A squeaking noise when turning your car can signal various mechanical issues. The most common culprits include low power steering fluid, worn or damaged suspension parts (like bushings, ball joints, or sway bar links), and faults in the steering system itself.
Addressing the problem quickly can prevent further wear, keep repairs minimal, and ensure your vehicle handles safely.
Here’s a quick look at all the possible causes.
- Worn or dry suspension bushings: Aging or dried-out bushings allow metal components to rub together, creating squeaks when the suspension shifts during turns.
- Dry or failing ball joints and tie rod ends: Lack of lubrication or worn pivot points cause high-pitched squeaks under turning pressure.
- Low power steering fluid: Leaks or evaporation reduce hydraulic assistance, making the pump squeal when steering.
- Loose or worn power steering belt: A stretched or slipping belt squeaks under the extra turning load, especially at low speeds.
- Faulty or dry strut mounts: Worn bearings or rubber in strut mounts creak or squeak as the top of the strut rotates during turns.
- Dry or damaged CV joints: Cracked boots allow grease loss, causing squeaks or binding when the joint moves during cornering.
- Uneven or worn tires: Poor tread wear or low pressure creates squeaking from uneven road contact while turning.
- Worn wheel bearings: Damaged or dry bearings squeak under the sideways load applied during turns.
Since so many issues can cause your car to squeak when turning, pinpointing the root problem can get tricky. That’s why it’s best to contact mobile mechanics at AutoNation Mobile Service. We come prepared to diagnose and repair your squeaking car from your driveway.
Want to know more about why your car squeaks?
We’ll cover all the details, from the causes to the diagnostic and repair process.
This Article Contains:
- 8 Reasons Your Car Squeaks When Turning
- How to Diagnose and Repair a Car that Squeaks When Turning
- What Other Conditions Cause a Car to Squeak?
- Can You Drive a Car that Squeaks?
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car That Squeaks When Turning?
8 Reasons Your Car Squeaks When Turning
Here are the primary causes behind your squeaking vehicle:
1. Worn or Dry Suspension Bushings
Suspension bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion metal parts in the suspension system.
Over time, these bushings can dry out, crack, or become compressed due to age, road conditions, or lack of lubrication.
When turning, the suspension flexes and shifts side to side, which puts pressure on these bushings. If they’re worn or dry, the metal components that they separate rub against each other, producing a noticeable squeaking sound.
2. Dry or Failing Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends
Ball joints and tie rod ends are key pivot points in the steering and suspension system, allowing the wheels to move smoothly as you turn.
These joints are normally lubricated and sealed, but if the rubber boot tears or the grease dries out, friction starts to build. When you turn, the angular force on the joints can produce a sharp, high-pitched squeak, which you typically won’t hear when driving in a straight line.
3. Low Power Steering Fluid
The power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to help with steering. If the fluid level drops because of a leak or evaporation, the system will struggle under load.
This is most apparent when turning the wheel, as the pump has to work harder. Without enough fluid, it can emit a squeaking noise, which often correlates with slow or stationary turns.
4. Loose or Worn Power Steering Belt
The serpentine or V-belt that drives the power steering pump can stretch, crack, or loosen with time.
When turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when your vehicle is stationary, the belt experiences additional tension as the pump works harder. If the belt is worn or slipping, it will squeak in response to the load, but it may work fine when the steering wheel is straight.
5. Faulty or Dry Strut Mounts
Strut mounts connect the suspension strut assembly to the vehicle’s frame and allow limited rotation as the wheels turn. These mounts often contain bearings or rubber components that degrade over time.
When turning, especially at low speeds, the top of the strut rotates with the wheel, and a worn or dry mount can emit a creaking or squeaking sound.
6. Dry or Damaged CV Joints
Constant velocity (CV) joints feature in front-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles. They allow the wheels to turn while moving up and down simultaneously.
If the protective boot on a CV joint cracks or tears, it can let dirt in and cause grease to leak out. This causes it to emit a squeak as the inner components can bind during a turn due to a lack of lubrication.
7. Worn Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow wheel rotation with minimal resistance. When bearings wear out or lose lubrication, they may produce grinding or squeaking noises under lateral load.
Turning puts sideways pressure on the bearings, exposing damage or looseness that isn’t noticeable when driving in a straight line.
8. Uneven or Worn Tires
Uneven tire wear or improperly inflated tires can cause a squeaking or chirping sound when turning. This is because the tires don’t make uniform contact with the road, especially during cornering, which stresses the tread’s outer edge more.
While not technically a mechanical squeak, the friction between rubber and road surface under load creates a similar sound.
Curious about how to stop those squeaks in your car?
We’ve got the answers below.
How to Diagnose and Repair a Car that Squeaks When Turning
Diagnosing and fixing a squeaking noise issue requires knowledge of several car systems. So it’s best to let a mechanic handle it.
