4 Reasons For Tesla Squeaking When Turning Steering Wheel!

Last updated on April 18th, 2023 at 11:17 pm

Tesla cars are top-notch and state-of-the-art, which is why their owners treasure them. In this regard, it’s a pain in the neck whenever something goes wrong with your Tesla.

For example, you’ll feel uneasy when you notice squeaking noises while turning the steering. So, read on to find out the cause and solution to the squeaking.

Different things can make the steering wheel of your Tesla squeak when you attempt to rotate it. These range from minor issues like inadequate power steering hydraulic fluid to more complex ones like failing steering systems. Thankfully, these problems can be fixed.

You’ll understand why your steering squeaks and discover the solutions if you read this article till the end.

Why Does My Tesla Steering Wheel Squeak When Turning?

You can’t have a good night’s rest if an expensive car such as your Tesla has a steering wheel making squeaky noises.

Therefore, the only thing that’ll add a smile to that face is finding the reasons for the squeaks and appropriate solutions.

In this section, I won’t just tell you why your Tesla’s steering wheel is squeaky; you’ll also learn the probable solutions.

So, here are the reasons your steering wheel is making squeaking noises when turning with solutions.

#1. Failing Power Steering System 

The power steering system of your car must be in perfect condition at all times for the steering wheel to turn without abnormalities.

So, any change in the steering system, whether structurally or functionally, will result in varying signs showing that all isn’t right with it.

One of those is what you may discover as squeaky sounds/noises each time you try turning the steering wheel.

The best solution is to have a professional dealer service the steering system. If the power steering system is the culprit, the squeaking sounds will seize after the servicing.

#2. Low/Contaminated Power Steering Fluid 

As a norm, the power steering system’s hydraulic fluid lubricates the steering wheel’s moving parts and enables free rotation. 

The fluid allows you to turn the wheels of your vehicle smoothly with minimal stress and zero noise. 

Therefore, as a contaminated or little power steering fluid can cause the squeaking sounds, get a professional dealer to change the oil.

#3. Steering Belt Weakening 

After sorting out the power steering system and its fluid level, you’ll have to assess the steering belt if the squeaking noises persist.

If the steering belt is too old or weak to function normally, get an expert to change it.

#4. A New Car 

If your car is brand new, you’ll hear squeaking sounds whenever you turn the steering wheel.

The reason for that is minimal to moderate friction between different steering system parts, especially between the interior trim and the wheel housing.

A simple solution is to either change the interior trim or get a new steering cover because, most times, that suffices.

Why Is There a Grinding Noise on My Tesla Steering Wheel When It Turns?

A grinding steering wheel is in no way pleasing to the ears; that’s why you’ll be ready to do anything or, better still, pay anything to have someone sort that out for you.

However, I’m glad you’ve come to the right source for the correct answers; I promise to help you eliminate that grinding noise in the best way possible.

So, these are the significant factors that can make the steering wheel of your Tesla grind on rotation:

#1. Hydraulic System 

The hydraulic system of your Tesla keeps the steering wheel’s power intact and ensures that you turn the wheel without trouble.

The fluid in the system ensures that lubricating the moving parts of the system creates minimal friction between them.

When the fluid is low, either due to undetected leaks or prolonged use, you’ll hear grinding sounds each time you turn the wheel.

As a solution, I suggest you open up and inspect the fluid; if it isn’t up to level, please top up or, better still, get an expert to drain and replace it.

That should solve the grinding problem; however, if it persists, here’s another possible cause.

#2. Steering Pump 

A failing steering pump is another major cause of grinding noise from the steering wheel on turning. 

The steering pump powers and ensures that the steering belt works optimally to keep the wheel rotating without making sounds.

If the steering pump fails, it’ll affect the steering system, and hearing weird noises, including grinding sounds, won’t be strange.

The remedy is to find a professional Tesla technician to inspect and replace the steering pump.

#3. Faulty Bearings 

When the steering wheel bearings wear out, you’ll hear typical grinding noises when you turn the wheels.

Also, you’ll notice that that scenario worsens when you slow down on a bend while turning the wheel; that’s when the bearings act most.

Hence, faulty bearings equate to grinding sounds on turning the wheel of your Tesla vehicle.

Therefore, get an expert to sort that out for you. At this point, you should no longer hear the grinding sound when you turn your wheels.

Why Does a Tesla Steering Wheel Make Clicking Noises When Turning?

A steering wheel of a Tesla vehicle making clicking noises when turning isn’t a good sign but an indication that something awkward is going on.

When that occurs, you must seek help to sort it out fast and prevent further damage.

This section will help you understand why you hear those click sounds while turning your steering wheel and the solutions to it.

Hence, these factors will cause your steering wheel to make clicking sounds when turning:

#1. A Failing CV Joint 

When the CV joint fails or, better still, begins to fail, there’ll be a reduction in power transmission from the engine to the steering wheel.

When that ensues, you’ll hear clicking sounds whenever you turn the wheel. 

However, sometimes all it takes is to grease the axle, but if that doesn’t help, you’ll have to replace the CV joint. 

#2. Wheel Lugs Loosening 

If the lug nuts that hold the steering wheel to the axle loosen out, you’ll hear clicking noises at every attempt to turn the wheel.

An expert Tesla dealer will do you a great job in tightening these nuts so that the noises go away.

#3. Bearing Hub Deterioration 

If the axle hub bearing deteriorates, it won’t be able to hold the weight of your Tesla while the wheel is turning. That eventually results in click sounds whenever you rotate the steering wheel.

The best way to see that the click sound ends is to replace the worn axle bearing.

#4. Worn Sway Bar Links 

Another cause of click noises on turning the steering wheel of your Tesla is an abnormality in the sway bar links and its rubber insulators.

The end rubber insulators prevent the sway bar links from connecting with the control arm; hence, a worn-out rubber insulator will generate clicking sounds while you turn your wheels.

Moving on, with all the weird steering wheel sounds, let’s talk about the possible costs of fixing when you visit a Tesla dealer shop.

This table lists some of the usual sounds your car should make while driving, charging, or parked.

Driving Mode	Charging Mode	Parked Mode
Whirring sound	Banging sound	Thumping sound
Vibrating Sound	Popping sound	Cranking sound
Whooshing sound	Thumping sound	Clunking sound
Humming sound	Clunking sound	Creaking sound

To illustrate, while driving your Tesla, or even when you make a quick stop after a long drive, you’ll hear a whirring or whooshing sound; don’t panic and start thinking it’s abnormal.

Those sounds often tell you that the vehicle’s AC is doing 

well. Likewise, the same goes for those subtle sounds you’ll hear when charging the vehicle.