If you’ve ever been driving at low speeds and your car starts making a strange noise, it can be frustrating. Not only is the noise annoying, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. So, why would your car make noise when turning at a low speed?
Cars generally make noise when turning at low speed due to damaged ball joints, worn out CV joints, dirty power steering fluid, damaged belts, inadequate power steering fluid, and worn-out pumps. Easy fixes include replacing the damaged parts, adding more fluid, and replacing dirty fluid.
Read on to learn about some of the most common reasons your car makes noise when turning at low speeds, and find out how to fix them.
Reasons Your Car Makes Noise When Turning Slowly
As a driver, it’s essential to know the potential causes of car noise, as this can help you diagnose and address issues quickly. Besides, who wants to drive around with a car that makes weird noises?
Below are some of the most common reasons your car makes noise when turning at low speed:
1. The Ball Joints Are Damaged
Ball joints are a type of joint that connects the steering knuckle to the control arm. When these joints are damaged, they can cause the car to make creaky sounds when turning slowly.
According to this 2017 study, ball joint damage results from excessive wear and tear. Additionally, accidents, dirt, ice, or snow buildup on the joint, and improper installation can also cause damage.
Besides creaky sounds, you may also experience:
- Jerking or shuddering when you turn the wheel
- Steering that’s hard to control
- Uneven tire wear
2. The CV Joints Are Worn Out
CV stands for constant velocity, and CV joints are a type of joint that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels. They’re located in the middle of the axle, where they connect the transmission to the wheels. If they wear out, it can cause a car to make a clicking noise when turning at low speeds.
The common causes of CV joint damage include driving on rough or unpaved roads, stopping and starting frequently (for example, in city traffic), excessive wear and tear, and incorrect installation.
Like ball joint damage, CV joint damage manifests in different ways. Typical symptoms of damaged CV joints include:
- Noise when turning slowly
- Vibration when driving
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Uneven tire wear
3. The Power Steering Fluid Is Dirty or Contaminated
Power steering fluid helps keep the power steering system lubricated and running smoothly. When the fluid is dirty or contaminated, it can cause the car to make a grinding or squeaky noise when turning at low speeds.
The typical causes of dirty or contaminated power steering fluid include skimping on maintenance and using an incorrect fluid type. Power steering parts, such as seals, bearings, and gaskets, also deposit particles into the fluid with time, contaminating it.
Note: Fresh power steering fluid is bright red. If it’s dark or has a brownish tint, the fluid is likely contaminated, and needs to be replaced.
4. The Power Steering Belt Is Damaged
The power steering belt helps transfer power from the engine to the power steering pump. If this belt is damaged or worn out, it can cause a loud whining noise when the car is turned at low speeds.
Generally, belt damage results from age, wear and tear, and incorrect installation. Also, the belt may break due to excess stress, especially if it’s too tight.
Some of the signs that the power steering belt needs to be replaced include:
- Loud noise when turning
- A cracked or frayed belt
- The car responds slowly when turning
5. The Power Steering Pump Is Worn Out
The power steering pump helps circulate power steering fluid throughout the system. When this pump is worn out, it can cause a whining noise when the car is turned at low speeds.
The common causes of power steering pump wear out include age, lack of maintenance, and using incorrect fluids. Also, if the pump isn’t properly lubricated, it can overheat and eventually fail.
In addition to a whining noise, you may experience:
- Lack of power when turning
- Steering that’s hard to control
- Squeaking noises when you start the car
Easy Fixes for a Car That Makes Noise When Turning
Like most common car issues, it’s crucial always to fix the underlying issue causing the noise. Otherwise, you risk further damaging the car and making the problem even worse.
Here are some easy fixes to stop your car from making a noise when turning at low speeds:
1. Inspect and Replace the Ball Joints
If your car makes noise when turning slowly, the first thing you should do is inspect the ball joints for damage. To do so, follow these steps:
- Jack up the car and place it on jack stands.
- Remove the wheel.
- Using a wrench, remove the bolt that holds the ball joint in place.
