Why Is My Ford Truck Clunking When I Turn? | Tips for Kalispell Drivers

Any clunking noises that you hear while turning your truck are important to pay attention to. These sounds could indicate a problem with parts related to the steering and suspension systems. It’s important that you address this quickly since it could affect the safety of your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about clunking noises when turning. Schedule a Ford service appointment at Kalispell Ford to get your truck running great today! 

Why Are Ford Trucks Susceptible to This Issue?

Ford trucks are built tough. They’re designed to carry heavy loads, tow large trailers, and handle rough conditions. When you use your Ford truck for what it was built for, it typically experiences more stress on the suspension and steering systems than other types of vehicles. As a result, the steering and suspension components may wear out faster and start making clunking sounds when turning.

Primary Causes of Clunking When Turning

There are a variety of components in the suspension and steering systems that could wear out and lead to clunking when you turn. Below, we’ve listed some of the common parts and factors that cause these noises.

CV Joints

CV joints link the wheels to the suspension. They often make clicking or clunking noises when they wear out.

Protective Parts or Grease

When protective shock boots tear or grease breaks down, metal grinds against metal and causes noise. Any loose bolts or joints could also lead to vibration and clicking sounds.

Tie Rod Ends

The tie rod connects your steering system to the wheels. If the tie rod ends are damaged or worn, they can affect steering accuracy and make noise when turning the wheel.

Sway Bars

Sway bars are part of the suspension system, and they help stabilize your vehicle while turning. You may notice unwanted movement and noise when they begin to fail.

Climate-Related Factors

Montana’s harsh and variable weather can decrease the life span of your truck’s essential parts. Our cold winters make rubber bushings brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. Road salt and deicers can also corrode metal suspension parts.

Characteristics and Diagnosis of Turning-Related Clunking Sounds

Most knocking when turning starts as a light tick without any noticeable differences in your car’s performance or driving. As the problem progresses, the noises will become louder, and you may start to feel a difference in how your car handles. These sounds may be louder during a cold spell or when you’re driving up a hill.

What’s important is that you pay attention to these sounds. Try to identify which general area they’re coming from, and check underneath your car for any parts that are clearly broken or corroded. Any observations you have can help your mechanic identify and fix the underlying problems.

When Should You Bring Your Car to a Mechanic?

While you may want to identify and fix this type of problem yourself, we highly recommend bringing your truck to a professional mechanic promptly. Taking your car to a certified Ford dealer, such as Kalispell Ford, is even better. Our technicians can safely test, identify, and repair the issues.

Ignoring knocking or clunking sounds while driving can lead to more expensive repairs in the future and make your truck unsafe to drive. If your truck begins grinding, shaking, or pulling harshly to one side, that could indicate a critical suspension or steering component has failed. In this case, you should stop driving and have your truck towed to our service center for evaluation immediately.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

You can help prevent the suspension and steering wear that causes clicking noises by following Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule. Doing so can help you catch any problems early, before they cause major damage to your truck. Check your owner’s manual or give us a call to find out about your specific truck’s maintenance schedule.

Your driving habits can also help prevent knocking sounds from starting. Avoid potholes when possible and take turns at reasonable speeds. If you tow or haul heavy loads, make sure you stay within your truck’s maximum towing and payload capacities. Basic maintenance, such as checking your engine fluids, also helps prevent unnecessary stress on the suspension and steering systems.

Visit Kalispell Ford for Professional Repair and Maintenance Service

If your truck is currently making a clunking sound when you turn, don’t wait until it becomes a larger problem or safety risk. Bring your vehicle to our dealership’s service center in Kalispell, Montana, where our team can check and fix it at a fair price. Book a service appointment today or contact us with any of your questions.