Symptoms
- Grinding or growling noise that's worse when turning while braking
- May also notice noise increasing with speed even without braking
- Possible looseness or play felt in the steering
Likely causes
- CommonWorn wheel bearingBearings carry side-loads during turns; wear often shows up most clearly when cornering and braking combine.
- PossibleWorn brake pads contacting rotor unevenly during weight transfer in a turnCan create noise that seems turn-specific but is really pad-related.
- PossibleCV joint wear (front-wheel drive)Can cause noise during turns, though usually more of a clicking than grinding.
- Less commonSuspension component wear affecting wheel alignment during turnsLess common but can contribute to unusual noise patterns.
What to do
- Note if the noise happens turning in one direction more than the other.
- Check for any looseness by gently rocking the top and bottom of the tire (with the car safely raised) to feel for wheel bearing play.
- Listen for whether the noise also appears at speed without any braking or turning involved.
- Check brake pad thickness as a simpler thing to rule out first.
- Have a mechanic check wheel bearings, since this is best confirmed on a lift with the wheel off the ground.
- Have the wheel bearing replaced if worn, which usually resolves turning-related grinding.
- Have pads and rotors checked and replaced if they're also worn.
Tools and parts
Wheel bearing/hub assemblySearch: “wheel bearing hub assembly for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic to check wheel bearing play, which is hard to diagnose accurately without lifting the car.
Safety
Use caution
A worn wheel bearing can fail suddenly and affect steering control; have it checked soon rather than waiting, especially before a long trip.