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A knocking noise when turning the steering wheel can come from several parts of your car’s steering, suspension or drivetrain. A clicking noise during tight turns may point towards a CV joint, while a dull clunk over bumps can be associated with suspension components. Other possible causes include ball joints, track rod ends, strut top mounts, suspension bushes or steering components.
The important thing is that the noise alone cannot confirm which component has failed. When the noise happens, how the car feels and whether the sound changes with speed or steering angle can provide useful clues, but an inspection is needed to confirm the cause.
If your car has recently started making a knocking, clunking or clicking sound when turning, this guide explains the most common causes, what the different symptoms can mean, whether it is safe to drive and when you should have the vehicle checked.
What Does a Knocking Noise When Turning Mean?
Your car’s steering and suspension systems contain numerous joints, bearings, bushes and links that allow the wheels to turn while also handling braking, acceleration and uneven road surfaces.
When one of these components develops wear, looseness or damage, movement under load can create a knocking or clunking sound.
This explains why your car may be completely quiet when travelling straight but make a noise when you turn into a junction, roundabout or parking space.The sound itself is useful, but it is only one part of the diagnosis.
Before visiting a garage, try to identify:
- What does the noise sound like?
- When does it happen?
- Does it happen while moving or stationary?
- Does it happen at full steering lock?
- Does it happen over bumps?
- Does it happen when turning left, right or both?
- Can you feel the knock through the steering wheel?
- Has the steering or handling changed?
These details can help a technician focus the inspection more efficiently.
What Type of Noise Is Your Car Making?
The character of the sound can provide a useful diagnostic clue, although it cannot identify the faulty component with certainty.
| Noise | When You May Notice It | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic clicking | Tight turns or near full lock | Outer CV joint |
| Dull clunk | Turning, bumps or uneven roads | Drop link, ball joint or suspension component |
| Single knock | Direction change or steering movement | Steering linkage, track rod end or mount |
| Creak or groan | Slow steering movement | Strut top mount, bearing or suspension bush |
| Whine or groan | Steering at low speed | Hydraulic power steering system |
Real-world noises do not always fit neatly into one category. The same component can produce different sounds depending on the vehicle, severity of wear and driving conditions.
That is why sound + situation + handling symptoms are more useful than the sound alone.
Common Causes of a Knocking Noise When Turning
1. Worn Outer CV Joint
A constant velocity (CV) joint transfers drive from the driveshaft to the wheel while allowing the suspension and steering to move.
When an outer CV joint becomes worn, it can produce a repeated clicking or knocking noise during tight turns, particularly when the steering is close to full lock.
You may notice:
- Clicking during tight corners
- Noise when manoeuvring at low speed
- Noise that becomes more obvious under acceleration
- A damaged or split CV boot
- Grease around the inside of the wheel
The CV joint is protected by a rubber boot containing grease. If the boot splits, grease can escape while dirt and moisture can enter, increasing the risk of joint wear.
A damaged boot may sometimes be repaired before the joint itself becomes worn. If the joint is already damaged and producing persistent noise, replacing the boot alone will not normally resolve the underlying problem.
2. Worn Anti-Roll Bar Drop Links
Drop links, also known as anti-roll-bar links, connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension.
When their joints become worn, they can produce a dull knocking or clunking sound, particularly when the suspension is moving over uneven surfaces.
The noise may be more noticeable when:
- Turning over a speed bump
- Cornering on an uneven road
- Driving over potholes
- Manoeuvring at low speed
Drop links are relatively small components, but excessive wear can affect the way the anti-roll bar and suspension system operate.
If they are worn, they should be replaced rather than left to deteriorate further.
3. Worn Ball Joint
Ball joints allow controlled movement between suspension components while allowing the steering knuckle to move.
When a ball joint develops excessive wear or play, it can produce:
- Knocking or clunking
- Steering looseness
- Uneven tyre wear
- Changes in handling
- Noise over bumps or during steering
A significantly worn ball joint can become a serious safety concern because it forms part of the wheel and suspension assembly.If a ball joint is suspected, the vehicle should be inspected rather than relying on the noise to determine whether it is safe.
