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Car makes noise when turning: what the sound tells you

By Fakhri · Last reviewed

Fix soon

Avoid long drives and book an inspection this week. If the steering feels loose or heavy, a wheel wobbles, or there is a loud bang or grinding, stop driving and have the car checked first.

Quick answer

The type of noise is your best clue. Clicking on tight turns usually means a worn CV joint, whining usually means the power steering, clunking or creaking points to worn suspension or steering parts, and grinding or rubbing points to the brakes or a wheel bearing. Most of these get worse gradually, so get it checked soon rather than waiting for it to fail.

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Clicking or popping: worn CV joint

    A front-wheel-drive car has a CV (constant velocity) joint at each end of the front driveshafts. When the outer joint wears, it clicks or pops on tight, slow turns, and the clicking gets faster as you accelerate through the turn. The usual cause is a split rubber boot: the grease escapes, dirt and water get in, and the joint wears quickly. Grease sprayed around the inside of the wheel is a giveaway. If the boot has only just split, a new boot and fresh grease may save the joint.

  2. Whining or groaning: power steering

    On hydraulic systems, a whine when you turn the wheel, loudest at low speed or when parked, usually means low fluid (often from a leak) or a worn pump. A squeal instead can be a slipping drive belt. Do not just keep topping up: find and fix the leak, or the pump can be damaged. If the steering suddenly gets heavy, drive slowly and get it checked straight away.

  3. Clunking or creaking: suspension and steering parts

    Worn ball joints, anti-roll bar links, bushings, strut top mounts or track rod ends knock or creak when the car's weight shifts in a turn or over bumps. Play in the steering, a wandering feel or uneven tire wear are other clues. Worn ball joints and track rod ends affect steering, so treat a clunk as a soon job, and as a stop-now job if the steering feels loose.

  4. Grinding or rubbing: brakes, wheel bearing or something touching

    A grinding that is also there when you brake points to worn brake pads. A hum, growl or grinding that rises with speed and changes when you turn left or right is typical of a worn wheel bearing. A rubbing sound only on full lock can simply be a tire touching a loose arch liner or mud flap. A bad wheel bearing can eventually let the wheel wobble, so get grinding checked promptly.

    Read the fix guide

What it costs to fix

DIY or garage?

How to prevent it

  • Ask the garage to check the CV boots at every service; a split boot is cheap to fix early.
  • Check the power steering fluid level now and then if your car uses fluid.
  • Do not hold the steering on full lock for long when parking.
  • Go gently over potholes and speed bumps to save suspension parts.
  • Get any new noise checked early, before a worn part damages others.

Questions drivers ask

Is it safe to drive with a clicking CV joint?

For a short time, usually yes, but it will not get better. A worn CV joint keeps wearing, and if it breaks the wheel stops being driven and you can lose power to that wheel. Book a repair soon and avoid long trips.

Why does my car whine when I turn the steering wheel?

On cars with hydraulic power steering, a whine or groan when turning usually means the fluid is low, often because of a leak, or the pump is wearing. Check the reservoir level when the engine is off. Many newer cars have electric power steering with no fluid to check; your owner's manual will tell you which you have.

What does a clunk when turning mean?

Usually a worn suspension or steering part, such as a ball joint, anti-roll bar link, bushing or track (tie) rod end. A worn ball joint or track rod end affects steering control, so do not ignore it.

Why does my car squeak or creak when turning at low speed?

Dry or worn suspension bushings and strut top mounts often creak or squeak when turning, especially in a car park. It is usually not urgent, but have it looked at at your next service.

Sources

  1. Bumper: Car noises to watch out for (accessed November 6, 2026)
  2. Automotive Training Centre: CV axle problems - clicking, vibration and torn boot clues (citing MOOG) (accessed November 6, 2026)
  3. YouCanic: Signs of a bad CV joint (accessed November 6, 2026)
  4. Mavis Tires & Brakes: Why is my steering wheel vibrating? (accessed November 6, 2026)
  5. J.D. Power: How much does it cost to replace a CV axle? (accessed November 6, 2026)

General information only. Every car is different: check your owner's manual, and if anything involves brakes, steering, tires or a burning smell, have a qualified mechanic look at it before you drive on.