Clunking noise when turning steering wheel? If this happens to you, then you shouldn't ignore it. You need to discover what is causing the sound before it becomes a serious issue.
The most common cause of a clunking noise when you are turning your steering wheel is your steering shaft and U-joints. Here are the steps to follow (click on each link to get a more detailed description):
Step 1: Take a look under the hood
Step 2: Check your U-joints and apply lubricant if necessary
Step 3: If the steering shaft is damaged, get it replaced
Other Possible Causes of a Clunking Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
Clunking Noise When Turning Steering Wheel? Discover What to Do
Clunking Noise When Turning Steering Wheel? Follow These Steps
Step 1: Take a look under the hood
Ask someone to help you out with this first step by getting into your vehicle and turning the steering wheel from side to side.
While they are turning the wheel, take a look under the hood to observe the steering shaft. The steering shaft is made of metal and it connects the steering column to the rack and pinion or steering gear.
Clunking noise when turning steering wheel? Look under the hood
Step 2: Check your U-joints and apply lubricant if necessary
There are universal joints (U-joints) on either end of the shaft that move when your vehicle goes over a bump. They should move well in all directions as your steering wheel is being turned.
If you hear a clunking sound when you turn your steering wheel slightly then the metal U-joints might be rubbing against the steering shaft. You can try applying lubricant to the joints to see if that solves the problem.
*Note: Most newer vehicles have U-joints that are sealed and don't need to be lubricated, however, if you have replacement U-joints or if you have an older vehicle, then they will have a grease fitting that does need to be lubricated.
Depending on the type of car that you have, you may have constant velocity (CV) joints instead of U-joints. They do essentially the same job.
Here’s an image showing parts of your steering system including the steering shaft and UV joints - Source: Isawittoo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Step 3: If the steering shaft is damaged, get it replaced
If there is a lot of corrosion or the joints have worn out, then the steering shaft can actually separate and fall off while you are driving. You need to have your steering shaft or U-joints replaced before this happens.
Other Possible Causes of a Clunking Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
Suspension:
If you hear a clunking noise when you are turning your steering wheel at a slow speed, then you could have a problem with your suspension. Your suspension helps to give you a smoother ride over bumps.
Over time, the springs of your suspension, also known as shocks, will get damaged by all of the pressure exerted on them and will need to be replaced.
Clunking noise when turning steering wheel? It could be your suspension - Source: A7N8X, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Power Steering System:
If you hear a clunking sound when you turn your wheel at a normal speed then your power steering could be the problem. You could have a loose belt, low power steering fluid or your power steering pump could be failing.
Check your power steering fluid level and if it is low, you can try adding more, but if the problem persists, you should get it checked out.
This video shows you how to check and add power steering fluid
Sway Bar:
Your sway bar helps to prevent your car from rolling as you make a turn. In essence, its job is to keep all four wheels on the road.
If your sway bar is broken, then it will make a clunking noise as it hits other things while you are turning. A broken sway bar can be extremely dangerous as it will make you lose control of your vehicle. You need to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Your sway bar could be causing a clunking noise when turning steering wheel
How Hansma Can Help
If you are hearing a clunking noise when turning your steering wheel, don't ignore it. Take your vehicle to Hansma to get it checked out. You can rest assured that we won't fix anything that doesn't need to be fixed! That's our promise to you.
Other Great Reasons to Choose Hansma
Over 33 Years of Service:
We've been serving the Kitchener region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated:
You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care:
At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you'll be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service:
Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing:
No matter what type of automotive service you require, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs:
You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
What our customers are saying…
“These folks are amazing. They are helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and they get your vehicle taken care of fast and correct. And their prices are more than reasonable. I found this place by accident and I tell ya, I won’t go anywhere else anymore. They are my ONLY vehicle place. Highly recommend.”