4. Worn Track Rod or Tie Rod End
Track rod ends, also known as tie rod ends, connect the steering system to the steering knuckle.
Wear in the joint can create play in the steering linkage and may cause:
- Knocking when steering
- Vague or imprecise steering
- Uneven front tyre wear
- Changes in tracking
- A feeling of looseness around the steering
Because these components directly affect steering movement, excessive wear requires prompt attention. After a track rod end is replaced, the vehicle will commonly need its wheel alignment checked because changing the steering linkage can alter the wheel’s tracking.
5. Strut Top Mount or Bearing
On vehicles using MacPherson strut suspension, the upper mount allows the strut assembly to move as the steering is turned.
A worn or damaged top mount or bearing can cause:
- Knocking while steering
- Creaking or groaning
- Noise when manoeuvring slowly
- Stiff or uneven steering movement
- Noise that is more noticeable when the vehicle is cold
A top mount problem can sometimes sound similar to a steering rack or lower suspension fault.
If the noise appears to come from the upper area of the front suspension, the mount and bearing should be included in the inspection.
6. Steering Rack or Steering Linkage Wear
The steering rack transfers movement from the steering system to the front wheels.
Wear in the rack, its mounting points or associated steering components can result in:
- Knocking or clunking
- Excessive steering play
- Vague steering
- Uneven steering response
- Noise that appears to come from the centre or front of the vehicle
A steering fault deserves particular attention if the steering itself feels different.If your car has developed both a knocking sound and noticeable steering play, arrange an inspection promptly.
Could the Noise Be Coming From the Suspension?
If the knocking is particularly noticeable when turning over bumps, going around corners
or driving over uneven roads, suspension components may need to be checked.
Worn drop links, ball joints, suspension bushes and strut components can all produce
unusual noises. However, several faults can create similar symptoms, so the component
should be inspected rather than replaced based only on the noise.
7. Suspension Bush Wear
Suspension bushes absorb movement and help control how suspension components move relative to one another.
When bushes deteriorate, they can cause:
- Clunking
- Creaking
- Movement during braking or acceleration
- Changes in steering response
- Uneven tyre wear
A worn bush may be more noticeable when steering and travelling over an uneven surface at the same time.Because bushes can deteriorate gradually, drivers may initially notice only an occasional noise.
8. Hydraulic Power Steering Problems
Not every car has hydraulic power steering. Many modern vehicles use electric power steering, so they do not have a power steering fluid reservoir.
On vehicles with hydraulic power steering, low fluid, a leak, air in the system or pump problems can produce whining or groaning noises when steering.
If the fluid level is low, don’t simply top it up and assume the problem is solved.A low level can indicate a leak that needs to be identified and repaired.
When Does the Knocking Noise Happen?
The conditions surrounding the noise can provide valuable diagnostic information.
Knocking Only at Full Lock
A repeated clicking or knocking noise that appears during tight turns near full steering lock can be associated with a worn outer CV joint.
This may become noticeable during:
- Tight car-park manoeuvres
- Reversing
- Turning into narrow driveways
- Three-point turns
- Tight junctions
However, full-lock noise does not automatically confirm a CV joint problem.Other steering and suspension components can also produce noises when the steering is heavily loaded, so the affected component should be inspected.
Knocking When Parking
A knock that appears while parking or making a three-point turn can have several possible causes.
Potential areas include:
- CV joints
- Strut top mounts
- Track rod ends
- Ball joints
- Steering rack components
- Suspension bushes
Because parking involves low speed and significant steering input, several components can become noticeable in this situation.
Tell your mechanic exactly what happens:
“The car knocks when I turn the wheel at parking speed.”
That is more useful than simply saying:
“The steering is making a noise.”
Knocking Over Bumps While Turning
When the noise appears while turning and travelling over a bump at the same time, suspension or anti-roll-bar components may be involved.
Possible causes include:
- Drop links
- Anti-roll-bar bushes
- Ball joints
- Suspension bushes
- Strut components
A pothole or speed bump can place several components under load simultaneously, so this symptom should be inspected rather than diagnosed from sound alone.
