Expert mechanics will absolutely tell you what the problem with your car when you describe to them what you hear when your car is running. Some unsuspecting car owners will describe the noise when they are speeding, slowing down, or turning left or right.
Your car is made up of hundreds (or maybe thousands) of small parts that complete a bigger part. When abnormal sounds come in one or more of the parts, it is an indication of an impending trouble. This is also a warning sign that something worst is going to happen.
When your car turns, and you hear a grinding sound, what does it mean? Experts may be unanimous in telling what is the cause of this sound. In this article, we will understand why is there a grinding noise when your car turns, and we can surely identify its source and the possible solutions to this problem.
This article will help you know What Are Other Unusual Sounds On Your Car That Spell Disasters
What are car noises and what are their causes?

Here are some of the noises commonly heard from cars that are needing more attention:
Humming sound
A humming sound usually connotes a wheel bearing on a brink of breakdown. This should be checked out by an expert mechanic immediately.
Rumbling, grinding or clicking
These sounds are commonly heard during tight turns and may indicate a failing constant-velocity (CV) joints usually on a front-wheel-drive car. If you ignore this sound, you will probably end up with a paperweight car.
Creak, clunk, squeak or click
These annoying sounds usually indicate defective suspension bushings, worn-out shocks, ball joints or tie rods. These ear-piercing noises can also be accompanied by rambling, quivering ride, or shaking.
Metallic grinding sound or ring
This sound might be from worn-out brake pad, rotors, or shoes. Better to check it up as soon as possible and replace immediately.
Squeal or whine, and screech
These annoying noises could come from defective power steering system. It could either be among the following: low power steering fluid, loose belt, or bad pump. Don’t let these sounds prolong your agony, have your mechanic check them out asap.
What a grinding noise when you turn tells you
The grinding sound you hear when turning is non-other than the CV joints longing to be replaced. The CV joints on both ends of the half shafts (or drive shafts) are common to all front-wheel-drive vehicles. The outer CV joints mount the drive shafts to the wheels, while the inner CV joints are mounted to the drive shafts to the transmission.
The CV joints provide the needed torque to the front wheels when turning left or right. There are 2 types of CV joints that are commonly used in cars: the tripod and the ball types. The tripod-type CV joints are usually used on the inner side of the drive shafts, while ball-type are used on the outer side of the drive shafts for front-wheel-drive cars or trucks.
What happens to CV joints when they emit annoying noises?
CV joints are designed sealed tight and packed with a specific grease. A CV joint is protected and sealed with a rubber or plastic boot mounted in place by two special clamps. CV joints are usually maintenance free and may last as long as 300,000 miles of mileage unless their protective boots are damaged or cracked.
Here are the signs and possible effects to your car when CV joints are damaged:
- Grease comes out of the cracked or tears boots. This will make the boots susceptible to the proliferation of dust and debris.
- Moisture comes inside the boots.
- Corrosion starts to wear the joints due to lack of lubricants.
- Failure of the CV joints. The outer CV joint boots usually fail first because of the intense movements it has to endure compared to the inner ones.
It is better to replace your CV joints when you first hear the annoying sounds or when you discover any sign of a tear and wear, for your own safety and that of your loved ones. Additionally, one of the best replacement parts for CV joints is the Dorman 614003 Universal Fit CV Joint Boot Kit, check this one out if it fits your car.
While for a more practical replacement for boots, try :
The Front Drive Shaft Rear Poss CV Joint Repair Kit is also a complete repair kit designed for Jeep Liberty Grand Cherokee 4WD vehicles. All of these spare parts are available in Amazon.
Conclusion
Your car is really telling you that something wrong is happening when you hear noises and sounds that are unfamiliar before. Knowing why is there a grinding noise when your car turns is just one of these annoying sounds that you can hear which need immediate action.
Always remember to purchase more reliable and durable spare parts for your car. Please send us your comments if you have any question about this article.