More serious causes of squeaking noises while turning include damaged suspension or steering system components. These parts can fail over time due to age, damage from a collision, or hitting a pothole. The power steering system doesn’t just include hydraulic fluid and a pump — it also features a rack and pinion gear, tie rods, and a network of hoses and sensors. All of these components are subject to wear and tear over time, and common culprits of squealing sounds include damaged hoses, worn-out tie rods, and a faulty pump.
Suspension components, like ball joints, control arms, and struts, can also fail over time. When these parts wear out, it’s common to hear squeaks, squeals, clunks, and groaning sounds from one or both sides of the vehicle. Fixes for these problems range from simple and cheap to highly complex and expensive. While a faulty tie rod, ball joint, or hose is quick and affordable to repair, a worn-out rack and pinion gear requires hours of repair time and up to thousands of dollars in new parts. If you suspect your car is squealing due to a damaged suspension or steering system component, you should visit a trusted mechanic.
