate the steering when pump and bearings as required.
As a result, the steering wheel bearings begin to wear out. Other parts inside the steering wheel pump also get damaged due to excess pressure and friction exerted by the steering wheel.
So, when you turn or move your steering wheel, the car makes funny squeaks.
Steering or Suspension Components that Have Lost Lubrication
The main cause of the squeaks you will get from your car is as a result of oil and lubrication issues. Not always but this is the major cause of this problem.
Specifically, when the suspensions and steering wheels are not well lubricated, this problem is common. Your car ball joints, seals, tie-ends, and universal joints require lubrication. These parts move when your car turns.
When one of these joints are not well lubricated, you will hear noises coming from the joints.
Sometimes you might not hear squeals. Instead, you will get screeching or grinding noises. The noises are a result of excess friction plus the pressure exerted on the joints.
Steering Wheel Housing Rubbing Against Interior Trim
Your car will make loud squeaks if the steering wheel rubs against the interior trim. This is a major problem in hot weather.
During hot weather, the steering metal material expands and closes up the gap between the interior trim. As a result, the two parts start colliding. It makes it difficult for the wheel to turn. It also makes more noise.
If you notice this problem with your car, take it to professional car mechanics or dealers to get it fixed for you. A problem that’s not fixed can get the steering wheel to get stuck when you are driving.
Bad Shocks
Damaged and bad struct or shocks are risky to your vehicle. The problem begins with squeaks that are continuous. So, its always good to check at them.
The noise you will hear from your car when turning does not always come from the steering wheel. Worn out joints or bushings on the shocks can also make the noise you will hear from your car.
A shock problem develops if you are driving your car on rough surfaces, or at high speed.
A Loose or Worn Fan Belt
If you hear high-pitched squeal during acceleration, it could be a defective fan belt. This is common when the car engine has been started, and the car is just warming up.
A loose or worn fan belt is to blame in this case.
Failing Power Steering System
Your power steering system comprises a pump, steering gear, and hoses. If any of these three components wear down or get broken, it affects the efficiency of the steering system. As a result, you will experience noises from the steering wheel.
You will hear your car squeak when you drive it.
How to Fix Car Squeaking Noise
Work on the suspensions
To deal with suspension from squeaking, you need to do a couple of things. For a temporary solution, soak the noisy suspensions area with spray-on lithium grease. The grease will lubricate any part that could be knocking against each other hence the reason for the noise.
However, if the suspension squeaks come from the rubber suspension, get the silicone spray.
In short, lubrication on and around the suspension will get this job done for you. You won’t have issues and problems when fixing this problem.
But to get a permanent solution for your suspension problem, we recommend replacing the damaged suspensions. Buy new ones and get them replaced over your car.
It’s risky to drive a car on damaged suspensions.
Refill Your Power Steering Pump Fluid
As mentioned, one of the reasons you will hear squeaks from your car its because there is no enough power steering wheel fluid.
If you notice the squeaking noise coming from around the steering wheel, go ahead and refill your oil. Get quality steering fluid that will give your steering system the performance it requires.
Buy Castrol 035020C Transmax from Amazon today. This the best steering fluid you will find in the market today. With it, you won’t have to worry about your steering systems wearing out faster.
Change Your Steering Pump Fluid
Another reason why you are experiencing noises from your car when turning is because of contaminated steering pump fluid.
Therefore, check your fluid. Find out if it’s contaminated. If you find that it has dirt in it, remove it. Also, clean the fluid reservoir. Ensure you don’t leave any dirt that will contaminate the new fluid you will refill your tank with.
Buy Castrol 035020C Transmax – a steering fluid, you won’t have to worry about contamination. It’s available on Amazon.
Lubricate the Car Moving Parts
Your car has different moving parts. Most of these parts make noises when your car is turning. The noises are heard, especially when the parts are not lubricated. The friction causes the noises.
Therefore, check most of the moving parts of your car and lubricate them.
Continuous Servicing
Prevention is better than cure. The same applies to your car. You can prevent the squeaking noises even before they begin coming from your vehicle.
Instead of waiting until you start hearing noises from your car, keep inspecting your car. Check your steering fluid more often. Refill it when it’s getting low. And when your fluid is getting contaminated, change it before it causes a problem over your car.
Check your car shocks, bearing, and every part.
Ensure your car is safe at all times. Service your car at least once a month. This will help you identify any problem and fix it before it escalates.
Get a Professional Mechanic to Diagnose and Fix the Car
Sometimes you won’t be able to identify the source of the squeaking noise on your car when turning unless you are a car expert. This is why seeking professional help is important.
If you begin hearing squeaking noises from your car, consult your mechanic. A skilled mechanic can easily identify and fix the problem on your behalf.
Caution: Never drive a car on faulty suspensions. You can’t drive safely for more than a short distance. If you do, you will be risking your life and that of other people.
If you notice your shock is broken or damaged while driving, slow down, and park the car aside. A broken shock can’t be fixed. The only thing you can do is replace it with a new and functioning shock.
Parting Shot
Most of the Squeaking noises you will hear when your car turns they notify a problem with a certain part of your car. It’s important to ensure that you first identify and understand the source of the noise. This will help you get a perfect solution for your car.
One of the mistakes most people do is to soundproof the squeaking noises they hear from their cars. This is something that shouldn’t be done. You will soundproof and block all noises, but you won’t have dealt with the source of the noise.
However, if after diagnosis, the noises coming from your car are nothing to worry about, then you can soundproof. This will give you all the peace you need when driving your car.
Read this article to learn how to soundproof your car.
