If you hear a squeaking noise when turning left or right, there are a few parts on your car you’ll want to inspect. Find out how to check the wheel bearing and brakes in this article and video to fix a squeaking sound when turning.
How to Inspect a Car That Makes a Squeaking Noise When Turning Left or Right
Steps to inspect a car that is squeaking when turning
- Check the Wheel Hub
Lift and secure the vehicle with a jack and jack stands. Spin the tire and listen for grinding, squeaking, or feel resistance. Grab the tire at the 12 and 6 o clock position and press it in and out, feeling for a loose wheel bearing
More on how to inspect the wheel bearing - Check the Backing Plate
The backing plate can bend into the rotor and make a squeaking or scraping noise when turning left or right. Check that the backing plate hasn’t bent, and bend it back with pliers if needed.
More on how to check the backing plate
- Check the Brake Rotor
If the car has been sitting, you might find rust on the brake rotor. A rusted brake rotor can cause squeaking when turning, but this may stop once the brakes are “worn in.” Check the brake rotor for signs of heat scoring, which can indicate the pads are sticking, and being in constant contact with the rotor can cause a squeaking noise.
If the rotor is too rusted or damaged, replace it with new brake pads.
More on how to check the brake rotor
- Check the Brake Caliper
Make sure the brake caliper hose isn’t twisted or damaged, which can cause a restriction on the rotor and brakes and make noises over time.
More on how to check the brake caliper - Check the Brake Pads
Inspect the brake pad shim material. If the material has worn down to the squealing tab, the brakes can make noise. The squeal tab is designed to alert you that your brakes are almost worn. If the brake pad has no shim material, replace it.
Check the brake pad for glossing over, which is a sign of and can make your car squeaking noise when turning left or right.
If one of the pads is worn but not the other, there may be an issue with the way the pad was sitting, or there could be a problem with the pads sticking or frozen from bad slide pins.
More on how to check the brake pads
- Check the Brake Pad Tins
If the brakes are sitting unevenly. They can rattle and make noise and wear unevenly. The tins keep the pads in place.
- Check the Brake Caliper Bracket Slide Pins
Remove the slide pins. The slide pins should slide easily in and out. If not, it may be causing your brakes to freeze and that can make squeaking noises. Make sure they’re not rusted and clean and replace or reinstall them as needed. and re-grease
Check the boots. Squish them and check for ripping or tears. The boots keep outside elements from touching the slide pins. If the the pins collect moisture, for example, that can rust them out. Replace any torn boots
More on how to check the brake caliper slide pins
How to Replace the Brakes
Replace the brakes on the other side
Whether replacing the brakes on the passenger or driver side at the front or rear, make sure the replace the brakes on the other side. Not doing so can cause a squeaking noise when turning and wear the brakes unevenly.
Shop Brake Kits & More Quality Auto Parts
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our how-to videos
Find out how to replace brake parts yourself with steps in our how-to videos. Go along with the instructions and learn how to fix many different parts yourself.
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