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Suspension, steering, brakes and tyresUrgency: Garage soon

Creaking or clicking when turning the steering wheel: causes and the faults that trigger it

Noise when turning the steering wheel usually comes from one of three areas: the driveshaft CV joints (a rhythmic click-click when turning while the car is moving), the top of the suspension and the ball joints (creaks, clunks or sharp knocks, especially when stationary or at low speed) or the power steering (squeals or groans). RACE advises not to keep driving until a garage has analysed where the noise is coming from.[1][2][3][4]

50 documented faults cause it in 49 cars. The most important:

    What it means

    A creak when turning the wheel while stationary or manoeuvring points to the top mounts and bearings of the front shock absorbers or to the steering. A rhythmic click-click when turning while the car is moving usually comes from the constant-velocity joints on the driveshafts.

    General explanation from MotorFiable. How it shows up in each engine, with sources, is in the list of faults.

    What to do now

    Garage soon

    If the noise is rhythmic and gets worse when accelerating through a bend, check the driveshaft gaiters. If it only creaks when stationary, check the top mounts and ball joints.

    62 sourcesHow we work

    Most common causes

    From most to least likely according to the sources. Under each cause, the part and the related OBD codes.

    1. 1. Worn CV joints (driveshaft)

      Common cause

      They are the typical source of a rhythmic click-click: RACE describes a dry metallic click heard when turning the steering to full lock at low speed, which speeds up the harder the transmission is asked to work in the middle of a bend. It attributes almost 90% of failures to the degraded rubber boot, which lets the grease escape and dirt get in. Autodoc also gives CV joints as the cause of the "clack clack" on tight turns.[2][3]

      Faults with with the driveshafts and transmission

    2. 2. Strut top mounts or upper damper bearing

      Common cause

      The top mounts connect the top of the shock absorber to the bodywork and contain a bearing that lets the suspension turn with the steering. When they fail, RACE talks about a tense creak, like a metallic snap, when turning the steering wheel while stationary and a sharp knock over bumps. Autodoc cites them, especially on MacPherson strut suspensions, as the cause of a cracking sound when turning.[1][2][4]

      Faults with with the shock absorbers

    3. 3. Ball joints, track rods or suspension arms with play

      Common cause

      According to RACE, with worn ball joints there is play when you move the wheels and you hear a metal-on-metal knock when turning in one direction; the same can happen with a faulty suspension arm. Autodoc adds track rods and anti-roll bar drop links among the parts that give a metallic knocking, and notes that a ball joint without grease gets noisier and noisier. RACE also includes vague steering and a torn dust boot among the signs of a worn ball joint.[1][2][5]

      Faults with with control arms, ball joints and bushes

    4. 4. Low fluid, loose belt or power steering pump

      Possible cause

      RACE points out that with low fluid in the hydraulic system, you hear a squeal when turning the steering wheel, and that a worn or loose power steering belt can also make noise. Autodoc describes a groan when turning when the level is low and squealing if the pump or belt is worn.[1][2]

      Faults with with the power steering

    5. 5. Steering rack with friction or play

      Possible cause

      Autodoc attributes the noises and squeals coming from the steering box to metal surfaces rubbing without proper lubrication. As other signs it cites steering that is getting heavier, fluid leaks and play from worn bushes.[6]

      Faults with with the steering rack and column

    6. 6. Dried-out silentblocks and bushes

      Possible cause

      Autodoc notes that dried-out silentblocks (rubber bushes) crack over time and can cause creaking when turning the steering wheel.[2]

      Faults with with control arms, ball joints and bushes

    7. 7. Worn wheel bearing

      Uncommon

      RACE describes a worn bearing as a continuous hum or a dull metallic noise that grows with speed and that can change when cornering: if it gets louder when turning left, the wear may be on the right-hand side, which takes more load. It presents this only as a guide that a professional must confirm.[7]

