My car makes strange noises when I’m turning, what is it?
If it’s a creaking or popping sound when turning the wheels side to side, either while moving or stopped, it’s probably your front strut mounts or a spring reseating in its perch. The stock strut mounts are not known for their good quality or life expectancy, especially when the car’s geometry is altered by use of lowering springs or coilovers. Replacing them with aftermarket mounts, such as those from Monroe or Gabriel, will probably address the problem.
If you’re hearing a thump, thump, thump sound that increases with speed, or turns into a humming noise over 50 mph (80 km/h) then you may have a bad wheel bearing. (Or a loose lug nut or two... :) check those first!) They are usually around $70 each, and there doesn’t seem to be any quality problems with either GM parts or aftermarket.
Constant thump, thump, thump noises are sometimes attributed to bad CV joints. Diagnosing whether a CV joint is bad or not is a job best left to a professional. Just remember to always get a second opinion first!
