Strange noises are the bane of every car owner’s existence. These usually signal that something is wrong with the car, especially when it occurs every time you make a turn in one direction and not the other.
While it’s a cause for concern, there are several reasons why your car makes noise when turning right but not left. Here’s what we found!
Why Is My Car Making Noise When Turning Right But Not Left?
1. Issues With The Steering Rack And Pinion
One of the more common reasons for noises when turning is an issue with the steering rack and pinion of the power steering system.
Generally, the rack and pinion are responsible for controlling your car’s steering.
If you hear grinding noises when making a turn, this likely stems from the rack and pinion not being sufficiently lubricated.
When these are not properly lubricated, this can cause the teeth on the gears to rub against each other, which causes friction that results in loud grinding noises when making turns.
2. Defective Steering Column
Another issue with the power steering system is a defective steering column. Simply put, the steering column connects the rack and pinion to the steering wheel.
Further, when the gears and bearings inside the column grind against each other, this can produce grinding and groaning sounds.
If this is the case, the noise will need to be addressed by a mechanic because driving with a faulty steering column can lead to serious problems like loss of steering control.
3. Issues With The Power Steering Pump
The noises could stem from the power steering pump as well.
For example, a groaning noise can come from the steering wheel when turning because of the steering pump.
Firstly, the steering pump can become damaged over time due to wear and tear.
However, it could also be caused by issues like air bubbles trapped in the pump or insufficient steering fluid levels.
Therefore, these issues need to be addressed to prevent noises when making turns.
4. Worn Out Suspension Struts
In addition to power steering issues, it may be a problem with the suspension system that causes noises when turning.
For example, suspension struts control the vehicles’ steering and suspension systems. If worn out, the struts may cause a poor steering response with noises when making turns.
However, not all vehicles have struts, and you could check the shock absorbers for issues if this is the case.
5. Damaged Shock Absorbers
The shock absorbers may be the cause of the noises.
As opposed to struts, the shock absorbers—also known as shocks—are the parts of the suspension system that minimize the bumpiness you can experience while driving.
If the shocks are damaged from wear and tear, you may encounter sudden jolts while turning, coupled with knocking noises that indicate the metal coil banging into the bottom of the car.
In this instance, replacing the shock absorber will help eliminate the noises.
6. Ball Joints Need To Be Lubricated Or Replaced
Noises may be caused by the ball joints not being sufficiently lubricated or being damaged.
Generally, ball joints are ball-in-socket that connect the car’s wheels to the suspension, allowing the two to move together.
If the ball joints aren’t lubricated enough, it can cause noises when turning as the ball scrapes against the socket.
Also, worn-out ball joints can cause steering difficulties because the car tends to lean towards one side more.
In this instance, replacing the joints would fix the problem and eliminate the noises you hear when turning.
7. Tie Rods Are Damaged
When the tie rods are worn out from regular use, clunking noises can be heard when you make turns at low speeds.
This is caused by the tie rods getting looser and rattling around the joints and is an issue that needs to be dealt with by replacing them.
8. Problem With CV Joints
The CV joints of your car may be the cause of the noises you hear when making turns.
CV joints, or constant velocity joints, are normally covered in rubber casings and connect the wheels to your car’s transmission and support the suspension system.
As you can imagine, wear and tear can cause the rubber surrounding the CV joints to leak and become unlubricated.
As a result, the joints will generate loud screeching noises, especially when you make sharp turns.
9. Sway Bar Links Are Failing
Sway bar links connect the suspension system to the chassis and prevent the car from pitching towards one side.
When the sway bar link fails, you’ll hear a clunking noise while turning because it cannot prevent body rolling and causes the weight to shift heavily to one side.
10. Bad Control Arm Bushing
The bushing may be the cause of noises heard when you make a turn.
Bushings are like cushioning that prevents metal-on-metal contact where it shouldn’t occur, like in the control arm that connects the front wheels to the car.
Therefore, when the bushings are damaged, you’ll hear a clicking or popping sound due to the control arm coming into direct contact with the metal portion of the car.
11. Suspension Joint Issues
Suspension joints are parts of the suspension system that connects the suspension system to the power steering system.
When these are damaged, you’ll hear knocking noises while turning at low speeds because the joint is touching the metal directly, without the bushing to protect it.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why your car is lower on one side, why your car is making a knocking noise, and why your car floor is wet.
Conclusion
There are quite a few reasons why your car could be making noise when turning right but not left.
For example, this has to do with parts of the power steering system not working as expected or parts not being appropriately lubricated, thus causing friction and noises.
Getting these checked out by a mechanic is the best action to prevent this from damaging your car further in the long run.