There isn’t anything scarier than a car making stranger noises. Different reasons lead to a car making noise when turning right but not left.
However, the primary reason is any relative fault in the joint, bearing, or suspension. If none of these parts are not working well, they can get strained when your ride makes a turn.
A vehicle should never make any noise or sound. But if it does, we are here to help you find the reason.
In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons for the noise issue, how to diagnose them, and how to resolve them without any inconvenience.
So, let us get started and help you find out why your car makes noise when turning.
How To Diagnose The Problem?
The first thing every car owner needs to do when their vehicle starts making weird noises is to diagnose the problem.
There are several reasons your ride might be causing those screeching sounds. And the best way to fix the issue is to find the source of the noise.
Remember not every noise you hear is due to you trying to turn your car. So, a proper diagnosis is a must.
There are a few questions that you should ask yourself to get a better idea of the issue.
– Is The Car Making Noise When Turning Left But Not Right Or Vice Versa?
The foremost thing you need to check is which side of the vehicle is the noise coming from.
Identifying where the noise is coming from is crucial. Listening to noise when you turn will not tell about the precise location.
Remember, just because you turned your ride to a side and heard the noise does not guarantee the problem is on that particular side.
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Turning a vehicle leads to a change in the position of the load. Thus, this load shift can easily reveal any of the supporting components are beginning to fail.
If you hear the noise while making a particular movement or a particular part, repeat it to be sure.
For example, noise coming from any of your front tires indicates an issue with the steering link.
Furthermore, noise sounds can be completely different or occur in a completely different location based on where you are testing.
It means the sound that you might hear while testing on road can be entirely different from the one you encounter in your garage.
So, be mindful when checking the issue.
– What Type Of Noise Is Occurring When You Turn Your Vehicle?
An automobile making noise is common until it begins making too much of it, especially while turning.
There are different noises a car makes, and each of them indicates something different. Be aware that not all noises mean the same thing.
Here we have listed the various sounds you might hear coming out of your car while making a turn.
A. Whining, Squeaking, or Squealing
While making a turn, if you hear alarming squeaking or whining noise, it can be an indication of low power-steering fluid.
Power steering fluid is a crucial part of the power steering system. It is the lubricant that helps in establishing a smooth link between the front wheel & steering wheel.
It also helps in preventing abrasion or corrosion. Thus, when your vehicle is running low on fluid, you need to apply more force, leading to unexpected noise.
B. Clunking, Creaking & Popping
If the sounds you hear are of two mechanical parts clunking together then it is an indication that your suspension system is having some issues.
The suspension system is what creates the balance between the road & the body of your car. Its main task is to provide maximum friction between tires & the road and deliver a comfortable ride.
However, with time the suspension system gets worn out. The signs can be small as a loose nut or more complex like leaking shocks, etc.
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Thus, if you hear creaking noise while turning & knocking noise when crossing a road bump, it indicates a mechanical issue like worn-out ball joints & others.
C. Rotational
If you hear a noise like moving a card in bicycle spokes, it is a sign of something wrong with your wheel bearings.
The wheel bearing is small metal balls enclosed in small rings designed to reduce friction & allow free wheel movements.
Is The Noise Related To The Speed Level? Does It Increase Or Decrease With Your Riding Speed?
The kind of noise you hear while steering your car around a turn also depends on how fast you were going.
Hearing a noise at low speed indicates a completely different issue from the noise coming at medium or high speed.
Generally,
- Noises at regular speeds indicate suspension issues
- Noises at medium speeds are mostly about power steering
- Noises at higher speeds are about joints & coupling mechanical parts
With all these questions narrowed down and answered, you will know about the source of your problem.
And if the problem comes out to be your car making noise whenever you make a turn, there are some serious reasons behind it.
In the later section, we have listed all the most crucial causes that will let you know why your car makes noise when turning right but not left or vice versa.
The Mechanical Structure
Any vehicle can move with the help of its tires. And there is a long chain of action that leads to this successful movement.
You might be able to turn your ride with the movement of your steering wheel, but it is just a small component in the huge chain of this motion.
The steering wheel and the steering column, are all connected to the rack and pinion. And with the wheel’s turns, these rack & pinion gets shifted by the steering pin.
