Hearing a grinding noise when turning your car is unsettling. It’s not just annoying but a sign that something in your steering, suspension, or braking system is wearing out or malfunctioning. These systems are designed to operate smoothly and quietly, so any grinding, scraping, or growling noises are a sign you shouldn’t ignore.

If your vehicle makes a grinding sound during turns, especially at low speeds or when backing up, it’s time to investigate the cause before a small issue turns into a costly repair.

Worn CV Joints and Axles

One of the most common sources of grinding during turns is a failing CV (constant velocity) joint. These joints connect the drive shafts to the wheels, allowing for smooth rotation as your suspension moves and your wheels turn. When the CV joint loses lubrication due to a torn boot or wears down with age, it can make a grinding or clicking sound, especially during sharp turns.

Ignoring a bad CV joint can eventually lead to complete axle failure, making the vehicle undrivable. At our repair shop, we’ve seen many cases where a simple inspection and boot replacement could have prevented a more serious repair.

Brake Components Rubbing or Sticking

Another possible culprit is your braking system. Worn brake pads can expose the metal backing plate, allowing it to grind against the rotor. This can happen when turning if the caliper doesn’t retract properly or if there's uneven wear on the pads.

Grinding from brakes is also a serious safety concern. If you hear grinding even when you’re not pressing the brake pedal, the caliper may be stuck, causing constant contact between the pad and rotor. Our technicians can remove the wheels, inspect the pads and rotors, and determine whether resurfacing or replacement is needed.

Issues with Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings allow your wheels to spin freely while supporting the weight of your car. When a bearing wears out, it can create a grinding or humming noise that becomes more noticeable during turns as the load shifts. The noise typically gets louder the longer the bearing is ignored and may be accompanied by vibration through the steering wheel.

Bad wheel bearings can eventually lead to wheel wobble or even detachment. If you're hearing grinding while turning and the sound increases with speed, our technicians can check each wheel hub to identify the problem and replace the faulty bearing before it causes further damage.

Suspension Problems That Can Lead to Grinding

Your suspension system includes control arms, sway bars, bushings, and struts—all of which help your vehicle absorb road impact and maintain alignment during turns. If any part of this system is worn out or damaged, it can create a grinding noise as metal parts rub together.

Common signs of suspension trouble include uneven tire wear, poor handling, or a bouncy ride. Grinding noises during cornering are often tied to deteriorated bushings or ball joints. We can inspect your entire suspension setup and recommend the necessary repairs to restore a quiet, comfortable ride.

Power Steering and Fluid Issues

In some cases, grinding can come from the power steering system. Low power steering fluid or a failing pump can cause strange noises when turning, especially if the steering feels stiff. While power steering issues are more commonly associated with whining or groaning noises, grinding may occur when the pump begins to seize, or the fluid is contaminated with debris.

We can check your power steering fluid level and quality and flush or refill it if needed. If the pump is failing, replacing it promptly will keep your steering responsive and safe.

Let Precision Automotive Service NY in Endicott, NY, Diagnose the Noise

If your car is making a grinding noise when you turn, don’t wait to find out what’s wrong. Our technicians at Precision Automotive Service NY can perform a thorough inspection, identify the source of the sound, and make the necessary repairs to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

Call Precision Automotive Service NY in Endicott, NY, today to schedule an inspection and get rid of that grinding noise for good.