A clicking or popping sound when you turn the steering wheel can be unsettling. While it may not always mean immediate danger, it is almost always a sign that something in your steering or suspension system needs attention. Because these systems are so closely tied to your safety and control of the vehicle, the noise should never be ignored.
Here are the most common reasons your steering wheel might click and what they mean for your car.
1. Worn CV Joints
One of the most common causes of a clicking sound while turning is a failing CV joint. These joints are located on the drive axles and transfer power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing them to flex during steering.
If the rubber boot protecting the joint cracks, grease leaks out, and dirt gets in. Over time, this causes wear that leads to clicking when turning. Left unattended, the joint can eventually fail, which may result in a loss of power to the wheel.
2. Suspension Components Showing Wear
Your suspension includes many moving parts, such as ball joints, control arms, and sway bar links. When any of these become loose or worn, they can create clicking or knocking sounds, especially during turns when weight shifts.
If the noise grows louder over time or starts to affect how the car handles, it’s a sign that a part may be close to breaking. A suspension issue should always be addressed promptly to avoid reduced stability or uneven tire wear.
3. Steering Column Issues
Sometimes the sound isn’t from the wheels at all but from inside the steering column. Worn bearings, bushings, or even the clock spring inside the column can produce clicks or rubbing noises. This is more common in older vehicles or those used heavily for commuting or deliveries.
While these noises may not stop your car from operating, they can affect steering feel and get worse as components wear further.
4. Low or Dirty Power Steering Fluid
In hydraulic power steering systems, fluid helps keep the steering smooth and quiet. If the fluid is low or contaminated, you may hear whining, groaning, or even clicking while turning.
Low fluid often points to a leak somewhere in the system. If ignored, it can lead to steering pump failure or stiff steering that makes the car harder to control.
5. Loose Lug Nuts or Wheel Problems
Something as simple as loose lug nuts can also cause clicking noises when turning. If wheels were recently removed or rotated and not properly tightened, they may shift slightly under steering load. This is not only noisy but also unsafe, as a wheel could eventually come off.
It’s worth checking the lug nuts or having a technician confirm they’re properly secured if the noise seems to come directly from a wheel.
6. Steering Rack or Tie Rod Wear
The steering rack and tie rods connect the steering wheel to the wheels of your car. If they start to wear out or loosen, you may hear clicking, clunking, or popping as the system shifts under pressure.
A failing tie rod can cause poor alignment, uneven tire wear, and reduced steering precision. Because these parts are critical to safe handling, they should be inspected right away if you notice noises or changes in steering response.
Steering Repair and Inspections in Glen Burnie, MD at Maryland Auto & Truck Repair
If your steering wheel clicks when you turn, our team at Maryland Auto & Truck Repair in Glen Burnie, MD can help. Our technicians will carefully inspect the steering, suspension, and related components to pinpoint the cause and recommend the right fix. Don’t let small noises grow into bigger problems.
Schedule an inspection with us today and keep your car driving safely and smoothly.
