Bearings generally come in the form of balls or tapers within a metal ring that rides on the shaft of the axle and fits into the hub. Due to the nature of the forces placed on wheel bearings, they are more prone to failure than many of the other components we’ll discuss here.

Steeringwheelmakes rubbingnoisewhenturning

Control arm bushings are essential to proper vehicle handling. When they wear out, they can cause clunking noises, vibrations in the steering wheel, and steering wandering.

Creaking whenturningsteeringwheelat low speed

Because they’re absorbing so much energy on such a frequent basis, brake rotors wear out regularly and need to be replaced. However, driving on worn-out brake rotors can feel very similar to driving on a dead wheel hub. You may experience a wobbling feeling while braking—however, in the case of a dead hub or worn-out bearings, this may also be accompanied by a slight pull to the side with the damaged component. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to determine the exact cause of the problem and find out what part needs to be replaced.

The steering shaft connects the wheel to the steering rack. Worn steering shaft U-joints may result in odd noises when turning the wheel, like clunking or clicking. Damage to the steering shaft joints or bearings can also result in vibrations and shimmying or steering wheel binding.

The major components of your wheel bearing and hub assembly are the bearings, hub, rotor, seal, and the drive shaft itself. Each of these parts must work in concert with the others to manage the forces that braking and cornering place on your vehicle during regular use.

The purpose of wheel bearings is to help the wheels of your vehicle turn with minimal friction when torque is sent to the wheels from the engine. When a wheel bearing begins to wear out, it becomes more difficult for the corresponding wheel to rotate, which can eventually cause handling problems and even permanent suspension damage.

Whiningnoisewhenturningsteeringwheelat low speed

Below, we’ve put together a diagram showing the different parts of wheel bearings and hubs, along with a description of each main component. Ready? Then let’s dive in.

The seals that sit between your bearings and the drive shaft of your vehicle exist to keep out substances and materials that could cause the bearings to wear out faster—dirt, water, and other debris from the road being some of the most common.

A power steering fluid leak can cause a grinding, screeching, or whining sound when turning the wheel. Steering fluid levels will usually be low and you may also notice stiffness in your steering wheel.

Clunkingnoisewhenturningsteeringwheel whileparked

If the ball joints in your suspension system are wearing out, you may experience vibrations in your steering wheel. The steering wheel may also feel stiff or loose, or you might hear clunking, squeaking, or creaking noises when turning, going over bumps, or simply driving slowly.

Car makesnoisewhenturningright but not left

The suspension and power steering systems are intricate systems composed of belts, hoses, and other components that are susceptible to wear and tear. If you hear any unusual steering noises when turning the wheel, there are a number of things that could be wrong.

Below, you’ll see a diagram showing the location of the wheel bearings and hub assemblies on a typical car. The hub, bearing, and rotor on each wheel is connected via a seal to the drive shaft (through the axle shaft). The construction of all wheel bearing and hub assemblies will look similar even when comparing large to small vehicles. For example, a Ford F-150 wheel bearing will be bigger, but look similar to a Ford Explorer wheel bearing.

Strut bearings are an essential component of your vehicle’s front suspension system. When they start to go bad, you may encounter vibrations or odd noises, like clunking, popping, or rattling. The steering wheel might also feel stiff, heavy, or shaky.

The drive shaft of your vehicle is responsible for moving torque from the engine into the wheels, facilitating movement. The transmission sends kinetic energy from the engine through the shaft into the differential, rotating the axle shafts (which are connected to the wheel hubs on each side of the car).

You’ll normally hear a rattling sound for some time before this occurs—so you’ll get plenty of warning. Still, it’s vital to replace a worn-out wheel bearing as soon as possible to prevent performance issues and more costly mechanical problems.

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Damaged steering and suspension components can put you and your vehicle at risk. Additionally, if you address minor issues quickly, it can save you money by preventing more expensive repairs in the long run.

Hubs can become stressed when the bearings they house fail. Since a worn out hub can make your vehicle extremely difficult to handle, you’ll want to replace your hubs as soon as possible whenever this happens.

Contact us at Bucaro Brothers for steering and suspension diagnostics. Whether you need a simple wheel alignment to rectify handling issues or the steering wheel is making noises whenever you turn a corner, we can help! With over 35 years of experience, we’re your source for trusted Chicago auto maintenance and comprehensive repairs.

A knocking or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or going over bumps can indicate worn tie rods. Tie rods aid in transferring motion to the wheels, allowing them to move properly and enable vehicle turning.

Wheel bearings and hub assemblies play a vital role in the performance of your vehicle, but they’re easy to overlook. After all, these parts are small and hard to see at a glance—so they don’t always get much thought. Still, you need to understand what they do and buy high-quality replacement parts when the wheel bearings in your vehicle wear out if you want to keep it running properly.

Noisewhenturningsteeringwheelat low speed

However, these seals also keep the grease used to lubricate your bearings inside the hub assembly. This grease is vital for prolonging the lifespan of your hub and bearings, so these seals need to be checked often and replaced if they have deteriorated.

Drive shafts can become damaged in several ways, including when the wheel bearings or hub in your vehicle have begun to wear down. In this case, you’ll probably notice excessive vibrations when accelerating or braking, and might hear a knocking noise.

A crucial part of your car’s steering system, the steering rack enables your wheels to move in the right direction as you steer. When the steering rack is damaged it can lead to unresponsive steering, a stiff or loose steering wheel, and clunking, grinding, or knocking noises.

Creakingnoisewhenturningsteeringwheelstationary

If your power steering pump is in need of replacement, you might notice several signs. You may hear a groaning noise in the steering wheel while turning. You might also notice your steering wheel feels stiff and difficult to move, or that your vehicle doesn’t respond quickly when you turn the wheel.

Steeringwheelmakesnoisewhenturning whileparked

The rotors on your vehicle help you brake while driving. Pressing the brakes in your vehicle causes the calipers to squeeze your brake pads against the rotors, creating friction that eventually causes the wheels to stop spinning and bring your car to a halt.

If you’re asking, “Why does my car make a noise when I turn?” the answer could range from worn out parts to a leak in the system. Below, we discuss some of the possible causes behind strange sounds that occur while turning the steering wheel.

As vehicles get older, occasional odd noises will pop up due to vehicle wear and tear. These noises can be warning signs that something needs a repair. If your car makes noises when turning the steering wheel, this could indicate there’s something wrong with your suspension or steering system.

Understanding where your wheel bearings, hubs, and related components are—and how they function—is vital for keeping your vehicle in proper working order. Use what you’ve learned above to keep a closer eye on these important parts and replace them with high-quality aftermarket components when required.

Damaged suspension or steering components can pose a significant risk to your safety and vehicle. If you’re hearing strange noises, we’re here to help you figure out the cause and what to do about it. Continue reading for more insight on what could be behind your vehicle’s unusual steering wheel sound effects.

The hub is responsible for connecting the wheel to the axle of the vehicle. It also houses the wheel bearings. This metal casing typically comes in the shape of a disc with a slightly protruding midsection containing several studs. There’s also a hole in the middle for the bearing.

CV joints connect your car’s transmission to the wheels, allowing the tires to rotate smoothly. You may notice a knocking sound when you turn if these joints are going bad. A clicking noise is another indication of a deteriorating CV joint, particularly noticeable during sharp turns. Vibrations when accelerating may also occur.

We also invite you to call us at (773) 219-1592 to set up a service appointment. At Bucaro Brothers, we’ve been diagnosing and addressing all types of automotive issues for over 35 years!