Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
When driving and making a right hand turn, I hear a faint thud sound. It happens most noticeably at low speeds, and it happens every time I make a full turn of the steering wheel. It sounds like it is coming from underneath the driver's side floorboards to the left of the brake pedal. What could this be?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The most common cause of this issue is worn out rack and pinion bushings. The bushings hold it in place and keep it from moving when you are turning. Over time, these will wear out or will get oil on them causing them to get soft. When this occurs, the rack and pinion will move when turning.
When this occurs the noise that you are hearing will happen. I typically start by getting the vehicle in the air to check it for any worn out suspension or steering bushings. If you need to have this looked at, consider using YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your steering and suspension. From there, they will be able to make any repairs that are necessary to have this sound resolved.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Causes of Strange Sounds When Turning the Wheel
Suspension Joints: Often heard at lower speeds, creaking, clunking, or popping is an indication of worn-out suspension joints. Power Steering Pump: Another low-speed sound, a whining noise can often diagnose an issue with the power steering pump.
Tie Rods: A clunking noise when turning typically means there`s a loose or broken tie rod. Sway Bar Link: With a failing sway bar link, you will not only notice a knocking noise while you are turning but also poor handling.
If you hear a clunking sound when you turn your wheel at a normal speed then your power steering could be the problem. You could have a loose belt, low power steering fluid or your power steering pump could be failing.
Suspension Joints: A creaking, clunking, or popping sound heard at lower speeds could indicate worn out or broken suspension joints. Power Steering Pump: Also heard at low speeds, this sound is most often described as a whining sound that seems to be coming from the engine.
If the clunk happens when you hit the gas pedal or shift gears, then you are most likely looking at a U-joint or CV joint that is on its way out. An engine mount may also be the culprit if the sound happens when shifting into forward or reverse.
A bad steering rack bushing can allow excess movement in the steering rack that causes these noises. Noise when going over bumps – Excessive movement of a loose steering rack caused by worn steering rack bushings can cause an audible clunk while going over bumps.
This symptom typically happens when you have a suspension issue, and occurs when driving over bumps, uneven surfaces, debris, potholes, and more. It could be that some suspension part is loose or broken. The suspension system is fairly complex, so finding the exact source of the noise can be tricky to do by yourself.
In most cases, when you have a problem like this, it`s caused by a loose or damaged strut, strut mount, stabilizer bar bushings or CV joints being worn out. The stabilizer bar bushing specifically is usually the part that would cause the `clunk` sound when hitting a bump.
What causes a noise while turning? Many things can cause noise while turning. However, the most common culprits of these issues are problems with suspension or steering system components, like bad tie rods, worn-out shocks or struts, a damaged steering column bearing, and low or contaminated power steering fluid.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
ANSWER : Hello. The most common cause of this issue is worn out rack and pinion bushings. The bushings hold it in place and keep it from moving when you are turning. Over time, these will wear out or will get oil on them causing them to get soft. When this occurs, the rack and pinion will move when turning.
When this occurs the noise that you are hearing will happen. I typically start by getting the vehicle in the air to check it for any worn out suspension or steering bushings. If you need to have this looked at, consider using YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your steering and suspension. From there, they will be able to make any repairs that are necessary to have this sound resolved.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
I just started noticing a rubbing noise anytime I make a right turn. Even the slightest bit turn to the right it makes that sound.
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, this type of noise is a common sign of a bad or worn wheel bearing. When wheel bearings wear out or become damaged due to dirt or debris or lack of proper amount of grease, they can make a rubbing, grinding or vibrating sound. This may also be related to other front suspension components as well. If you need help with this, I recommend having a qualified professional from YourMechanic come to your car’s location to diagnose the rubbing noise and verify what needs repair.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
I hear a whooshing sound when I turn the steering wheel. If I make a sharp turn, I hear a grinding sound coming from the back. ???
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, the rear knocking sound is caused by the driveshaft, drive axles, differential gears, transmission mount, or the rear struts. The sound you’re experiencing is very difficult to diagnose, but could be caused by the power steering shaft, or you power steering system being low on fluid. It might be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
Squeaking metallic sound when turning
ANSWER : Thank you for the detailed information, it helps! The front driver side is where the majority of the steering components are located. Start by checking the power steering fluid. The best option is to raise the vehicle and inspect that side of the vehicle. You will want to look at the steering gear box, the linkage, and on down to the wheel hubs. This should include an inspection of the control arms, and other suspension components as well. Steering and suspension are very closely related and have adverse effects on each other. If you see any power steering fluid leaking, look to the steering gear for damages or a failed seal. The control arms also have CV joints that make similar noises to what you described. If those are cracked, leaking, or crushed they will need to be replaced.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
Car making a low noticeable sound at speeds between 55 km/hr to 70km/hr.
ANSWER : Hi there:
Diagnosing ’noises’ remotely is one of the more difficult things to do for any mechanic. However, there are a few things which could cause this noise, ranging from loose motor mounts, loose serpentine or drive belt, pulley’s or even wheel or front end suspension issues. The best way to diagnose any problem is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection; so they can ride with you to attempt and replicate the noise; which will help them pinpoint the source of the noise and recommend the right repairs be completed.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
High pitched whine noise is coming from behind or below glove box area. The noise occurs at low rpm at any speed, especially while turning left.
ANSWER : Hi there. The sound that you are hearing is probably from the blower motor to the heater / air conditioning evaporator. Remove the fuse to the blower motor and see if the sound stops. If the sound stops, then the motor or the squirrel cage is bent and rubbing. If the sound is still there when you remove the fuse, then it could be the alternator or power steering pump transmitting the sound through the cabin area. If you need further assistance with locating the source to the high pitch sound near your glove box, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
Loud low groaning/creaking noise when making turns at slow speeds
ANSWER : This type of low pitched noise tends to be caused by wheel bearings that are just beginning to wear out, or a CV joint that might be losing lubrication as well. It could also indicate a problem with tie rods or other steering system components that are wearing out. It’s probably best to have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection, so they can accurately diagnose your problem.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
I have a Dodge Ram and I ran a mailbox over on my right side. When I turn left and right there’s a grinding noise on the right.
ANSWER : After running over the mailbox, the box or stem could have bent the backing plate and is now causing the grinding noise as the backing plate is scraping against the brake rotor on the right side. Inspect your brake system and see what is causing the grinding noise. If you need further assistance with the grinding noise, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Van makes a thud sound when making a right turn at low speeds