Knocking When Turning the Wheel While Stationary
If the noise occurs while the car is stationary, the possible causes can differ from a noise that only occurs while driving.
Potential areas include:
- Strut top mount or bearing
- Steering rack or linkage
- Track rod ends
- Suspension components
- Hydraulic power steering system, where fitted
Avoid repeatedly turning the steering wheel against full lock while trying to reproduce the noise.
If you need to demonstrate it to a mechanic, explain the conditions under which you first noticed it.
Knocking When Turning in One Direction
If the noise happens when turning left but not right, or right but not left, this is useful information.However, the steering direction alone cannot reliably identify the faulty component or side of the vehicle.
Loads move through several interconnected steering and suspension components during cornering, and sound can travel through the vehicle.Tell the technician exactly which direction produces the noise and allow them to inspect the vehicle.
Knocking That Is Worse When the Car Is Cold
A steering or suspension noise that is more noticeable first thing in the morning can have several possible explanations.
For example, a worn strut top bearing or suspension bush may behave differently when cold.Temperature can also affect the behaviour of rubber components, bearings and lubricants.
However, a noise that disappears once the car warms up should not automatically be considered harmless.If the same noise repeatedly returns when the vehicle is cold, arrange an inspection.
Can You Feel the Knock Through the Steering Wheel?
If you can both hear and physically feel the knock through the steering wheel, tell the mechanic. Movement from a fault in or around the steering system can sometimes be transmitted back through the steering wheel.
Possible areas include:
- Steering linkage
- Track rod ends
- Steering rack
- Steering column components
- Related suspension components
This is a useful diagnostic clue, but it does not identify the faulty part by itself.If the steering also feels loose, vague or different from normal, the vehicle should be checked promptly.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Knocking Noise When Turning?
It depends on what is causing the noise and whether the vehicle’s steering or handling has changed.
A mild noise does not automatically mean the car is immediately unsafe, but you should not assume that a steering knock is harmless.Some faults may initially be relatively minor. Others, particularly significant steering or suspension joint wear, can affect vehicle control.
Arrange an inspection promptly if:
- The noise is getting worse
- The knock is becoming more frequent
- The steering feels different
- The steering feels loose or vague
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- You notice unusual tyre wear
- There is vibration through the steering wheel
- The vehicle has recently hit a significant pothole
- A new noise appeared suddenly
- You hear a loud bang followed by a steering or suspension noise
Stop driving and seek professional assistance if:
- Steering control has suddenly changed
- The steering becomes extremely heavy or difficult to control
- A wheel appears to be sitting incorrectly
- There is severe or sudden suspension movement
- You suspect a major steering or suspension failure
- You cannot confidently control the vehicle
If you’re unsure whether the car is safe to drive, don’t take a risk simply to reach a garage.
What Should You Do If Your Car Starts Knocking While Driving?
If the knocking noise suddenly appears while you’re driving, don’t repeatedly test it by making sharp turns or hitting bumps.
1. Stay calm
Keep control of the vehicle and avoid sudden steering movements.
2. Reduce speed where appropriate
If the vehicle feels different, find a safe place to stop.
3. Check how the car feels
Pay attention to:
- Steering response
- Pulling
- Vibration
- Wheel position
- Dashboard warning lights
- New or worsening noises
4. Avoid deliberately reproducing the fault
There is little benefit in repeatedly turning sharply or driving over potholes simply to make the noise happen.
5. Arrange an inspection
When contacting a garage, explain exactly when and how the noise occurs.
How Does a Garage Diagnose a Knocking Steering Noise?
A reliable diagnosis should involve more than simply listening to the noise.
Depending on the symptoms and vehicle, a technician may:
- Ask when and how the noise occurs.
- Carry out a road test where appropriate and safe.
- Inspect steering and suspension components.
- Check for excessive play or movement.
- Inspect CV boots and driveshaft components.
- Check suspension bushes and joints.
- Examine steering rack and linkage components.