      Faults with with the wheel bearings

    8. 8. Rubbing in the steering wheel itself or in the tyres

      Uncommon

      RACE mentions less common causes: a loose steering wheel casing, which creaks in extreme cold or heat, a faulty electrical connection in the steering wheel (a slight rubbing, sometimes with the airbag light) and worn or badly misaligned tyres, which according to the article only make noise through the steering wheel if the misalignment is very pronounced.[1]

    Depending on what you notice

    Click-click when turning the steering wheel with the car moving

    A rhythmic metallic click-click when turning to full lock at low speed, which speeds up if you press the accelerator in the bend, is the signature of a worn CV joint according to RACE, which adds black, greasy marks on the inside of the wheel rim or in the wheel arch as a clue. Autodoc also links the "clack clack" on tight turns to CV joints, although it cites the top mounts and loose bushes as other possible sources of "click-clack".[2][3]

    Driveshaft noise on the car

    The driveshaft carries power from the gearbox to each wheel and its joint is protected by a grease-filled rubber boot. RACE explains that when that rubber cracks and the driveshaft loses grease, it starts to make noise and sometimes you hear a small "click" when you select reverse; another RACE article talks about a rattle of metal balls when the joint's boot cracks. If the driveshaft breaks, the wheels stop receiving power from the engine and the car does not move.[8][9]

    Clunk, click or creak when turning the steering wheel while stationary

    With the car stationary, Autodoc points to the ball joints, the top mounts, the steering rack and a low power steering fluid level as suspects. RACE describes top mount failure as a tense creak, like a metallic snap, when turning while stationary and as a sharp "clunk" at the top of the engine bay. The CV joint click-click that RACE describes appears with the car moving, not stationary.[2][3][4]

    Noise when turning the steering wheel at low speed or manoeuvring

    Autodoc says that at low speed creaks, snaps or knocks point to joints and ball joints, while a damaged power steering pump or a steering rack with problems gives a squealing sound that is easy to notice. RACE also places the click of the CV joint when turning the steering to full lock here.[2][3]

    Noise when turning the steering wheel left or right

    If it only sounds toward one side, RACE associates it with worn ball joints or a faulty suspension arm: when you force the turn in that direction, the play makes metal hit metal. The sources do not give a general rule for telling which side is failing; for wheel bearings, RACE warns that if the noise grows when turning left, the wear may be on the right-hand side, and presents this only as a guide.[1][7]

    Squeal or groan when turning the steering wheel (steering noise)

    A squeal or a groan when turning points to the power steering: low fluid, a loose belt or a worn pump according to RACE and Autodoc. If the steering also gets heavier, there are leaks or a burning smell appears, Autodoc says that smell means an overheated steering box and recommends stopping immediately.[1][2][6]

    What to check first

    1. Note when and how it sounds: stationary or moving, at low or high speed, toward which side and whether it is a rhythmic click, a sharp knock, a creak or a squeal. That information helps separate CV joints, top mounts and ball joints, and power steering.[1][2]
    2. If your car has hydraulic power steering, check the fluid level and look for leaks at the couplings and hoses. Autodoc recommends topping it up if it is low and then turning the steering wheel from lock to lock.[2]
    3. Look inside the wheels: black or greasy marks on the rim, the wheel arch or the brakes, or a cracked rubber boot on the driveshaft, indicate a CV joint that is losing grease.[3][8]
    4. Check for a torn dust boot or grease on the ball joints and whether the steering wheel feels vague or has play, signs that RACE associates with a worn ball joint.[5]
    5. Ask a garage to inspect the suspension and steering on a ramp. RACE advises not to keep driving until then and, if the top mounts need replacing, to replace the bearing and the rubber block, in pairs and on both sides.[1][4]

    Can I keep driving?

    Urgency: Garage soon

    RACE is clear: the advice is not to keep driving until a garage has analysed where the noise is coming from, and Autodoc asks you not to ignore these sounds because they can be an early warning of something more serious. There are specific reasons not to delay: a broken CV joint can end in loss of drive, RACE advises against driving with a broken ball joint or one with a lot of play and, if you smell burning from the steering, Autodoc recommends stopping immediately.[1][2][3][5][6]

    How much it costs to fix

    Indicative prices published by the sources cited; they depend on the car and the garage.

