Selling a car should be carefully considered. It is worth preparing well and avoiding mistakes that can…
Knocking When Turning – List of Most Common Causes
Knocking when turning should not be taken for granted. This is often how serious failures make themselves known. In this new article, we explain what may be responsible for them and how to eliminate this problem.
From this article you will learn:
- Knocking When Turning – Is It Dangerous?
- What symptoms can accompany knocking when turning?
- The most common causes of knocking in the suspension and steering system
- How to find the source of the problem and is a visit to a mechanic necessary?
You should definitely pay attention to knocking when turning when buying a used car. You can find more advice on this topic in this post: Used car – read before buying
Knocking When Turning – Is It Dangerous?
Strange sounds when turning can – and should – be a cause for concern for the driver. They can indicate serious problems, especially if they occur frequently and are clearly audible. Knocking when turning is not normal and usually indicates wear or damage to important suspension or steering components. Ignoring this problem can lead to serious failures. To avoid major expenses in the workshop and to ensure driving safety, you should react quickly if you notice them.
What symptoms can accompany knocking when turning?
Knocking when turning rarely occurs on its own. It is often accompanied by other symptoms. Knowing them can be helpful in recognizing the problem. It is therefore worth being attentive and, during a visit to the workshop, reporting to the mechanic primarily symptoms such as vibrations felt on the steering wheel, delayed steering response or difficulties in turning and noticeable resistance. Also pay attention to play in the steering system, uneven suspension operation (especially noticeable jumps), knocking when turning while stationary and noises coming from the area of the front wheels or rear suspension.
The most common causes of knocking in the suspension and steering system
Knocking when turning is often the result of trivial faults – for example, loose wheel bolts or damaged wheel hub bearings. However, it can also be a sign of serious problems in the steering or suspension system. The following faults are most often responsible for them:
Worn drive shafts as a cause of knocking
One of the most common causes of knocking when turning is the wear of drive joints. These elements are responsible for transferring torque to the wheels and at the same time allowing them to turn. Knocking related to drive joints most often occurs during sharp turns and during acceleration. Wear of the joint is often the result of damage to the rubber cover. In such a case, it does not protect against the ingress of dirt and moisture, causing accelerated wear of this component. If you notice damage to the cover, you can use My Car repair bandage. However, book your visit to the workshop as soon as possible.
Suspension play - pins, wishbones and bushings to be checked
Knocking when turning on uneven surfaces can occur in both a rarely used and a frequently used car. Their cause is often also play in the suspension. They can appear on the following elements:
- wishbone pins: their wear causes noticeable play and a characteristic knocking sound when changing direction;
- wishbone bushes: these are rubber shock-absorbing elements that can crack over time, causing unstable operation and knocking in the suspension;
- Stabilizer: Worn stabilizer links can cause noise, especially when turning or over bumps.
Faults such as cracked rubber bushings can also happen in a car that you rarely drive. You can minimize their risk with the advice in this article: How to take care of a car that is rarely used? What can break down when the car is parked for a long time?
Problems with the steering column and rack
If you have ruled out the suspension and drive joints, you should also look for the source of knocking when turning in the rack and pinion. Wear of the first element causes play in the column, which makes itself known through noises that are heard especially at low speeds. Damage to the steering column crosspieces is also possible. This can cause knocking and delays in the steering system's response. Play in the steering rods causes uneven transfer of the steering wheel movement to the wheels, which can also result in knocking.
Shock absorbers and their mounts – how do they affect knocking when turning?
Shock absorbers and their mounts have a significant impact on the stability of the car. Their damage can also be another cause of knocking when turning. To confirm or rule this out, check the shock absorber mounts. Symptoms of wear are the shock absorber pads, the McPherson strut bearings and the general condition of the shock absorbers.
How to find the source of the problem and is a visit to a mechanic necessary?
The appearance of knocking when turning should always prompt you to perform at least basic diagnostics. If you do not have the appropriate skills and knowledge about the structure of the car, a visit to the mechanic is inevitable. To speed up the entire procedure and help the specialist find the cause of the knocking, you should:
- identify when the knocking noise occurs: check whether it only occurs when turning or also when driving straight;
- check the play in the steering and suspension systems: gently moving the wheels on the jack can help detect any faults;
- Listen: Knowing exactly where the noise is coming from can help with diagnosis.
- Check the fluid levels: problems may be caused by a low fluid level in the power steering system.
Knocking when turning is not the only worrying symptom. It is also worth finding out how engine overheating manifests itself. You can read about it in the article: Engine overheating – learn about the symptoms and effects of an overheated car engine.
Eliminating faults will ensure trouble-free driving and help avoid problems when selling your car. By eliminating knocks when turning and play in the steering or suspension, you can more easily find a buyer and offer a higher price. Take care of other elements, including: Radiator seals. However, if you do not have the right equipment and knowledge, you should visit a workshop as soon as possible. The mechanic will conduct a detailed inspection of the individual components and find the elements that require repair or replacement. It is not worth delaying - even minor faults can quickly turn into more serious problems and affect your safety.
FAQ
Should knocking when turning be a cause for concern?
Yes, knocking noises when turning should alert you – especially if they occur regularly and are clearly audible.
What does knocking when turning indicate?
Knocking when turning is most often caused by drive joint failures, suspension play or steering problems. It can indicate worn joints, wishbone bushings, bearings, steering column or shock absorbers. It can also be caused by loose wheel nuts or low power steering fluid.
What to do if you notice knocking when turning?
First, it is worth performing basic diagnostics, checking when and where the sounds are coming from and whether there are other symptoms, such as play in the steering system. If you do not have the appropriate knowledge, you should go to a mechanic as soon as possible, who will precisely identify the cause of the problem.
