CV joint or driveshaft wear
Outer CV joints commonly make clicking or knocking sounds on full lock turns.
Noise guide
Car knocking noise when turning
A knocking noise while turning can come from steering, suspension or drivetrain components that move under load. This guide explains common reasons for knocking sounds when cornering, parking or manoeuvring and what drivers should do next.
Common causes
Why a car may knock when turning
Turning loads suspension, steering and driveshaft parts in ways straight-line driving does not, which often makes faults easier to hear.
Worn suspension joints or bushes
Loose or worn front suspension components can knock when the car changes direction.
Steering component wear
Track rod ends and steering linkages can create knocks or clunks when turning.
Read guide →Strut top mount issue
Some front strut top mounts creak, pop or knock while steering.
Loose wheel or wheel fitting issue
Wheel-related issues can create noises that become noticeable during turning loads.
Tyre scrub mistaken for knocking
Low-speed tyre scrub on tight turns can sometimes be mistaken for a fault noise.
Signs that help narrow it down
- 1Noise only on full lock turns
- 2Noise only at low speed or parking
- 3Noise while moving and turning together
- 4Steering feels loose or heavy
- 5Vibration or pulling appears too
Better next steps
1. Notice when it happens
Full lock, reversing, parking or normal corners all matter.
2. Check for other symptoms
Vibration, pulling or steering heaviness can help identify the system involved.
3. Avoid ignoring repeated knocks
Steering and suspension faults often worsen over time.
4. Get the front end inspected
A proper inspection is usually the quickest route to the cause.
Related help
Useful pages this topic links into
This page strengthens your steering, suspension and wheel-noise topic cluster.
Car Pulling to One Side Causes
Useful if turning noises come with steering drift.
Read guide →Power Steering Warning Light Meaning
Helpful if steering warnings or heavy steering appear too.
Read guide →Car Shakes at High Speed
Useful if the noise is joined by vibration.
Read guide →Wheel Bearing Noise When Speeding Up
Helpful if turning changes a humming or bearing noise.
Read guide →Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake?
Useful if steering-wheel movement is part of the issue.
Read guide →Diagnostics Hub
Browse more steering, noise and fault-finding guides.
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