Have you ever noticed how when you turn your steering wheel, the car seems to lurch suddenly to the right or left? It might be hard to tell, but that’s because the wheel is clicking—a result of worn out parts. If this sounds like your car, there are a few things you can do to fix it: replace the entire wheel, get new bearings and seals, or have the gearbox replaced. Which option is right for you depends on how severe the clicking is and how much it’s affecting your driving experience. But whatever you do, don’t wait too long—the sooner you take action, the better.
What could be causing your clicking steering wheel?
There are a few potential causes for clicking steering wheel, and each requires a different solution. One common cause is an air bubble in the hydraulic system. When pressure from the brake pedal builds up inside the system, it can cause a small air bubble to form. Over time, this bubble can grow until it’s big enough to click against the wheel spokes. To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the hydraulic system altogether or remove and fix the air bubble one at a time.
Another potential cause of clicking steering wheel is a worn or broken ball joint. This joint connects the steering column to the front axle, and over time it can become loose or damaged. If this happens, the ball can move around which will cause noise and clicking while turning the wheel. To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the ball joint or repair it as necessary.
Diagnosing the problem and fixing it
One of the most common problems with car driving is clicking steering wheel. It’s usually caused by something getting caught in the wheel, such as a piece of thread. Here are some ways to diagnose and fix the problem:
1. If you’re just having occasional clicks, try gently pulling on the wheel to see if it comes free. If it does, there may not be anything caught in it and the issue is most likely something else.
2. If clicking is happening more often, try turning off all the lights in your car and seeing if that makes the problem go away. If not, there may be something caught in the wheel that needs to be removed.
3. If clicking is constant, there’s a good chance you have a stuck part or screw inside the wheel that needs to be unscrewed or removed. You can do this yourself or take it to a mechanic for help.
Driving safely with a clicking steering wheel
There is a common problem with drivers using clicking steering wheels that is making the car less safe. This comes from the fact that when you click the wheel, it makes micro-movements that can cause the tires to lose traction.
The best way to avoid this problem is to keep your hands at 10 and 2 o’clock when driving. Make sure not to click the wheel while turning, and make sure you use your brakes correctly when taking corners.