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Your car makes a noise when turning because something in the steering, suspension, or drivetrain system is worn, damaged, or low on fluid. The most common culprits are worn CV joints (clicking/popping), low power steering fluid (whining/groaning), and failing wheel bearings (humming/grinding)[1]. The type of noise tells you a lot: clicking usually points to CV joints, whining suggests power steering issues, and grinding often means brake or bearing problems[2]. Most of these issues get worse over time, so don’t ignore them.
Quick Diagnosis by Sound Type
Match your noise to the likely cause[1][2]:
| Noise Type | Most Likely Cause | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking/popping during sharp turns | Worn CV joints | Moderate—fix within weeks |
| Whining/groaning at low speeds | Low power steering fluid or pump failure | Moderate—check fluid first |
| Grinding while turning | Wheel bearings or brake issues | High—inspect immediately |
| Clunking/knocking | Ball joints or tie rod ends | High—safety concern |
| Squealing | Worn belt or low tire pressure | Low to moderate |
| Creaking/popping at low speeds | Strut mount bearings | Low—annoying but not urgent |
Understanding the pattern helps narrow the diagnosis. Does the noise happen only when turning left? Only at low speeds? Only when accelerating through turns? These details matter.
Worn CV Joints
The classic clicking or popping noise during sharp turns almost always points to worn CV joints[1][3].
CV (constant velocity) joints connect your transmission to the wheels, allowing power to transfer smoothly even when the wheels are turned. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles rely heavily on these joints. Each joint is packed with grease and protected by a rubber boot.
The problem starts when that protective boot tears or cracks. Grease leaks out, moisture and dirt get in, and the joint wears down rapidly[3]. You’ll notice:
- Clicking that gets louder during sharp turns
- Noise that increases when accelerating through turns
- Sound more pronounced when turning one direction (indicating which side is failing)
- Possible grease splatter visible on the inside of your wheel
Here’s a quick test: reverse your car in a tight circle. If the clicking gets louder when turning backward, your outer CV joint is likely worn[4].
Repair cost: $150-400 per side for parts and labor. Ignoring a failing CV joint can eventually lead to complete axle failure—your car won’t move[1].
Power Steering Problems
A whining or groaning sound when turning, especially at low speeds, usually signals power steering trouble[2].
Low Power Steering Fluid
This is the most common and easiest fix. Your car needs this fluid to assist the steering mechanism. When levels drop, the pump strains and creates that distinctive whining sound[5].
Check the fluid reservoir under your hood. If it’s low, top it off with the correct fluid type for your vehicle. But here’s the thing—power steering fluid doesn’t evaporate. If it’s low, you have a leak somewhere that needs addressing[6].
Repair cost: Fluid top-off is under $20. Leak repair ranges from $150-500 depending on location.
Failing Power Steering Pump
If the fluid level is fine but the whining persists, the pump itself may be failing[2]. A worn pump struggles to generate adequate pressure, leading to noise and heavier steering effort.
Repair cost: $200-600 for pump replacement including labor.
Power Steering Belt Issues
A squealing noise (different from whining) when turning can indicate a loose, worn, or glazed serpentine belt that drives the power steering pump[6].
Repair cost: $75-200 for belt replacement.
Failing Wheel Bearings
Grinding or humming noises that get louder with speed often indicate worn wheel bearings[1].
Wheel bearings allow your wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. Over time, they wear out—especially under heavy loads or after exposure to water and road debris. The grinding typically:
- Gets louder at higher speeds
- May change pitch when turning (loading/unloading the bearing)
- Often sounds like a distant airplane or road noise that follows you
- Usually worse when turning in one direction (the bad bearing is on the opposite side)
A severely worn wheel bearing is a safety issue. If it fails completely, the wheel can seize or even separate from the vehicle[1].
Repair cost: $150-400 per wheel including parts and labor.
If you notice unusual noises paired with other symptoms, checking whether your car is overheating or experiencing other issues helps identify related problems.
Suspension Component Wear
Several suspension parts can create clunking, knocking, or popping sounds when turning[1][3]:
Ball Joints
Ball joints connect the control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing the wheels to move up and down while also turning. Worn ball joints create a clunking or knocking sound during turns and over bumps[1].
This is a safety issue. Severely worn ball joints can fail completely, causing loss of steering control.
Repair cost: $125-400 per joint including labor.
Tie Rod Ends
Tie rods connect your steering rack to the wheels. Loose or damaged tie rod ends produce clicking, popping, or rattling during turns and over bumps[1]. You may also notice your steering feels loose or wanders.
Repair cost: $100-300 per side.
Strut Mount Bearings
The strut mounts contain bearings that allow the struts to pivot during turns. When these bearings wear out, you’ll hear popping or creaking sounds, especially during slow turns like in parking lots[3].
Repair cost: $150-350 per side.
Control Arm Bushings
Worn bushings in the control arms can cause clunking or squeaking during turns. These rubber components deteriorate over time, especially in harsh climates[5].
Repair cost: $100-300 per arm.
Steering System Issues
Problems within the steering system itself can create various noises[3]:
Steering Rack
A damaged steering rack can cause clunking, grinding, or knocking noises[3]. You might also notice the steering feels stiff, loose, or unresponsive. Power steering fluid leaks near the steering rack indicate potential internal damage.
Repair cost: $500-1,500 for rack replacement—this is a major repair.
Steering Shaft Joints
The steering shaft connects your wheel to the steering rack through universal joints. Worn joints produce clicking or clunking sounds and may create a binding sensation when turning[3].
Repair cost: $200-500.
