A sharp clunking noise when you turn the steering wheel isn’t something to ignore. Even if your vehicle still handles okay for now, these sounds are often early warnings of wear in your suspension or steering components. If left unaddressed, that noise could evolve into poor handling, uneven tire wear, or even a safety hazard on the road.
Understanding the possible causes behind that clunk can help you act quickly, prevent further damage, and keep your car handling as it should.
Worn Ball Joints Are a Common Culprit
Ball joints act as pivot points between the control arms and the steering knuckles. They help your wheels move up and down and turn smoothly. Over time, the ball joints wear down, especially if you regularly drive over rough roads or speed bumps. When one becomes too loose, it can produce a noticeable clunk during turns, particularly at low speeds or when parking.
If not replaced, a severely worn ball joint can fail completely, which is dangerous at any speed.
Damaged or Loose Tie Rods Can Affect Steering
Your tie rods connect the steering gear to the wheels and help translate steering wheel movement into actual motion. When tie rods start to wear out or become loose, they can make a knocking or clunking noise when turning or going over bumps. You might also notice your steering feels sloppy or requires frequent corrections.
A loose tie rod makes noises, and it can also throw off your wheel alignment and cause your tires to wear unevenly.
Control Arm Bushing Wear Can Cause Metal-to-Metal Contact
Control arms help maintain proper wheel alignment and absorb road impacts. They’re mounted with rubber or polyurethane bushings to allow flexible movement. When those bushings wear out, the control arm can start to shift more than it should, sometimes producing a deep clunk during cornering.
Damaged bushings not only create noise but can also lead to poor vehicle stability and handling.
Steering Rack or Column Issues
In some cases, the clunking sound can come from the steering rack itself or the intermediate shaft that connects the steering wheel to the rack. Worn components here can create a loose, clunky feel in the steering wheel, especially while turning sharply or navigating tight spots like parking lots.
Although less common, these issues can worsen over time, leading to increased steering effort or failure.
Suspension and Strut Problems
Another possible source of the clunk is the suspension system, especially if the sound is coming from just one corner of the vehicle. A worn strut mount, broken sway bar link, or damaged shock absorber can create noise as the vehicle leans during turns. Suspension problems often get louder with time and are usually accompanied by a rougher ride or more body roll during cornering.
When to Schedule an Inspection
If the clunking sound happens consistently during turns, especially at low speeds, it’s time to have your vehicle inspected. Even if it comes and goes, these noises don’t usually resolve on their own. The earlier a technician pinpoints the issue, the better your chances of avoiding larger repairs or safety issues.
A proper inspection involves lifting the vehicle and manually checking for play in the suspension and steering components. Our technicians can also test for worn bushings, inspect ball joints, and examine the tie rods for excessive movement or damage.
Get Rid of the Clunk at Bargain Tires in Jacksonville, FL
Noises while turning are more than just irritating—they often point to important systems that are no longer performing properly. Whether it’s a loose tie rod or a worn ball joint, addressing it early can restore your vehicle’s handling and protect you from future problems.
Call
Bargain Tires in Jacksonville, FL, today to schedule a steering and suspension inspection and drive without the clunk.