Stratford Auto Repair

Turning your steering wheel all the way to one side, especially during parking or tight maneuvers, shouldn’t be accompanied by loud groaning, whining, or knocking sounds. Yet many drivers notice these noises and wonder if something serious is going on. In most cases, noises during full-turn situations are your car’s way of telling you that something needs attention.

While some mild sounds can be normal, especially in cold weather or older vehicles, consistent or loud noises are worth looking into. Here’s what might be causing them and when to take action.

Power Steering System Stress

When you turn the wheel to its maximum angle, you’re pushing the power steering system to its limit. This can cause a brief whining or groaning sound, particularly if the system is low on fluid or if the pump is beginning to wear out. Power steering fluid helps provide the pressure needed for smooth operation. If it’s old or leaking, the system works harder and becomes noisier.

In some vehicles, a quick noise at full lock is normal, but it should stop once you release the wheel slightly. Persistent or growing noise means something isn’t working as efficiently as it should.

Worn Suspension Components

Turning the wheel puts additional stress on your suspension, and if components like ball joints, control arms, or bushings are worn, they may produce clunks, squeaks, or knocking sounds. You may also notice these sounds over bumps or during low-speed maneuvers.

Worn suspension parts not only make your car noisier, they can also affect alignment and tire wear. That makes early detection important for both safety and long-term cost savings.

CV Joint or Axle Issues

In front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles, constant velocity (CV) joints are responsible for transferring power to the wheels while allowing them to move during turns. If a CV joint is worn or its protective boot is torn, you might hear clicking or popping noises when turning sharply.

These joints are especially vulnerable to wear over time and need to be replaced when they start to fail. Ignoring them can lead to loss of power to the wheels or even axle failure.

Steering Rack Problems

The steering rack converts your wheel movement into directional motion for the front wheels. When it begins to wear out, it may make groaning, whining, or even grinding noises during sharp turns. A steering rack that’s worn or leaking can also cause stiffness in the wheel, reduced steering precision, or fluid loss.

If your steering wheel feels heavy or unresponsive, especially during tight turns, it’s worth checking the rack and associated components for wear.

Tire or Wheel Interference

Sometimes, the sound isn’t mechanical at all. Oversized tires, aftermarket wheels, or misaligned components can rub against the wheel well or suspension during sharp turns. This can create a scraping or squealing sound and cause cosmetic or functional damage over time.

It’s always good to check for visible signs of rubbing or unusual tire wear, especially if changes were recently made to your wheels or suspension.

When the Sound Should Concern You

It’s normal for a well-maintained vehicle to make a light, momentary sound when the wheel is turned fully. However, if the noise gets worse, becomes more frequent, or is accompanied by vibrations or difficulty steering, something more serious is going on. Addressing the issue early can prevent breakdowns and more expensive repairs.

Desi Auto Care – Steering and Suspension Experts in Stratford, NJ

At Desi Auto Care, our technicians are skilled at diagnosing steering and suspension issues. If your car is making strange sounds during tight turns, we’ll inspect the power steering system, suspension components, and CV joints to identify the cause and fix it correctly.

Schedule a visit today, and let us keep your steering smooth and silent, no matter how sharp the turn.