Brake-Related Noises When Turning
Sometimes brakes cause the noise, especially if you’re turning and braking simultaneously[1]:
Worn Brake Pads
Grinding while turning and braking indicates worn brake pads. Most pads have wear indicators that squeal when pads get thin—a grinding sound means metal is contacting metal.
Repair cost: $150-300 per axle.
Warped Rotors
Warped rotors can create a rhythmic grinding or pulsating sensation during turns, particularly when braking.
Repair cost: $200-400 per axle for rotor replacement.
Stuck Brake Caliper
A caliper that doesn’t release properly can drag against the rotor, creating grinding or scraping sounds—sometimes more noticeable on one side during turns[1].
Repair cost: $200-500 per caliper.
Understanding how wheel alignment affects your car helps prevent uneven wear on these components.
Tire-Related Noises
Don’t overlook the simplest causes[1]:
Uneven Tire Wear
Irregular tread patterns can cause squealing, humming, or roaring during turns. Check your tires for cupping, feathering, or one-sided wear.
Solution: Rotate tires regularly and address alignment issues.
Low Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires create squealing or scuffing sounds during turns because the rubber flexes more and the contact patch distorts[1].
Solution: Inflate to proper pressure (check your door jamb sticker, not the tire sidewall).
When to See a Mechanic Immediately
Some noises indicate urgent safety issues. Get your car inspected right away if[1][3]:
- Loud clunking combined with steering wheel vibration
- Grinding that happens without braking
- Complete loss of power steering assistance
- Steering feels loose, wanders, or doesn’t respond normally
- Clicking is accompanied by visible grease splatter on wheels
- Any noise getting rapidly worse over days
When components like ball joints, tie rods, or CV joints fail completely, you can lose steering control. That’s not a risk worth taking.
Key Takeaways
- Match the noise to the cause: Clicking during sharp turns points to CV joints, whining suggests power steering issues, grinding indicates bearings or brakes, and clunking means suspension components[1]
- CV joints are the most common culprit for clicking or popping during turns—expect $150-400 per side for repair, and don’t ignore it as complete failure can strand you[3]
- Check power steering fluid first when you hear whining—it’s the easiest fix and often the actual cause, though persistent low fluid indicates a leak somewhere[2]
- Direction matters for diagnosis: Noise when turning one way but not the other typically means the problem is on the opposite side of the vehicle[7]
- Ball joints and tie rods are safety-critical—clunking from these components requires prompt inspection as complete failure can cause loss of steering control[1]
- Don’t assume the worst immediately—sometimes the cause is as simple as low tire pressure or a worn serpentine belt, both inexpensive fixes[1]
FAQs
Why does my car click when turning at low speeds?
Clicking at low speeds during sharp turns almost always indicates worn CV joints[3]. The outer CV joints endure the most stress during tight turns, and when the protective boot tears, the joint wears rapidly. The clicking typically gets louder with acceleration and more pronounced when turning in one particular direction. Expect to pay $150-400 per side for CV joint replacement.
Why does my car whine when I turn the steering wheel?
A whining sound when turning usually points to low power steering fluid or a failing power steering pump[2]. Check the fluid level first—if it’s low, top it off and look for leaks. If fluid is adequate but whining continues, the pump may be worn. In hydraulic systems, the pump works harder during turns, which amplifies any noise from internal wear.
Is it safe to drive with a clicking noise when turning?
You can drive short distances with a clicking noise from CV joints, but you shouldn’t ignore it[1]. A worn CV joint will eventually fail completely, potentially leaving you stranded or—worse—causing loss of power to the wheels while driving. Most mechanics recommend addressing clicking CV joints within a few weeks of noticing the symptom.
Why does my car make noise when turning right but not left?
Noise that occurs only when turning one direction typically indicates a problem on the opposite side of the vehicle[7]. When you turn right, weight shifts to the left side, loading components on that side more heavily. So clicking only when turning right suggests the left CV joint is worn. Similarly, grinding only when turning left often indicates a right wheel bearing issue.
What does a bad wheel bearing sound like?
A failing wheel bearing creates a humming, grinding, or droning sound that increases with speed and often changes pitch during turns[1]. It sounds like loud road noise that follows the car regardless of pavement type. The noise may get louder when turning away from the bad bearing (right turn = left bearing loaded more) and quieter when turning toward it.
References
- AutoZone. (2025). Why Does My Car Make Noises When I Turn? https://www.autozone.com/diy/symptoms/why-does-my-car-make-noises-when-i-turn
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Fix Auto USA. (2024). 5 Reasons Your Car Makes Noise When Turning.
5 Reasons Your Car Makes Noise When Turning
- Valley Auto Electric. (2025). What’s That Clicking Sound When I Turn My Steering Wheel? https://valleyautoelectric.com/blog/what-s-that-clicking-sound-when-i-turn-my-steering-wheel
- KMT Services. (2025). Grinding Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. https://kmtservices.co.uk/grinding-noise-when-turning-steering-wheel/
- Bucaro Brothers Auto Care. (2025). Car Makes Noises When Turning the Steering Wheel. https://www.bucarobrothersautocare.com/2024/08/car-makes-noises-when-turning-the-steering-wheel/
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Reddit r/MechanicAdvice. (2023). Car does a crying/whining noise when turning wheel.
Car does a crying/whining noise when turning wheel all the way
byu/Brief_Milk_5385 inMechanicAdvice - Jerry. (2024). Why Does My Car Make a Noise When Turning Right but Not Left? https://jerry.ai/car-repair/car-makes-noise-when-turning-right-but-not-left/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