Here’s what they’ll do:
- Lubricate or replace worn suspension components: They’ll apply lubricant to bushings and ball joints. This restores their flexibility and prevents metal‑on‑rubber noise when the suspension shifts during turns.
- Top up the power steering fluid: They’ll check fluid levels and refill with the manufacturer‑specified type.
- Inspect and replace worn power steering belt: Inspect the serpentine or V-belt that drives the power steering pump. If the belt is cracked, glazed, or slipping under load, they’ll replace it. They may also check belt tension and adjust it if needed.
- Service or replace strut mounts: A mechanic will inspect the strut mounts and lubricate them if they’re dry. However, if the mount is cracked or binding, they’ll replace it.
- Repair or replace damaged CV joints: A mechanic will check the CV joint boots for cracks or leakage. If a boot is torn but the joint is still intact, they’ll replace just the boot. If the joint is already squeaking, binding, or clicking when turning, it likely means the CV joint itself is worn and needs replacing.
- Rotate, align, or replace tires: If squeaking is due to uneven tire wear, the mechanic will first check tire pressure and tread. They might rotate the tires, perform a wheel alignment, or replace severely worn or feathered tires.
- Inspect and replace worn wheel bearings: To confirm bearing issues, the mechanic may perform a “wheel wiggle” test and listen for noise while rotating the wheel by hand. If the bearings are dry or loose, they’ll replace them.
- Repair steering rack leaks or worn boots: If the steering rack has fluid leaks or torn protective boots, the mechanic will replace the boots or recommend a full rack replacement.
Another critical factor to consider during diagnosis is whether your car squeaks under any other conditions. Let’s take a closer look at what this could mean.
What Other Conditions Cause a Car to Squeak?
You may also experience a squeaking vehicle when:
A. Driving Slowly
Squeaking at slow speeds points to issues with your:
- Brake pads: As pads wear down, a small metal wear indicator scrapes against the rotor, creating a sharp squeaking sound — especially noticeable at low speeds.
- Suspension: If the suspension’s dampening components (e.g., shock absorbers) deteriorate, they can produce squeaks. A rattling sound may also accompany the squeaks if the shocks are significantly degraded.
B. Braking
Several brake problems that cause squeaking include:
- Worn brake pads: Built-in wear indicators may produce a noticeable sound when the padding wears out completely and metal begins to touch the brake rotor while braking.
- Rust or brake dust: Accumulated brake dust or surface rust on the rotors can lead to squeaking. Excessive build-up may cause audible noise and should be checked by a mechanic if it persists.
- Improper installation: Poorly installed brake parts (e.g., pads, rotors, or calipers) can cause vibrations or irregular contact, leading to squeaks or rattles.
C. Going Over Bumps
A squeaking noise when going over bumps points to suspension issues like:
- Worn-out ball joints. These joints allow the suspension and steering to move freely, but when they dry or wear out, they can squeak from the up-and-down motion caused by bumps.
- Worn suspension bushings: Over time, bushings can crack, harden, or compress, causing metal parts to rub together and create a squeaking noise.
- Worn shocks and springs: If the shocks lose their dampening ability or the springs become misaligned or rusty, they may squeak during compression or rebound.
Since squeaking indicates problems with your suspension and brakes, you may wonder if it’s safe to drive your vehicle.
Read on to find out.
Can You Drive a Car that Squeaks?
While driving a car that squeaks may be technically possible, it’s best to avoid it.
Sometimes, the noise might be harmless, like dry bushings or minor tire squeal. However, in other cases, it could signal worn ball joints, failing CV joints, or low power steering fluid. These issues affect how your vehicle handles, particularly during turns.
Ignoring these symptoms could lead to a sudden loss of steering responsiveness or suspension failure, which is dangerous.
Want to know how much it’ll cost to stop the squeaking?
We’ll cover the charges below.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car That Squeaks When Turning?
The total cost to fix your car depends on the specific issue causing the squeaking. Here are some estimates to consider (including labor):
- Power steering belt replacement: $150 and $245
- Power steering fluid flush: $170 and $205
- Ball joint replacement: $180 to $550
- Strut mount replacement: $190 to $400
- Suspension bushing replacement: $200 and $420
- Wheel bearing replacement: $250 to $400
- Tie rod replacement: $350 and $650
- CV joint replacement: $1,000 and $1,080
Enjoy a Quiet Ride with AutoNation Mobile Service
While a squeaky car is terribly annoying, it also indicates issues with your suspension and brakes, which can compromise your vehicle’s safety. So it’s best to have a mechanic diagnose and repair the problem before it puts you in danger.
Looking for the most convenient way to resolve the problem?
Skilled mechanics from AutoNation Mobile Service can diagnose and repair the issue from your driveway. We’re a mobile auto repair solution that offers easy online bookings and a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us for help with suspension, braking, tires, or any other maintenance needs.