Q: Groaning sound when turning steering wheel

asked by on February 12, 2016

I hear a groaning sound when I turn the steering wheel. The sound occurs after I have been driving for 10 to 15 minutes, and occurs whether I am driving or parked.

It sounds like your power steering pump may be low on fluid, the fluid may be dirty or have air in it, or the pump itself could be damaged. Sometimes, there may be some air trapped in the system and it needs to be removed with a vacuum pump. I would recommend having the fluid purged and flushed out of the power steering system, having new fluid put in, and have the system checked for leaks. If the power steering pump is still making noise, you may need to have the pump replaced. It may be best to start by having a mobile mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to you and run a diagnosis on the noise coming from the steering wheel.

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

What precautions should I follow when using the Intelligent Key?
Your car’s Intelligent Key is a key, a receiver and a transmitter. It functions as a remote to lock and unlock your doors, but it also ties into the car’s immobilizer system. Without it, you can’t go very far. It...
Battery malfunctioning
P0341 is a camshaft position sensor error code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) while P0455 indicates a large evaporative emissions leak, such as a failed gas tank cap seal. These are likely not related to the battery malfunction (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-light-is-on-inspection). Have a mechanic, like the...
Car stalling at stops
It sounds like the idle speed is below specifications. I recommend having a trained technician, such as one from YourMechanic, retrieve any stored codes found within the computer and have them perform diagnostics based on the malfunctions that the computer...
New battery losing power
When the charging system indicator comes on the majority of the cases are caused by a faulty alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-alternator). I suggest having the starting and charging system tested by a technician. When the battery was installed a connection it may...
Loose Steering? 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
Hey there. I would suggest having the inner and outer tie rods (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/tie-rod-end-replacement) checked for looseness and replaced if any play is found. When checking the rack and pinion mounts and bushings there should also be no looseness. The steering's...
The transmission is slipping.
Hi, thanks for writing in. It seems that the clutch disc is most likely worn to the point that the pressure plate cannot fully engage and lock the clutch to the engine. If that is the case, you will need...
Heat won't turn on with car running.
Hi there. With the Fusion vehicles, I recommend turning the defroster on high before you shut off the car to the day before. This way when you turn your car on by remote start, the defroster (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/defroster-is-not-working-inspection) system will be...
2014 Madza CX-5 rear tires are almost completely bald, while front tires look new. I was rear ended on the highway back in July.
The rear tires are most likely getting worn too fast due the the rear alignment is out of specifications with excessive toe in or toe out due to the accident. Have alignment checked and also see if the suspension is...

Related articles

How Long Does a Steering Stabilizer Stop Last?
If If your truck or SUV is equipped with larger tires and wheels than the manufacturer intended, you need a steering stabilizer to reduce wobble and feedback at the steering wheel. The immense amount of weight added to the front...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Steering Stabilizer Stop
Common signs include the vehicle shaking when driving, steering feeling loose, and choppy steering while driving.
How to Replace a Steering Gear Adjuster Plug
Maintaining reliable steering is important for every driver. A common sign of a faulty steering gear adjuster plug is a loose steering wheel.