A driver who uses his or her ears has a leg up on those who don’t.  Noises, in addition to helping us to be aware of traffic, can also give us clues to potential problems in our vehicles.  One noise to pay special attention to is growling.

Growling is a universally recognizable noise; you know it when you hear it.  In a vehicle, it’s usually the sound of metal contacting metal, and not in a good way.  So, what is your vehicle telling you if you hear growling when you are turning your steering wheel?

There are a few possibilities.  One is the mechanical linkage that helps your steering wheel turn your wheels and tires.  This system frequently has a hydraulic system that makes turning the steering wheel easier for you.  This can be one source of growling sounds you might hear.  An auto technician can check your power steering fluid to see if it’s at the correct level and still has a good consistency.

There are a few things that can go wrong with your power steering.  If your fluid is low, that might be a sign of a leak in the pump, hose, or somewhere else in the system.  It’s important to have your power steering working properly since losing the ability to turn precisely can sharply reduce the safety of your vehicle.

If that growling sound is coming from around the wheel area, it could be a suspension issue.  That growling is giving you a warning that a component such as a constant velocity (CV) joint or a wheel hub may be on the verge of failing, so it’s a good idea to get it checked right away.  Another reason you may be hearing growling when you turn your steering wheel is that your brakes are engaging when they shouldn’t.

Growling noises are trying to tell you something, and they can tell a trained technician a great deal.  Inform your service adviser about the symptoms you’re hearing or seeing.  Your Express Car Care service provider can put that growling to a an end.  Your ears will thank you.