    RepairPrice
    Replacing just the CV joint boot (rubber, cleaning and new grease), according to RACE (in Spain)[3]€60 – €120
    CV joint kit, according to RACE (in Spain; does not specify whether labour is included)[3]€150 – €300
    Complete CV joint kit, part only, plus about two hours of labour, according to another RACE article (in Spain)[9]€30 – €50
    Complete driveshaft, according to RACE (in Spain; does not specify whether labour is included)[3]€350 – €700
    Exchange driveshaft (about 250 euros) versus new driveshaft (about 1,000 euros), according to RACE (in Spain)[8]€250 – €1,000
    Individual steering ball joint (part and labour, according to RACE, in Spain)[5]€100 – €250
    Individual suspension ball joint, according to RACE (in Spain; does not specify whether labour is included)[5]€120 – €300
    Replacing the top mounts on both sides, including removing the strut, compressing the spring and subsequent alignment, according to Motor16 (in Spain)[10]€250 – €600

    Faults that cause it

    Suspension, brake, electronics and other faults on specific cars, from most to least important.

    1. Source for the symptom in the Honda Civic XI[11][12]

    2. Source for the symptom in the Honda CR-V V[12]

    3. Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz GLC X253[13]

    4. Source for the symptom in the Alfa Romeo 159[14]

    5. Source for the symptom in the Audi A4 B6[15]

    6. Source for the symptom in the Audi A4 B7[15]

    7. Source for the symptom in the Ford Kuga I[16]

    8. Source for the symptom in the Hyundai i20 I[17]

    9. Source for the symptom in the Kia Ceed II[18]

    10. Source for the symptom in the Kia Sportage IV[19]

    11. Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase B W245[20]

    12. Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205[21]

    13. Source for the symptom in the Peugeot Rifter[22]

    14. Source for the symptom in the Volkswagen Touareg I[23]

    15. Source for the symptom in the Volvo XC60 I[24]

    16. Source for the symptom in the Abarth 500[25][26]

    17. Source for the symptom in the Audi A6 C7[27]

    18. Source for the symptom in the Fiat Bravo[28]

    19. Source for the symptom in the Ford C-Max I[29]

    20. Source for the symptom in the Ford Fusion[30]

    21. Source for the symptom in the Ford Mondeo III[31]

    22. Source for the symptom in the Ford Mondeo IV[32]

    23. Source for the symptom in the Nissan Micra III[33]

    24. Source for the symptom in the Nissan Micra IV[34]

    25. Source for the symptom in the Nissan Qashqai I[35]

    26. Source for the symptom in the Nissan X-Trail I[36]

    27. Source for the symptom in the Nissan X-Trail II[36]

    28. Source for the symptom in the Opel Meriva B[37]

    29. Source for the symptom in the Renault Mégane I[38]

    30. Source for the symptom in the Škoda Superb I[39]

    31. Source for the symptom in the Toyota Avensis T25[40]

    32. Source for the symptom in the Volkswagen Golf Plus[41]

    33. Source for the symptom in the Volkswagen Touareg I[23]

    34. Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 5 G30[42]

    35. Source for the symptom in the MINI Countryman R60[43]

    36. Source for the symptom in the Toyota RAV4 III[44][45]

    37. Source for the symptom in the Audi A5 I[46]

    38. Source for the symptom in the Honda CR-V IV[47]

    39. Source for the symptom in the Hyundai i30 I[48][49]

    40. Source for the symptom in the Hyundai Trajet[50]

    41. Source for the symptom in the Land Rover Range Rover Sport II[51]

    42. Source for the symptom in the Renault Espace V[52]

    43. Source for the symptom in the Renault Twingo I[53][54]

    44. Source for the symptom in the Rover 25[55]

    45. Source for the symptom in the Rover 45[56][57]

    46. Source for the symptom in the Audi A1 II[58]

    47. Source for the symptom in the BMW X1 E84[59]

    48. Source for the symptom in the Hyundai i40[60]

    49. Source for the symptom in the Opel Crossland[61]

    50. Source for the symptom in the Renault 5 E-Tech[62]

    Noise when turning: causes in your car

    49 cars have several documented faults that cause this symptom. Choose yours to see only those that affect it, by engine and by year.

