Why is my steering wheel making noise when turning?
An unusual noise when turning is typically caused by low power steering fluid or a failing power steering pump, while popping sounds during low-speed maneuvers like parking indicate suspension or steering component binding. Addressing this promptly prevents further damage to the steering system and restores normal vehicle operation.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- Most of it landed at once — the busiest month was September 2026, with 14 people.
- This comes up 9.8× more often in r/AskMechanics than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Checking power steering fluid levels or leaks2 people mentionedDid this help you?
- 2Checking power steering fluid levels and adding the correct fluid or additives like SeafoamDid this help you?
- 3standing outside the vehicle door while turning the wheel to isolate the source of the soundDid this help you?
- 4spraying lubricant into the steering column to see if the creaking goes awayDid this help you?
- 5spraying some lithium lubricants where the springs seat into the plates at either endDid this help you?
- 6Injecting grease into the joints using a hypodermic needle adapter to pierce the bootDid this help you?
- 7Checking to see if the worn-out component needs replacementDid this help you?
- 8Replacing parts recommended by mechanics (rack and pinion, strut mount, outer tie rod end)Did this help you?
- 9Seeking advice from online forums like RedditDid this help you?
- 10Flushing and replacing power steering fluidDid this help you?
- 11Moving the steering wheel aroundDid this help you?
- 12Pressing the brakesDid this help you?
- 13Putting the car in neutralDid this help you?
- 14Considering replacement of the pump or motorDid this help you?
- 15Replacing the CV axleDid this help you?
- 16Checking lug bolts and nutsDid this help you?
- 17Inspecting brake dust shields and differential fluid levelsDid this help you?
- 18Disassembling and rechecking suspension and axle componentsDid this help you?
- 19checking the front springs with a flashlight while a second person turns the steering wheel to see if they jump with the clunk soundDid this help you?
- 20Inspecting and checking components such as ball joints, lug nuts, tie rod ends, and steering rack mountingsDid this help you?
- 21Checking power steering fluid reservoir levels to ensure fluid reaches the fill line.Did this help you?
- 22Asking an online mechanics forum for diagnostic advice before paying for a professional inspectionDid this help you?
- 23Checking for binding by placing a hand on the upper shock spring while someone turns the steering wheel with the engine offDid this help you?
- 24Asking online automotive forums for diagnostic ideas before taking the car to a shopDid this help you?
- 25Checking under the car for loose exhaust heat shieldsDid this help you?
- 26Verifying that wheel lug nuts were not left loose after a recent tire rotationDid this help you?
- 27Physically inspecting CV axles for play, scanning for diagnostic trouble codes, and cleaning the wheel speed sensors.Did this help you?
- 28seeking diagnostic advice from online mechanicsDid this help you?
- 29trying to determine if the repair is urgent or can be safely delayedDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Only time I hear is when car is turning left, not turning right or going straight.”source ↗
“Hello everyone, I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD and it recently started making a pretty noticeable squeaking/creaking noise whenever I steer left or right.”source ↗
“Recently, only when the car is stopped and not lifted: if I move steer to the left, I hear clank noises on the driver side.”source ↗
“One shop said it was the rack and pinion, so I got an assembly and got it changed. This noise still happens... Other shop said it could be the strut mount so I got it changed too and the noise still happens.”source ↗
“I am getting crazy and disappointed that not even two different mechanics can identify what is causing this noise.”source ↗
“Does anyone know what this could be or what I could try to do to fix it? Its a 2005 ford ranger v6 4.0L”source ↗
“any idea what this is? 2018 toyota highlander SE”source ↗
“This car doesn’t have power steering fluid tho it’s all electric which has confused me a lot”source ↗
“My power steering squeals from time to time so I assumed that I was low on power steering fluid or something.”source ↗
“Is it fine for it to squeal from time to time or am I looking at a new pump or motor something?”source ↗
“I have a clicking sound when accelerating through right turns. CV axle was the obvious solution, but it still clicks even with brand new OEM CV.”source ↗
“I’m feeling discouraged and just at a loss as to what else it could be.”source ↗
“i hear a loud metallic klunk when i turn, it is especially noticeable when i make extreme turns. It feels like its coming from the middle of the car but im not sure, its definitely from the front though.”source ↗
“can i drive on a faulty strut mount or is this a fix ASAP type thing?”source ↗
“So my car (2013 Ford Edge) lost AWD yesterday and the ABS light came on. I noticed when turning from a stop there is a clicking sound from under the car.”source ↗
“I don't see any other issues with my car - could the transmission fluid leak be causing a faulty ABS?”source ↗
“I have noticed this noise when driving on the interstate.”source ↗
“The noise comes and goes, and sometimes it’s louder and more noticeable.”source ↗
“Steering wheel makes strange noise when turning around center.”source ↗
“this occurs when driving aswell in a straight line, whenever i turn slightly around the center it makes a clicking noise”source ↗
“every time I turn my wheel on the first take off going forward I hear 2-3 pops behind the wheel, it doesn’t happen when I actively driving just when I’m turning into parking lots and backing out.”source ↗
“It recently started making a pretty noticeable squeaking/creaking noise whenever I steer left or right.”source ↗
“When I turn the steering wheel it makes a clunking noise, when I turn it all the way to the left or right and wiggle the wheel it still does the same thing, what could this be?”source ↗
“if its only when applying pressure to the steering wheel then its power steering pump related.”source ↗
“so is that normal?”source ↗
“No it shouldnt be whining normally.”source ↗
“Not a lot of money. Just wanted to see if anyone could help before I use my last on a diag. Hard grinding/ thumping noise as I turn the wheel. Stationary and driving”source ↗
“Also do you know if this has any safety risk? Deciding how urgent I should be to swapping this”source ↗
“2016 Subaru forester w about 140k miles has developed a terrible rattle in the steering wheel when I turn going high speeds (65+ mph). Wheels have been rotated recently, tread is good, so I’m worried it’s something expensive :/”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 8Why is my steering wheel shaking and wobbling by itself?
- 2Car squeaks and shudders when stopped at a light
- 5Why is my car steering stiff and chirping when turning?
- 7Car makes whirring noise that stops when I press the clutch
- 2Why does my car make rapid clicking when I turn the key?
- 5Why does my car make a clicking noise and not start?