Popping Noise When Backing Up And Turning Wheel – What Does it Mean?

Any sound other than the engine’s is not good news for the car owner. If you hear a popping noise when backing up and turning wheel, you should investigate immediately.

When your car ages with time, various components start to wear out, and they are likely to produce noise. A popping noise is one of the common noises which most car owners hear. 

Most people think that there are some issues with the wheel, and that’s why they hear such popping sounds. But in most cases, this is not true. You hear the popping sound because of the defect in the steering system of your vehicle.

The steering system controls the movements of the wheels of your vehicle so that it rotates on the road. But the steering is very complex as it consists of numerous components. Any defect in those components enables the car owner to hear popping noise, which is alarming, to repair the vehicle as soon as possible.

This article will discuss the reasons for causing popping noise when backing up and turning the wheel. So, continue reading this article for more information.

Popping Noise When Backing Up And Turning Wheel

Reasons For popping Up When Backing And Turning Wheel

I heard a popping sound when backing and turning the wheel. I was a bit worried and investigated various components of my vehicle, but I could not find any root cause for creating the popping sound. 

I researched on the internet and found that, luckily, I am not the only person who faces such a problem. I have outlined below various reasons for hearing popping noise when backing up and turning the wheel.

#1. Damaged Constant Velocity Joint

The constant velocity joint allows the driveshaft to send power effectively at a variable angle but while rotating at a constant speed. CVJ’s are more common in front-wheel drives. But nowadays, you can see these joints in 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles.

These joints are usually packed with a special grease and seal tightened with a rubber or plastic boot. The problem arises when the plastic boot breaks or gets damaged. 

Once this happens, the grease comes out of the plastic boot, and the dirt and moisture will start entering into the constant velocity joints. 

As a result, the constant velocity joint starts to deteriorate and finally gets damaged totally due to lack of lubrication and corrosion. Once CV joints fail, you hear popping up while backing up and turning your vehicle.

Solution

If the constant velocity joint’s rubber caps are only broken, it will cost you less. But if the mechanic finds that the constant velocity is broken, then you have to replace it with a new one, which is a bit expensive.

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#2. Damaged Tie Rod

Tie rods are an essential component of the steering system of your vehicle. These rods connect the rack and pinion gear or the steering gear to the wheels of the vehicle. But if the tie rods are damaged or broken, you will hear a popping noise while backing up and turning your vehicle.

Solution

If you find the tie rods damaged, then you should replace them with a new one.

#3. Defective Struts

Struts are also another vital component of the steering system. They act as a shock absorber which means the struts along with spring coils help in cushioning the impact by absorbing the shocks when the vehicle passes over any bump or potholes.

But when these struts are defective, then your vehicle’s suspension system cannot absorb the impact of the road. Simultaneously you are going to hear a popping noise while turning and backing the wheel.

Solution

If the struts are broken or damaged, then it’s best to replace them with a new one as soon as possible.

#4. Loose Hubcaps

You may hear popping noise when there are loose hubcaps. The lugs nuts present in the steering system have a plastic covering known as hubcaps. When these lug nuts become loose, the hubcaps move unsteadily and create a popping noise while turning and backing the wheel.

Solution

Tightening the lug nut is the best way to prevent the popping noise. But if you find any worn hubcaps, then replace them with new ones. 

But when replacing them, you should wisely select the hubcap that matches the existing ones. Well, you can find the matching hubcaps easily in various online stores or a tire shop.

#5. Improper Tire Inflation

If all the tires of your vehicle are not inflated with air at the same designed pressure, then you may hear the popping noise while turning and backing the wheel.

Solution

Repairing the tire issues of your vehicle is easy and affordable. You have to be sure that all the tires in your vehicle should be of identical design, and they should fill with designed air pressure. But if you find any wear and tear on your tire, then it’s best to replace it with a new one.

#6. Loose Drive Belt

The drive belt connects the power steering, air conditioning, and alternator to the crankshaft. But when the drive belt becomes loose, you may hear the popping noise while backing up and turning and backing the wheel.

Solution

Tightening the drive belt is the best solution to avoid popping noise coming from your vehicles.

Popping Noise When Backing Up And Turning Wheel

Answers To More Commonly Asked Questions

#1. Why does my car make a popping noise when I reverse?

If you hear a popping noise while reversing your car, then that is caused mainly by two things. The first reason can be because of worn-out or damaged axles. 

The axles are joints that are capable of transmitting power from the transmission to the wheels. Most of the axles have a flexible CV joint. But when this joint is broken, then you may hear a popping noise while reversing your car.

The second reason can be broken motor mounts. If the mounts are damaged, that will cause excessive movement of the engine or transmission, which may produce popping noise while reversing the car.

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#2. What does it mean when you turn your steering wheel, and it pops?

Any noise other than the engine sound is a sign of worry for the car owners. Sometimes you may hear a popping noise while turning your steering wheel. There can be various reasons for such popping noise like broken CV joints, lack of lubrication in bearings and various joints, broken bushings, and others. So it’s best to take the vehicle to the mechanic to diagnose the problem and correct it as soon as possible.

Popping Noise When Backing Up And Turning Wheel

Wrap Up

Driving a vehicle with popping noise can be dangerous for the driver and other drivers on-road and pedestrians. The popping noise mainly comes from the steering system. But the steering system is a bit complicated, which may not be possible for you to diagnose the problem and take corrective actions.

So, if you hear any noise coming from your vehicle while turning and backing the wheel, I will suggest taking the car to the professional mechanic nearby your location.

I hope this article is informative and please don’t forget to share any suggestions for the article. I would love to read your suggestions.

Happy Driving!

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