Expert Verified
Amanda Foster — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
Approved Guide

How to Handle Car Makes Noise when Turning Right but Not Left Step by Step

When car makes noise when turning right but not left leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

Link copied to clipboard!
1

Bad suspension ball joint

Bad suspension ball joint
A faulty suspension joint, or ball joint, is going to make noise when you turn. The suspension joint connects the wheel and tire to your steering and suspension systems. Without this joint, the tire wouldn’t be able to turn. So, if one of those joints cracks or breaks, it will make noise on the tire when you turn. Depe
  • A cracked or broken ball joint can cause a grinding or clunking sound when turning.
  • Inspect the ball joint for any signs of wear or damage before replacing it.
  • Replace the ball joint with a new one to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s suspension system.
  • A faulty suspension joint, or ball joint, is going to make noise when you turn.
  • The suspension joint connects the wheel and tire to your steering and suspension systems.
2

Bad CV joint

Bad CV joint
The CV joints connect each wheel on your vehicle to the corresponding axle. They allow each wheel to turn at a slightly different angle so you can make sharper turns. If one of those joints needs to be lubricated or replaced though, it may make noise when you turn right but not left.
  • A dry or worn-out CV joint can cause a clicking or clunking sound when turning.
  • Check the CV joint for any signs of wear or damage before replacing it.
  • Replace the CV joint with a new one to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s suspension system.
  • The CV joints connect each wheel on your vehicle to the corresponding axle.
  • They allow each wheel to turn at a slightly different angle so you can make sharper turns.
3

Dry or damaged tie rod

Dry or damaged tie rod
The tie rods connect your vehicle’s steering rack to the pinion and knuckles on your front axle. If one of the tie rods needs to be lubricated or it’s cracked, your steering wheel might feel “off.” You may also notice noise as that tie rod fights to help the pinion and knuckles turn.
  • A dry or damaged tie rod can cause a grinding or clunking sound when turning.
  • Check the tie rod for any signs of wear or damage before replacing it.
  • Replace the tie rod with a new one to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s suspension system.
  • The tie rods connect your vehicle’s steering rack to the pinion and knuckles on your front axle.
  • If one of the tie rods needs to be lubricated or it’s cracked, your steering wheel might feel “off.” You may also notice noise as that tie rod fights to help the pinion and knuckles turn.
4

Bad sway bar link

Bad sway bar link
The sway link bar connects the suspension system to the chassis of your vehicle. Without a functional sway bar, your vehicle won’t be able to handle all of the bumps on the road. Your vehicle will drive much rougher as a result, and the sway bar may make noise if you turn at a certain angle.
  • A damaged or worn-out sway bar link can cause a clunking or grinding sound when turning.
  • Check the sway bar link for any signs of wear or damage before replacing it.
  • Replace the sway bar link with a new one to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s suspension system.
  • The sway link bar connects the suspension system to the chassis of your vehicle.
  • Without a functional sway bar, your vehicle won’t be able to handle all of the bumps on the road.

Community Q&A

Be the first to ask a question about this guide.

Was this guide helpful?

3 people found this helpful

Subscribe to the HowDadDo Newsletter

Get expert tips, weekly how-to guides, and dad wisdom delivered straight to your inbox. No spam, just good stuff.

Help us build the world's best
dad manual.

Every guide on HowDadDo is written and fact-checked by real people — no AI-generated fluff. Join our community of experts helping dads figure life out.