Why Your Steering Wheel Squeals When You Turn (And How to Fix It)
Hearing a squealing noise when you turn your steering wheel can be alarming. If you hear the squeal, it's typically a problem within your vehicle's power-steering system, but it can also be other things, such as low tires or an issue at your suspension. While you may not be able to diagnose the issue, knowing where it is coming from expedites the process and makes your vehicle repair less costly when you address the problem before it is out of control.
Hydraulic Power-Steering System Issues
Most vehicles built before the 2010's utilize hydraulic power-steering systems to assist with vehicle steering. These systems rely on a pump operated by the engine that sends pressurized fluid throughout the hoses, assisting with your steering. If you hear a refinement during steering, the two primary problems are most likely to be the cause.
Slippery Drive Belt
The drive belt, turning or connected to the steering pump, may be slipping. When its colder outside, it is much easier for a belt to slip because a cold belt (low temperature) has less flexibility and more slipperiness. For example, you will hear the squeal driving on cold mornings, or when you are stationary and turn your steering wheel.
To check your belt for slipping, examined the surface of the underneath side of the belt looking for a glossy, shiny surface, lateral in gaps across the belt. Between two pulleys, you want the belt to be tight with very little give when pressed on, if it is loose, the belt or tensioner may require repairs or replacing.
Low or Contaminated Power-Steering Fluid
The power-steering pump needs enough fluid to work properly. Check your fluid level with the engine warm off. Search for a steering wheel with a steering wheel icon or the phrase "power steering."
Good, clear power steering fluid is usually amber, pink, or red. Foamy, dark brown, or burnt smell = garbage! If the fluid is foamy, but still redish, you may want to replace it as a low fluid level may indicate a leak, so look under your vehicle to see if stains mark the ground.
Electric Power Steering Systems
Many newer vehicles have electric power steering and don't use hydraulics. Electric power steering is nice because you have no fluid or drive belt. If your vehicle has electric power steering, any squealing you hear is probably for another reason.
Other Causes of Squealing When Steering
Low Tire Pressure
Squealing may be caused by under inflated tires. Squealing can happen when turning corners and even at slow speeds too. This should be a different sound than power steering squealing and should not happen when you are sitting still. Tire pressure is critical, so always know the recommended PSI on the sticker located on the door jamb on the driver's side.
Oversized Tires
Tires that are oversized for your vehicle size, may rub on the inner fenders when turning, and that is what causes the squealing sounds. This can commonly happen with modified vehicles or tires that were meant to be oversized but were instead incorrectly sized.
Worn Steering Components
It's also possible (maybe not the most common case) that worn tie-rod ends, ball joints, strut bearings, or bushings are to blame for the squeal. These problems will usually only make a noise when you are turning the steering wheel. If you are stopped and holding the steering wheel in one position, you probably shouldn't hear any squeal.
What You Can Do
In either situation, it would be prudent to check the power steering fluid and belt condition first. If it is just an old power steering fluid you could do this action yourself. For power steering fluid replacement, you would use a turkey baster to remove as much of the old fluid as you can, and afterward, simply add new fluid. To properly cleanse with the system, you need to repeat the process 2 or 3 times.
You should also possess a simple gauge to check your tires to know if they are low in pressure. Nearly all vehicles sold after 2008 come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that will notify you when the tires are low. If any tire is low in pressure, the vehicle will notify you by activating a horseshoe-shaped warning light.
When to Consult a Mechanic
There are several potential causes of the squealing that you may be able to handle yourself, but just make sure you are not sweeping deeper issues under the rug. If you are having performance issues with your car's power-steering system, it could be putting you in harm's way every time you drive. There is always the chance that it will get worse, and cause money in repairs or damage to expensive parts.
If you have checked the easy things, and it still continues to squeal, it may be the time to consider a professional diagnosis. Steering and suspension issues can be complex and generally require your mechanic's expertise to assess your individual situation regarding your safety.
Conclusion
Steering wheel squeal usually indicates power-steering issues, especially if you have a hydraulic steering system. It is reasonable to start with the more simple steps to see what you can discover, beginning with the condition of your power steering fluid and the condition of the belt. You do not want to ignore issues, and any time you think your steering is becoming heavier or your power-steering system is failing, take a step or action to prevent a more costly repair in the future.