    Abarth 1
    Alfa Romeo 1
    Audi 5
    BMW 2
    Fiat 1
    Ford 5
    Honda 3
    Hyundai 4
    Kia 2
    Land Rover 1
    Mercedes-Benz 3
    MINI 1
    Nissan 5
    Opel 2
    Peugeot 1
    Renault 4
    Rover 2
    Škoda 1
    Toyota 2
    Volkswagen 2
    Volvo 1

    Noise when turning by brand

    Frequently asked questions

    What does a click-click noise when turning the steering wheel mean?

    The most common cause, according to RACE, is a worn CV joint: a dry, rhythmic metallic click when turning to full lock at low speed, which speeds up when you press the accelerator. Autodoc points out that the click-click can also come from the top mounts or loose bushes, so it is best to confirm the cause at a garage.[2][3]

    Can I keep driving if the car makes a noise when I turn the steering wheel?

    RACE advises not to keep driving until a garage has analysed where the noise is coming from. Autodoc asks you not to ignore it and to go to a trusted garage, and RACE warns against driving with a broken ball joint or one with a lot of play and says a broken CV joint can end in loss of drive.[1][2][3][5]

    How much does it cost to fix a noise when turning the steering wheel?

    It depends on the part. RACE puts the CV joint boot at 60-120 euros, the joint kit at 150-300 and the complete driveshaft at 350-700; the individual steering ball joint at 100-250 euros including part and labour. Motor16 puts replacing the top mounts on both sides, with alignment, at between 250 and 600 euros. These are indicative figures from each source, for Spain.[3][5][10]

    Why does it only make a noise when I turn the steering wheel while stationary?

    With the car stationary, Autodoc points to the ball joints, the top mounts, the steering rack and a low power steering fluid level as suspects. RACE describes top mount failure as a tense creak when turning while stationary, and CV joint failure as a click-click when turning while moving.[2][3][4]

    Will a car with worn top mounts pass the MOT?

    RACE says that excessive play in the upper shock absorber mount, where the top mounts are fitted, is a major defect at the ITV (the Spanish equivalent of the MOT), as well as speeding up tyre and shock absorber wear.[4]

    Is driveshaft noise the same as CV joint noise?

    They are related: the driveshaft has a shaft, a spider and a grease-filled boot that protects the CV joint. RACE explains that the driveshaft starts to make noise when that rubber cracks and loses grease, and that joint failure is noticed as a click-click when turning.[3][8]

    Other symptoms: suspension, steering, brakes and tyres

    All symptoms

    Has this happened to you? Tell us which fault it was, at how many kilometres and how much you paid: it helps other owners know what to expect. Report your fault.