Both of these components are connected to the hub of your car by the tie rod end attached to each side.
Raw contact is avoided as it can lead to wear & tear. And for this, all these parts have bushing at their contact points.
Over time these brushes wear down and lead to massive space between the parts. The newly formed space leads to loose components resulting in excessive movement & noise.
Also, as the vehicle turn, there is a shifting of weight. Usually, the weight distribution is even, but due to excessive gaps, there can be extra weight on the loose parts.
Thus, you should be careful while turning as a lot of force is applied to your ride. And this force can move around all kinds of parts of your ride.
The suspension & its components are the most affected ones.
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Now that we have learned what kind of internal working leads to the turning of wheels, we will take the next step in learning the different reasons causing the breakdown of this mechanical chain.
Discover 11 Reasons Why A Car Makes Noise When Turning Right But Not Left
An automobile is a clever assembly of various small and big parts. As all the parts are interconnected, any defect or issue with one can harm the working of the others.
This is the base of your vehicle making those noises. There can be issues with one or more components of your mechanical chain.
And no matter how small the part is, it can disrupt the entire mechanical working.
Generally, such a sound is an early warning indicating a bigger problem with your ride & you should handle it as soon as possible.
Below are 11 top reasons why a car makes noise when turning left but not right & the other way around.
1. Broken Steering Pinion & Rack
The biggest elements of a steering system are pinion and rack. The steering system comprises various moving parts in it & thus, it is standard for pinion & rack breakdown.
If there is an issue with your rack & pinion, you will hear loud bangs while turning. You need to have this checked immediately, as any delay will affect your steering system too.
While at it, have the mechanic check other parts to confirm nothing else wrong.
On average, replacing a steering rack will cost you around at least $1000.
2. Worn Out Shocks & Struts
Damaged shocks or struts can be another reason for your vehicle’s noise.
These can either be mounted too loose or weathered out. In addition, an underlying issue related to your usage of suspension.
If the shocks are worn out or mounted too loose, you will hear them slide around as you make a turn.
And if there is an underlying problem, you can hear it making strange noises when the wheel turns.
In addition, it is common for coil springs around the shocks to crack or break. And this will further result in some bad noise.
Getting your struts or shocks replaced will cost you around $400 to $900. The labor charges differ from place to place.
3. Damaged Steering Boot or Column
If you hear a strange sound coming around the steering wheel; check the column bearing.
The sound resembles someone squealing and increases & decreases depending on the speed at which you make a turn.
You can handle this issue by spraying some lubricant into the bearing. If you can isolate the water from entering the bearing, it will work too.
4. Damaged Tie Rods
The tie rods are responsible for connecting the rack & pinion to the tires. They usually come with rubber ends to decrease the rate of wear & tear happening due to raw contact.
As the protective rubber ends wear out, the tie rods become free to bounce around and are most likely to hit the hub.
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If neglected, this can lead to severe damage.
5. Impaired Ball Joints
Another reason why your car makes noise when turning right but not left & contrariwise is due to impaired ball joints.
Ball joints swivel as per the movements of the steering wheel. They are placed either on the control arms or the tie rod ends.
If the ball joints get impaired, they either get stuck or begin to move excessively. No matter what the situation, you will end up hearing excessive noises every time you turn your wheel.
6. Tattered Control Arm Bushings
The control arm is another crucial part of the suspension system, and it is capable of making unwanted noise if the bushings are tattered.
You will hear loud bangs every time the control arm shift around inside its housing with every turn.
If the problem is severe you will feel your entire car shift as the control arm’s weight slams into the side of the housing.
7. Leaking Steering Fluid
If your power steering pump is running low on its fluid, it can cause a weird sound while driving.
Generally, the power steering pump is a closed system, meaning it shouldn’t leak.
And if you are hearing a noise &found a low level of fluid, it indicates a leak.
All you need to do is find & repair it, add more fluid, and you are good to go.
8. Clapped Out Power Steering Pump
With the help of a power steering pump, you can make easier turns. But over time, the pumps become to fail and start getting noisy.
If you find the noise coming from the top of your engine bay while you make a turn, there is a good chance of your power steering pump acting up.