- Check wheel and tyre condition.
- Inspect relevant components under appropriate load.
- Carry out further diagnostic testing if required.
The exact diagnostic process depends on the vehicle and symptoms.The objective should be to identify the underlying fault before replacing components.
Why Can a Garage Struggle to Find a Steering Knock?
Some steering and suspension noises are load-dependent.A component may only move enough to produce the noise when the vehicle is sitting on its wheels and experiencing normal road loads.
As a result, a fault may not always be obvious when the vehicle is simply raised on a lift.This is why your description of the noise is important.
Before taking the vehicle to a garage, make a note of:
- Speed when it happens
- Whether you are turning left or right
- Full lock or partial steering
- Stationary or moving
- Smooth road or bumps
- Cold or warm
- Accelerating or coasting
- Whether you feel the noise through the steering wheel
- Whether the steering has changed
If the noise can be safely reproduced, explaining those conditions can help the technician target the inspection.
What If Parts Have Already Been Replaced but the Knock Is Still There?
Replacing components one at a time based purely on the noise can become expensive.Several steering and suspension components can produce very similar symptoms.
For example, a knock over a bump might potentially involve:
- Drop links
- Suspension bushes
- Ball joints
- Strut components
- Anti-roll-bar components
If the first repair has not solved the problem, the next step should be diagnosis rather than continuing to replace parts based on guesswork.
Ask the garage what evidence supports the diagnosis and which component has measurable wear, movement or damage.
Can a Knocking Steering Noise Cause an MOT Failure?
It can, but the knocking noise itself does not automatically mean an MOT failure.During an MOT, steering and suspension components are checked for defects such as excessive wear, damage and play in accordance with the applicable MOT testing standards.
If the underlying defect reaches the relevant MOT defect threshold, the vehicle can fail.Potentially relevant faults can include excessive wear or play involving steering joints, steering components and suspension components.
The result depends on the specific component, its condition and the severity of the defect.
So the important distinction is:
A knocking noise is a warning sign. The underlying defect determines whether it is an MOT failure.
If your MOT is approaching and your car has developed a steering or suspension knock, getting it inspected beforehand can help identify problems before the official test.
Could a Knocking Noise Cause an MOT Failure?
A knocking noise itself does not automatically mean that a vehicle will fail its MOT.
The outcome depends on the underlying defect and its condition, such as excessive wear,
damage or play in relevant steering or suspension components.
Should You Get a Steering Knock Checked Before an MOT?
Yes.If your car has developed an unusual steering or suspension noise, don’t wait until the MOT tester discovers the underlying problem.
A pre-MOT inspection can help identify:
- Worn joints
- Suspension play
- Damaged components
- Steering linkage problems
- CV boot damage
- Wheel or tyre issues
If a repair is required, addressing it before the MOT can reduce the risk of an unexpected failure and the inconvenience of arranging repairs afterwards.
MOT Due Soon?
If you’ve noticed a knocking or clunking noise and your MOT is due, getting the vehicle
checked can help identify potential steering or suspension problems before the test.
Can a Pothole Cause a Knocking Noise When Turning?
Yes. A significant pothole or road impact can damage or loosen components within the steering, suspension, wheel or tyre assembly.
After hitting a major pothole, look out for:
- New knocking
- Steering vibration
- Pulling
- Uneven steering
- Steering wheel no longer sitting straight
- Uneven tyre wear
- Wheel damage
A new knocking noise immediately after a pothole impact deserves particular attention because the timing can provide an important diagnostic clue.
How to Prevent Steering and Suspension Problems
You cannot prevent every steering or suspension failure, but you can reduce the chance of allowing a developing problem to go unnoticed.
Check your tyres regularly
Look for:
- Uneven wear
- Bulges
- Cuts
- Incorrect pressure
If you notice unusual tyre wear, have the vehicle inspected rather than simply replacing the tyre.
Pay attention to new noises
Don’t ignore a new noise simply because the vehicle still appears to drive normally.
Take care around potholes and speed bumps
Large impacts place significant loads on steering and suspension components.
