Q: grinding noise while turning right or driving straight

asked by on May 13, 2016

My truck started making a loud sort of whining/grinding noise when I was making a hard right turn. After I straightened out the wheel, it would go away after a minute. After a while of this, my truck started making the grinding noise even if I wasn't turning. I added some power steering fluid, since that was a little low. The whining noise when making a hard right disappeared, but I still hear a grinding noise when I'm travelling straight or turning right. If I tweak the steering wheel to the left, even a hair, the grinding noise goes away. If I kill the ignition and let the car roll down a hill, I still hear the noise. I had someone check the wheel bearings but there is no play on the front wheels, everything spins nice and smooth, and there is no noise. From what I can see, I've removed wheel bearings and the power steering pump (since noise happens even with the engine turned off. Would the steering box be my next suspect, or what else might be going on?

Car is making a noise Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. If the noise is still there when the engine is off and if you are not turning the wheel, then it is typically either a failing bearing in the rear differential or it can be a failure in the transfer case if it is four wheel drive.

The transfer case is a very common failure on this vehicle. If it is two wheel drive then I typically start by draining the oil from the rear differential and inspecting the fluid for metal.

Any metal in the fluid indicates a bearing failure. If that is also fine, then it may be an issue within the transmission. It may be a failure in one of the thrust bearings. If you need to get this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your car’s grinding noise.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I express-open or express-close the power sunroof?
The power sunroof has an express feature that allows you to open or close it without holding down the button. Here’s how. 1. Locate the power sunroof controls, which are on the overhead console. 2. Find the open and close...
Car overheating from lack of coolant.
If your car doesn't have enough coolant it will overheat. When it cools back down, top it off with water and have a certified mechanic perform a coolant pressure test to see where the leak is coming from. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection) Common...
How do I read the coolant temperature gauge?
The coolant temperature gauge is located on the instrument panel, inside the tachometer. This gauge tells you the temperature of the coolant, and therefore the engine. When the coolant gauge is in the right zone, near the H, then your...
What does the all-wheel drive (AWD) lock light mean?
The all-wheel drive (AWD) lock light means that the all-wheel drive system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-all-wheel-drive-works) is locked. In this condition, power is continuously sent to all four wheels. On the other hand, when the system is in auto all-wheel drive, the distribution...
Check Engine and VSC warning lights
Hello. This comes up quite often on this vehicle. It is caused by a bad rotational rate sensor. This sensor is used for the VSC and other systems to determine how the vehicle is swaying from side to side or...
My car will lock and unlock by itself.
I initially would have your battery and alternator tested. Next I would try leaving the key fob away from the vehicle to ensure that is not the cause. If the battery, alternator and key fob do not fix the issue,...
Problem with the electrical system of the car
The BCM or body control module controls all of these items and there is a technical bulletin to get the BCM reprogramed. The reprogram should fix the issue for you. The dealer will have to do the reprogram for you....
My truck keep cutting off I changed the fuel injector and it still cutting off like its not getting gas I don't know
Hi there. If you've removed the fuel lines and are not getting efficient flow of fuel to the throttle body or the direct fuel injectors, you most likely have a fuel pump problem; that if not replaced soon will eventually...
We are not getting any spark from the coil pack and it still wont crank what could be the problem?
Hi there. Unfortunately, we are not quite clear as to what your engine is NOT doing. If the engine will not crank over, this is a starter issue and has nothing to do with ignition timing or spark. If the...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Senior Citizens
Everyone Everyone needs a way to get around. You need to get groceries, get to doctors’ appointments, visit with family and more. However, senior citizens have very different needs when it comes to buying a used car than other demographics....
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Plumber
Plumbers Plumbers need to carry around all manner of tools and supplies. If you’re plumbing a large building, or even a decent sized home, you’re going to need a vehicle that has quite a bit of cargo capacity. A car...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ball Joint (Rear)
Common signs include clunking noises and tire wear in the rear. You might also start steering to the right or left unintentionally.