What causes jeep wrangler noise when turning steering wheel? Let’s find some of the reasons for producing noise while riding.

You have put your belts on, lifted off the brakes, and just got ready to head out of your office. Suddenly you discover that your Jeep Wrangler is producing noise when turning the steering wheel. You are bound to get scared. Right?

Luckily you are not the first one to find such an issue in your vehicle. The steering wheel is an essential component of the Jeep Wrangler. If it is producing some sound while turning, there is a problem somewhere in the interior parts of your vehicle which you need to investigate. 

The problem may be from the steering system or suspension system of your vehicle. Whenever you turn the steering wheel, it puts a lot of stress on various components, which may cause them to wear out within a short time.

In my opinion, you should never ignore such signs as they can affect your driving badly. So once you observe these signs, you should take your vehicle to the nearby mechanic as soon as possible.

 

 

Reasons For making Noise When Turning Steering Wheel In Jeep Wrangler

#1. Low Power Steering Fluid

The power steering fluid or the hydraulic fluid lubricates the entire power steering system in the Jeep wrangler. Whenever a person turns the steering wheel, the pump pumps the hydraulic fluid into the rotary valve, moving to the cylinder.

The cylinder has a piston that pushes the hydraulic fluid, and finally, it exerts pressure on the rack and pinion. Consequently, it multiplies the force exerted, and you can quickly turn the wheels of your steering in any direction, and the steering wheel will not make any sound while turning.

But when the power steering fluid becomes low, then the whole mechanism of power steering disturbs you, and you hear a noise while turning your steering wheel. Again, the power steering fluid should not be contaminated with dust, dirt, and water. Otherwise, you may face the issue of hearing whining sounds while turning the steering wheel.

Solution

• You need to fill the reservoir of power steering fluid to the maximum level.
• If you find the hydraulic fluid contaminated or have not changed it for many days, you need to replace it with a new one.

 

 

Also read – What to do when a Jeep’s radio does not work?

 

#2. Damaged Or Spoiled Tie Rod

A tie rod connects to both the front wheels of your Jeep Wrangler. Whenever the tie rods are in good shape, they will give you smooth steering. However, they may damage when your vehicle hits potholes, curbs, or any obstruction, which may lead to peculiar sound while turning the steering wheel of a Jeep wrangler.

Solution

• Change the tie rod of your vehicle.

 

You might also like to read : Why Does Honda Accord Power Steering Pump Make Noise When Cold

 

#3.Damaged pump, Serpentine Belt Or Rack

The pulley of the power steering attaches with the crankshaft of the engine by the serpentine belt. But if that belt will wear out with time, then you may hear the noise while steering your wheel. 

Again the pump plays a vital role in the steering mechanism by pumping the power steering fluid. If that pump does not function properly, you may also have noise while turning the steering wheel of your Jeep Wrangler. 

The damaged rack can also be another cause of hearing the noise while turning the steering wheel. These noises are usually noticeable when your vehicle is making a turn at a low speed.

Solution

• If you find the problem in the pulley, belt, rack, or pump, then try to replace it with a new one.

#4. Wear And Tear Of Ball Joints

The ball joints are responsible for controlling the knuckle to adjust the movement of the car. If your ball joint has worn out or is not lubricated enough, then you may hear the noise while turning the steering wheel.

Solution

• Lubricate your ball joint from time to time. But it has worn out, so you need to replace it with a new one.

 

 

#5.Damaged Bushings

When the bushings become dry or damaged, you may hear the creaking noise while turning the steering wheel at a low speed.

Solution

• If you find your bushings crack or are damaged, you need to replace them with a new one.
• Try to lubricate the bushings from time to time.

 

You might also like to read : Which Brake Caliper Guide Pin Goes On Top

 

#6. Dry Jounce Bushing

If the jounce bushing on the front of the strut is dry, then you may hear the groaning or rubbing sound while turning your steering wheel.

Solution

• Lubricate the jounce bushing from time to time.

#7. Faulty Sway Bars

The purpose of the sway bar is to prevent your vehicle’s tires from leaving the ground while turning at high speed. If you have a faulty sway bar in your vehicle, then you may hear clunking noise while turning the steering wheel.

Solution

• Replace your sway bar

#8. Column Bearing

If the steering column bearing has been damaged, you may hear a rubbing noise while turning the steering wheel. 

Solution

• Try to change the bearing of the steering column.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. What is the noise when I turn on my steering wheel?

Whenever the power steering rack is damaged, you may hear a whining noise while turning your steering wheel. There are other reasons, too, like worn serpentine belts or lower levels of hydraulic fluid in the reservoir, or damaged bushings that can be the reason for hearing noise while turning the steering wheel.

#2. Why does my jeep make a whining noise when I turn the wheel?

Your jeep may make a whining noise because of the following conditions while turning the wheel.

• Failure of the power steering pump
• Less power steering fluid in the reservoir
• Components of steering like a ball joint, tie rod, and universal joint are dry

 

You might also like to read : Which Brake Pad Goes On The Outside

#3. Why do I sometimes hear a pop when I turn my steering wheel?

You may hear popping sounds because of the following conditions while turning the wheel.

• If your tie rod has worn out.
• When the struts in the jeep are defective
• When all the four tires of your vehicle don’t have good inflation.
• Loose hubcaps

 

 

Wrap Up

It’s tough to detect the cause of the noise from numerous factors while turning the steering wheel. Again, you hear the noise only during driving or turning at low speed. I think the best thing will be to investigate every component thoroughly. 

But if you don’t have time or don’t have technical skills, it’s best to take your vehicle to the nearby mechanic as soon as possible. I hope you liked my article, and it has helped you know some of the causes of hearing noise while turning your steering wheel. Anyways please do share your suggestions for this article. I would love to read your tips in the comment section.