Drivers encounter their fair share of issues on the road, and one of the most important things to pay attention to is steering. If your steering goes out or starts producing an unnaturally annoying sound, it’s a definite cause for concern.
In this article, we look at multiple reasons for your car squeaking on turns and maintenance practices to reduce the likelihood of issues developing in the first place.
Whenever your car produces any irregular noise, it likely indicates something is wrong. If you turn your steering wheel and hear a squeak, you should try to determine what exactly causes it or visit an auto shop.
Depending on what happened with your steering system, various issues may cause the sound to appear.
One of the more common reasons for the sound is power steering failure. Typically, you can hear a slight buzz whenever it works, but if it starts squeaking, that is another story.
Many components, besides the power steering pump, steering box, and a series of hoses, make up the system. So, whenever one fails, it causes a squeaking noise when you turn. Moreover, if your car is relatively old, the issue is likely related to hoses and pumps that need to be replaced.
Power steering fluid is as important as the power steering system itself. It is a hydraulic liquid that transmits power to your car’s steering system. The fluid creates pressure on the sides of the rock-mounted piston to help the vehicle run smoothly and is a lubricant for the hydraulic pump.
Not only will a lack of steering fluid lubrication cause the noise, but it also results in control difficulties and makes each turn significantly more challenging. Thus, you should avoid operating the vehicle without the proper amount of steering fluid.
Another reason for the noise is that the fluid has gone bad. Power steering fluid can break down or become contaminated.
Tiny particles break off from the parts in your steering system and accumulate in the liquid. The fluid will change color and become darker. If left unchecked, this will cause clogging and lead to loud squeals and squeaks.
During hot weather, the steering wheel’s metal material expands, causing it to rub against the interior trim and produce a squeaking sound.
Driving with this issue could not only result in faster wear and tear for the steering wheel and interior trim but also hinder vehicle control, increasing susceptibility to a life-threatening accident.
The noise could also come from two belts in your car. The first is your steering wheel belt. After prolonged use, it can become loose and cause squeaking. This issue is common in older vehicles, where years of driving have taken their toll.
A fan belt can also cause a squeaking noise because it is loose. It connects essential parts in your motor and could cause severe damage to the vehicle if it is at fault.
Not all issues indicate breakages. For instance, tires accumulate wear and tear faster from rough or bumpy terrain leading to a squeaking noise when driving on some surfaces.
Another potential issue is just that the car is new. Such vehicles require a “break-in period” and can make annoying squeaking noises without it.
Squealing may mean an issue has already developed. Rather than uncovering an existing problem, staying on top of a few maintenance tasks can reduce the likelihood of an issue emerging in the first place. While some issues might be unavoidable, here are some maintenance actions to limit squealing and other noises from arising.
Considering we’re covering sounds prompted by turning the wheel, let’s start with the steering wheel. Most vehicles use hydraulic power steering which requires power steering fluid to turn the wheel.
For starters, you should regularly check your power steering fluid level. If you are unsure where the reservoir is located, consult your owner’s manual. For an accurate fluid level reading, start the engine and turn the wheels to warm up the fluid. Then, make sure the fluid is filled to the fill line in the dipstick. If it’s lower, add more of the recommended steering fluid. Conducting a monthly check is a good practice to maintain proper fluid levels and identify leaks. Remember, the sooner you discover an issue, the sooner you can resolve it.
Other actions to take include annually replacing the power steering filter which removes debris such as metal particles from the liquid to avoid clogging and straining the system. Similarly, a power steering flush can be conducted by your mechanic to keep the fluid fresh. This entails draining the existing fluid and using an air compressor to remove residual fluid before adding the new steering fluid.
You may also consider having the power steering system inspected by a mechanic – especially the power steering pump.
Dealing with steering wheel issues can be complex, and you could unknowingly further damage the vehicle. There are a couple of ways to deal with this problem. The first and the easiest is to visit an auto shop.
But, if you want to go DIY-style, the best place to start is to check and possibly change the power steering fluid. Ensure the canister is not damaged and the liquid is not expired. Alternatively, try lubricating the moving car parts or tinkering with the suspension, as these may also be the source of the noise.
Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.
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