Hearing a clunking noise when you turn the steering wheel is unsettling. It’s a sound no driver wants to ignore because it usually signals that something within your steering or suspension system needs attention. While the cause can range from minor to more serious, identifying it early can prevent expensive repairs and keep your vehicle safe on the road.
How the Steering and Suspension Work Together
Your car’s steering and suspension systems are closely connected. The steering components guide the wheels, while the suspension absorbs bumps and keeps the tires in contact with the road. When any part of these systems wears out or becomes loose, it can create noises that are especially noticeable when turning.
A clunking sound means that a component is moving in a way it shouldn’t, often because of looseness, wear, or lack of lubrication.
Common Causes of Clunking Sounds When Turning
Several issues can cause clunking noises when turning the wheel. While some are relatively simple fixes, others require prompt attention to avoid bigger problems down the line.
Worn or Damaged Ball Joints
Ball joints connect your steering knuckles to the control arms, allowing the wheels to move up and down and turn smoothly. Over time, these joints can wear out, causing play in the connection. When that happens, you might hear clunks during turns or even when driving over bumps.
Bad Tie Rod Ends
Tie rods link your steering rack to the wheels. When tie rod ends wear out, they can become loose, creating knocking or clunking sounds when you turn the steering wheel. You might also notice steering feels less precise or slightly “off-center.”
Failing Sway Bar Links
The sway bar helps stabilize your vehicle during turns, reducing body roll. Worn or broken sway bar links often cause a distinct clunk when making sharp turns or driving over uneven surfaces.
Strut Mount or Shock Issues
If your vehicle has worn strut mounts or leaking shocks, you may hear a clunking noise as the suspension struggles to handle the road’s demands. Since these components play a role in both comfort and stability, it’s important to address problems early.
Steering Rack or Column Problems
Though less common, internal wear within the steering rack or column can cause noises during turns. These issues tend to get progressively worse and may lead to stiff or inconsistent steering.
When the Clunking Gets Worse Over Time
If the clunking noise starts faintly and grows louder, it’s often a sign of a part that’s wearing out quickly. Ignoring the problem can lead to more severe consequences, such as misaligned wheels, uneven tire wear, or even loss of control if a component fails completely.
Driving with a compromised steering or suspension system also puts extra strain on connected components. A bad tie rod, for example, can affect wheel alignment, which then wears out tires faster and impacts handling.
Why an Inspection Is So Important
Because so many different parts can cause clunking, guessing isn’t the best approach. A proper inspection allows us to pinpoint the problem before it worsens. Our technicians inspect steering components, suspension parts, and even tires and wheels to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
During an inspection, we’ll also look for related issues that could arise from the initial problem. For example, if a sway bar link is damaged, we’ll ensure the bushings and mounts around it are still in good shape. Addressing everything at once saves time and prevents you from coming back for multiple repairs.
How We Handle Clunking Noises at Complete Automotive in Springfield, MO
At Complete Automotive in Springfield, MO, our technicians have extensive experience diagnosing and repairing steering and suspension issues. Whether your vehicle needs a new ball joint, tie rod end, sway bar link, or strut mount, we make sure every repair restores smooth, quiet steering. With two locations in Springfield, we’re here to make the process as convenient as possible.
If you hear a clunk when you turn the wheel, don’t wait until it turns into a bigger issue. Schedule an inspection today, and we’ll make sure your steering and suspension systems are safe and reliable.