Investigate changes in steering
If the steering suddenly feels heavier, looser or different from normal, arrange an inspection.
How GForce Can Help With Steering and Suspension Problems
When a customer reports a knocking noise, the first priority should be to identify the source rather than automatically replace a part.Depending on the symptoms, an inspection may include the steering, suspension, joints, mounts, bushes, driveshaft/CV components, wheels and tyres.
Where another fault is suspected, additional diagnostic testing may also be appropriate.For drivers in Aldershot and surrounding areas, getting an unusual steering or suspension noise checked early can help identify problems before they develop into more expensive repairs.
Why Professional Inspection Matters
Several steering and suspension faults can produce very similar noises. A professional
inspection helps separate the symptoms from the actual cause instead of replacing parts
based on guesswork.
Visual Inspection
Components can be checked for visible damage, wear, leaks and other signs of deterioration.
Physical Checks
Relevant steering, suspension and driveline components can be assessed for excessive movement or play.
Road-Test Assessment
Where appropriate and safe, reproducing the noise can help identify when and how the fault occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a knocking noise when turning the steering wheel?
Common causes include worn CV joints, drop links, ball joints, track rod ends, suspension bushes, strut top mounts and steering components. The exact cause depends on when the noise occurs and whether other symptoms are present.
Why does my car knock when turning at low speed?
Low-speed steering noises can be associated with CV joints, strut top mounts, steering linkages, ball joints and suspension components. An inspection is needed to identify the actual source.
Why does my car click or knock at full lock?
A repeated clicking or knocking sound during tight turns can be associated with a worn outer CV joint. However, full-lock noise can have other causes, so the vehicle should be inspected rather than diagnosing the fault from the sound alone.
Is a knocking steering noise dangerous?
It can be. Some causes may initially be relatively minor, while faults involving steering or suspension joints can affect vehicle control. If the noise is accompanied by vague steering, pulling, severe vibration or a sudden change in handling, arrange an inspection promptly.
Can a worn ball joint cause a knocking noise?
Yes. A worn ball joint can produce knocking or clunking, particularly when steering or travelling over uneven surfaces. Significant ball-joint wear can affect vehicle safety and should be inspected.
Can drop links cause a knocking noise?
Yes. Worn anti-roll-bar drop links can produce a dull knocking or clunking noise, particularly when the suspension moves over bumps or uneven surfaces.
Why does my car knock when turning over bumps?
Turning and travelling over a bump loads several suspension components at once. Possible causes include drop links, suspension bushes, ball joints and other suspension components.
Why is my steering noise worse when the car is cold?
Cold temperatures can change the behaviour of bearings, lubricants and rubber components. A worn strut top bearing or suspension component may therefore become more noticeable when cold. A recurring noise should still be inspected.
Why can I feel the knocking through my steering wheel?
If movement is transmitted through the steering system, you may feel the knock as well as hear it. Possible areas include steering linkage, track rod ends, steering rack components or related suspension parts.
Can a knocking noise cause an MOT failure?
The noise itself does not automatically mean an MOT failure. However, if the underlying cause is a steering or suspension defect that exceeds the relevant MOT limits, the vehicle can fail.
Should I drive with a knocking noise when turning?
There is no universal safe distance because the cause and severity matter. If the car still handles normally and the noise is mild, arrange an inspection promptly. If steering control has changed, the noise is severe or the vehicle feels unsafe, stop driving and seek professional assistance.
How do I know which side the knocking noise is coming from?
The direction in which you turn can provide a useful clue, but it is not reliable enough to identify the faulty component or side by itself. A technician should inspect the vehicle to confirm the source.
Can a pothole cause steering knocking?
Yes. A significant pothole can damage or loosen steering, suspension, wheel or tyre components. A new knocking noise following a pothole impact should be checked.
Need That Knocking Noise Diagnosed?
A steering or suspension knock is worth investigating, particularly if it is getting louder, happening more frequently or your steering feels different.
GForce Tyres can inspect the vehicle and help identify whether the problem is related to the steering, suspension, CV joint, wheel, tyre or another component.