    Sources

    Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

    1. ¿Tu coche hace ruido al girar el volante? Te explicamos las causasRACE · Motoring press · published 22 November 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    2. Ruido al girar el volante: al parar, a baja velocidad, al moverse hacia la derecha o hacia la izquierdaAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · published 19 March 2021 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    3. Junta homocinética rota: síntomas y ruidos para detectar la averíaRACE · Motoring press · published 29 September 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    4. Ruido en las copelas del amortiguador: cómo identificar este falloRACE · Motoring press · published 29 September 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    5. ¿Qué es la rótula de un coche?RACE · Motoring press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    6. Cremallera de dirección: tipos, funciones, averíasAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · published 26 March 2021 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    7. ¿Cómo identificar el ruido del rodamiento del coche a tiempo?RACE · Motoring press · published 24 September 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    8. ¿Qué es un palier de coche?RACE · Motoring press · published 17 May 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    9. ¿Qué es la junta homocinética de un coche?RACE · Motoring press · published 18 August 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    10. Ruido en las copelas del amortiguador: cómo evitar una avería de 600 euros en el eje delanteroMotor16 · Motoring press · published 1 October 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
    11. Llamada a revisión de Honda por la dirección asistida (Civic, ZR-V y CR-V, campaña 6JP)Autofácil · Motoring press · published 12 April 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
    12. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Reino Unido): R/2025/024, R/2024/389 y R/2024/476 del Honda CivicDVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
    13. Fiabilité Mercedes GLC (2015-2022) : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    14. Fiabilité et pannes de l'Alfa Romeo 159Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    15. Fiabilité Audi A4 (2001-2007)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    16. Fiabilité Ford Kuga (2008-2013): pannes, rappels et indices ADACFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
    17. Fiabilité Hyundai i20 (2009-2014) (128 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    18. Fiabilité Kia Ceed II / cee'd (2012-2018): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    19. Kia Sportage gebraucht: Hier scheitert das beliebte SUV beim TÜVt-online · General press · published 25 July 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
    20. Fiabilité Mercedes Classe B (2005-2012) : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    21. Mercedes C-Klasse (W205): Gebrauchtwagen-TestAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 23 March 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
    22. Fiabilité Peugeot Rifter : témoignages de pannesFiches-Auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    23. Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Touareg 2002-2010 (233 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    24. Fiabilidad Volvo XC60 (2008-2017): averías según los propietariosfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    25. Fiat 500 (ab 2007) – Alle bekannten Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 24 November 2023 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
    26. Fiabilité Fiat 500 (2007): tous les problèmes (331 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
    27. Tous les problèmes sur Audi A6 2011-2018 (105 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    28. Fiat Bravo 2007-2014: fiabilidad y testimonios de averías (227 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    29. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford C-Max (2003-2010)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    30. Tous les problèmes sur Ford FUSION 2002-2008 (206 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    31. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Mondeo (2000-2007)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    32. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Mondeo 3 (2007-2014)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    33. Nissan Micra III : pannes et fiabilitéfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    34. Tous les problèmes sur Nissan Micra IV (2010-2017, 76 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    35. Nissan Qashqai I (J10): typische Probleme und KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
    36. Tous les problèmes sur Nissan X-Trail 2001-2013 (280 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    37. Opel Meriva 2 (2010-2017): pannes et problèmes (238 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    38. Tous les problèmes sur Renault Megane 1 (1995-2002) (382 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    39. Fiabilité Skoda Superb (2002-2008): tous les problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
    40. Toyota Avensis 2003-2009: pannes et problèmes (370 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    41. Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005-2013): tous les problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
    42. Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2017-2023): pannes et avis de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    43. Tous les problèmes sur Mini Countryman 2010-2017 (154 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    44. Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    45. Toyota RAV4 - Bekannte Probleme & Krankheiten (Benziner, Diesel, Hybrid)Gebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
    46. Fiabilité Audi A5 (2007-2016) (239 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    47. Honda CR-V IV (RM) – Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
    48. Fiabilité Hyundai i30 (2007-2012)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    49. Hyundai i30 I: Typische Probleme und KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
    50. Hyundai Trajet (sección «Zuverlässigkeit»)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
    51. Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2013-2022): 21 testimonios de fiabilidadfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    52. Tous les problèmes sur Renault Espace 5 2015 (275 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
    53. Renault Twingo (ab 1993): Schwachstellen laut TÜV-AuswertungAUTO BILD · Reliability study · published 25 February 2002 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
    54. Renault Twingo: Probleme (Abschnitt Twingo I)carwiki.de · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
    55. Rover 25 Car Check: MOT History, Reliability & FaultsCarVerify · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026
    56. Rover 45 hatchback (1999-2005) review and buying guideClassic Car Reviews · Motoring press · published 19 September 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026
    57. Rover 45 Common Problems, Faults & Repair CostsCarCostCheck (datos DVSA/MOT) · Reliability study · consulted 29 October 2026
    58. Tous les problèmes sur Audi A1 2019- (17 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
    59. BMW X1 E84: Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
    60. Hyundai i40 (2011 – 2019) – Bekannte Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
    61. Opel Crossland (X) – Probleme, Mängel & RückrufeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 April 2024 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
    62. Renault 5 E-Tech: Probleme, Schwachstellen und RückrufeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 14 August 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German