- Push the ball joint out of the socket.
- If you notice signs of physical damage, including rust, wear, or cracks, replace the ball joint.
Caution: Replacing ball joints is fairly complicated and should only be attempted by a professional.
2. Replace the CV Joints
If the CV joints are worn out, you must replace them to stop the noise. To do so, follow these steps:
- Jack up the car and place it on jack stands.
- Remove the wheel.
- Using a wrench, remove the bolts that hold the CV joint in place.
- Pull out the CV joint.
- Slide in the new CV joint and replace the bolts.
The following video explains how to replace your CV joints in detail:
3. Change the Dirty Power Steering Fluid
If the power steering fluid is dirty or contaminated, you can replace yourself or have a professional do it for you.
To change dirty power steering fluid, follow these steps:
- Park your car in a safe area and turn it off.
- Open the vehicle’s hood.
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir.
- Drain the old power steering fluid. A vacuum pump may come in handy when doing this.
- Fill the reservoir with fresh power steering fluid.
- Close the hood and start your car.
The following video describes this procedure in more detail:
Note: If you’re not comfortable draining and filling the power steering fluid, take your car to a mechanic. They can replace the fluid for you and inspect other potential problems that might be causing the noise.
4. Replace the Damaged Power Steering Belt
If the power steering belt is damaged, it needs to be replaced. The good news is that this is a relatively easy fix. To replace this component, you need the following:
- A new belt
- Penetrating oil: Go with this B’laster Penetrating Catalyst from Amazon.com. It’s designed to loosen frozen bolts and parts, saving you time and frustration.
- 12mm wrenches: Go with this TEKTON 12mm Combination Wrench from Amazon.com. It has a nicely compact design, perfect for small spaces.
- Sockets and extension
- Pliers
Once you have gathered the mentioned tools, follow these steps:
- Park your car and disconnect its battery.
- Use the wrench to remove the car’s lower splash shield.
- Locate the power steering pump and alternator.
- Apply penetrating oil to the bolts that hold the tension pulley in place.
- Apply penetrating oil to the bolts holding the power steering pump in place.
- Remove the power steering pump bolts using the wrench and extension.
- Pull off the old power steering belt and discard it.
- Place the new power steering belt around the tensioner pulley.
- Install the new power steering belt by routing it around the other pulleys.
- Tighten the bolts holding the power steering pump and tensioner pulley in place.
- Put the lower splash shield back on and reconnect the battery.
Ensure you watch this video for detailed instructions on replacing your power steering belt:
Caveat: If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the power steering belt, take your car to a qualified mechanic.
5. Add More Power Steering Fluid
If the power steering fluid level is low, add more fluid to the reservoir. Be sure to use the correct type of power steering fluid.
To add more power steering fluid, follow these steps:
- Park your car in a safe area and turn it off.
- Open the vehicle’s hood.
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir.
- Add the correct power steering fluid to the reservoir.
- Close the hood and start your car.
The following video provides more information on adding power steering fluid:
6. Replace Worn Out Power Steering Pump
If the power steering pump is worn out, you must replace it to avoid further damage to your car. To do so, follow these steps:
- Park your car on a level surface and make sure to set the parking brake.
- Locate the power steering pump. It is usually located near the front of the engine.
- Loosen the pump’s tensioner using an adjustable wrench.
- Remove the belt from the pulleys.
- Remove the bolts that hold the pump in place.
- Install the new pump and tighten the bolts.
- Install the belt and adjust the tensioner.
- Start your car and check for leaks.
- If you notice any leaks, tighten the bolts on the pump until the leaks stop.
Here’s a video demonstration of how to replace your power steering pump:
Final Thoughts
Noises when turning your car at low speeds can signify many different problems. By inspecting and repairing the damage, you can eliminate the noise and keep your car running smoothly.
If you’re not comfortable performing these repairs yourself, take your car to a mechanic. They will help diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Finally, ensure you observe strict maintenance schedules to avoid problems with your car in the future.
Read: How To Troubleshoot Clicking Noise When Turning?