9. Frayed Wheel Bearing
If you hear a whirring sound only when you steer at high speeds and turn the steering wheel at such speeds, this is all due to a frayed wheel bearing.
Turning a car puts immense pressure on the outer wheel bearing. It will start making noise if the applied pressure is more than its average bearing.
10. Poor Sway Bar Link
The anti-roll bar link helps in decreasing the body roll while your car takes a turn. This is the reason why your four wheels stay stabilized even when you take a sharp turn.
A damaged or broken sway bar is risky as it will make it hard for you to have better control of your ride.
To make sure the reason behind your car noise is a bad sway bar link is that you will hear clunking sound with every turn.
If this is the reason behind your noise issue, seek professional assistance immediately.
11. Check Around The Interior
Most of the time, when we hear weird noises while driving is nothing but an item inside your cabin banging against the car body.
So, before you make a run for your mechanic, it is better to check the obvious and see if any such thing is happening.
It is a common occurrence, so it is better to rule it out before seeking professional help.
Does Speed Play A Role When A Car Makes Noise When Turning Left Only Or Right Only?
Not many people know or consider this, but the speed at which your car runs plays a crucial role in producing the noises you hear while steering.
Noise at different speed levels helps you narrow down the issue more precisely. The sounds at low speeds are pointing at a completely different issue from sounds at high.
To help you understand better the link between your car noises and driving speeds, we have explained it in detail below:
A. Noise At Low Speeds
If you are driving at a low speed & hear noise coming from your ride, it is indicating that the problem is connected to the power steering & suspension system.
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A creaking noise is an occurrence due to broken or worn-out suspension joints.
However, you will hear a whining sound indicating the power steering pump or belt is damaged.
B. Noise At Normal Speeds
If you drive at average driving speed and hear screeching, squealing, or whining sounds, it is indicating that:
– Either there is an issue with a loose belt
– Or power steering is running on low fluid
– Or the tie rod linking the steering knuckles & gear is worn out
– Or there is a cracking on the hose, which is leading to a connection between the pump & gear
C. Noise At High Speeds
If your car is making crunching and clicking noise while driving & turning at high speed, there is an issue with CV joints.
Another reason for the noise at high-speed turning is either poor coupling or wheel bearings.
The bad coupling will make a commotion while the wheel bearings will cause a humming sound.
Remember that bearing carries the load when you make a turn. So, any delay on your part to fix the problem can lead to uneven tire wear.
FAQs Related Car Makes Noise When Turning
Why does my car make a noise when I turn?
If your vehicle is making loud & weird noises every time you make a turn, indicates that there is some issue with the steering system, suspension, or other related mechanical parts.
The best way to ensure it is to diagnose from where the noise is coming, narrow down it to a particular, and take professional assistance to fix it.
How to fix the issue of my car making noise?
The best and safest way to fix the problem with your ride is to seek a professional mechanic.
Have your vehicle fully inspected to determine and solve the problem. A professional can help you get rid of the issue much faster.
The fix generally requires the replacement of the worn-out part creating the noise. And as soon as you fix it, your ride will be good to go.
Does a car making noise when turning right but not when turning left, have any difference?
NO. Whether an automobile makes noise while turning left or right; the indication is the same.
Noise in any manner is telling you that there is something wrong with either the power steering system, suspension system, or other related mechanical parts.
How much does it cost to fix the noise issue in my car?
In the United States, on average, it costs around $1000 to fix the noise issue in a vehicle. This amount excludes labor charges and tax.
In addition, the cost differs depending on the affected area and the price of the new part.
So, it might take a few hundred dollars for a minor issue like low power steering fluid but around a thousand dollars for replacing suspension parts, etc.
How to ensure my vehicle does not make any weird noises?
Your vehicle making noises means it is not in great shape. The best way to ensure it is by maintaining your ride adequately.
You should get your vehicle inspected by a professional at least twice a year. This way, you will be updated on the current working condition and can handle any issue before it gets worse.
Conclusion
The best way to find out why a car makes noise when turning right but not left is to listen to the sound, identify from where it coming, diagnose the area, and seek professional help if there is a damaged part involved.
Also, opting for regular professional inspection will help you maintain your ride in the best possible way.
