Grinding noise when turning the steering wheel: causes and repair grants

Grinding noise when turning the steering wheel Lada Granta - one of the most common complaints from owners, which can signal both minor malfunctions and serious problems in the suspension or steering. This sound often appears suddenly: yesterday everything worked perfectly, but today every turn is accompanied by a nasty metallic grinding, crunching or squeaking sound. The symptom cannot be ignored - it is not only annoying, but can also lead to parts breaking at the most inopportune moment.

In this article we will look at all possible causes of the grinding noise - from a banal lack of lubrication to wear of ball joints or steering rack. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, which components to check first, and what to do to eliminate the grinding noise without calling service. And for those who prefer to repair their car with their own hands, we have prepared step-by-step instructions with photos and tips from the experts.

1. Why does the steering wheel squeak on a Grant: the main reasons

A grinding sound when turning the steering wheel rarely occurs on its own; it is usually preceded by other symptoms that drivers do not pay attention to. For example, a tight steering wheel, play or uneven tire wear. Let's consider 7 most common reasons, along which a grinding sound appears on Grante:

🔧 Wear of ball joints - a classic problem for Lada Granta, especially after 50–70 thousand kilometers. The grinding noise occurs due to the friction of metal parts inside the support.
🛢️ Lack of lubrication in steering tips or anthers. Over time, the lubricant dries out, and dirt gets inside, which leads to squeaking.
🚗 Steering rack problems — if the grinding noise is accompanied by a knocking sound, the rack teeth or bushings are most likely worn out.
🔄 Wheel bearing failure. In this case, the grinding noise will be heard not only when turning, but also when driving at speed.
🛑 Deformed tie rod boot. If it is torn, water and sand get inside, which accelerates wear of the parts.
🔩 Loose stabilizer mounts or racks. Sometimes a grinding noise occurs due to vibration of metal parts.
⚙️ Suspension problems - worn silent blocks, struts or springs can make similar sounds.

On Grante In the first years of production (2011–2014), a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel is often associated with design defects of the steering rack. The manufacturer later upgraded the unit, but there are still many cars on the secondary market with this problem. If your car is from this batch, be especially careful.

2. How to diagnose the problem: step-by-step instructions

Before you rush to repair, you need to determine exactly which unit is making the grinding noise. To do this, you don’t have to go to a service station—most of the checks can be done yourself. Here diagnostic algorithm for Lada Granta:

Check power steering fluid level (if it is included in your configuration). Low level or contaminated fluid can cause grinding noise in the rack.
Inspect the anthers steering rods and ball joints. If they are torn or covered in oil, that is where the problem lies.
Rock the wheel in vertical and horizontal planes. Play indicates wear of the ball or bearing.
Check the tie rod ends. Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel and listen to where the grinding noise is coming from.
Stop the engine and turn the steering wheel. If the grinding noise remains, the problem is mechanical (rack, supports). If it disappears, the power steering or pump is at fault.

Please note sound character:

🔊 Metal scraping - usually associated with metal-to-metal friction (balls, rack).
🔊 Creaking or crunching - a sign of wear on the plastic bushings or lack of lubrication.
🔊 Knocking + grinding - a signal about serious play (for example, in steering rods).

Steering rod and ball joint boots

Power steering fluid level (if equipped)

Play in hub bearings

Condition of the tie rods

Anti-roll bar mountings-->

If you are not confident in your abilities, record the sound on your phone and compare it with examples from the Internet. For example, the grinding sound of a worn ball joint sounds different than the clatter of a steering rack. This will help narrow down your search.

⚠️ Attention: If the grinding noise is accompanied steering wheel jamming or uneven braking, stop driving immediately! This may be a sign of critical wear on the wheel bearing or a broken steering rod.

3. Wear of ball joints: how to identify and eliminate

Ball joints on Lada Granta - one of the most vulnerable places. They fail due to bad roads, lack of lubrication or defective parts. Main signs of wear:

🔧 Grinding or crunching noise when turning the steering wheel (especially at low speed).
🚗 Play in the wheel when rocking.
🔄 Uneven tire wear (on the inside or outside).

To check the balls, follow these steps:

Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Grasp the lower lever with your hand and swing it up and down. Play of more than 1–2 mm indicates wear.
Check the condition of the boot. If it is torn, the support already requires replacement.

Replacing the ball joint with Grante takes about 1–2 hours. You will need:

🔧 Socket wrench for 19 and 22.
🔧 Puller for ball joints (can be rented).
🔧 New support (we recommend TRW or Febi).
🔧 Lubrication Litol-24 or CV joint-4.

Advice from the experts: When replacing ball joints, always check the condition of the lever. If it is deformed, it is also better to replace it, otherwise the new support will quickly fail.

Sign	Probable Cause	What to do
Grinding noise when turning left	Left ball joint wear	Replacing the support + checking the lever
Crunching noise when driving over uneven surfaces	Destruction of the plastic liner in the support	Urgent replacement, driving is dangerous!
Wheel play more than 3 mm	Critical wear of the support or lever	Suspension diagnostics on a lift

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After replacing ball joints, be sure to wheel alignment. Even a slight change in wheel alignment will lead to uneven tire wear.

4. Problems with the steering rack: when to replace and when to repair

Steering rack on Lada Granta - another “sick” unit, especially on cars with over 100 thousand km. A rattle in the rack usually appears due to:

🛢️ Lack of lubrication inside the mechanism.
🔧 Tooth wear on a shaft or rack.
🚗 Dirt ingress through a damaged boot.
🔄 Loose fastenings slats to the body.

To diagnose the problem:

Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel while you listen to the sounds coming from the rack.
Check the steering play. If it exceeds 10–15 degrees, the rack requires repair.
Inspect the anthers. If they are wet or torn, water has gotten inside.

What to do?

🔧 If the grinding noise appeared recently and the rack does not knock, try it wash and lubricate mechanism. To do this you need:

Remove the rack (or partially disassemble it on the car).
Wash with kerosene or a special cleaner.
Apply new grease (Molykote or Litol-24).

🚗 If the teeth are worn out or the rack is knocking - only replacement. Repair is possible, but not always economically justified.

⚠️ Attention: On Grante with electric power steering (EPS) A grinding noise in the rack may be due to a faulty amplifier motor. In this case, an error will appear on the dashboard EPS.

How can I temporarily reduce the grinding noise in the rack?

If the rack creaks, but still works, you can use special additives for steering mechanisms (for example, Liqui Moly Servo-Leichtlauf-Additiv). They will reduce friction and extend the service life of the unit by 10–20 thousand km. However, this is not a solution to the problem, but only a temporary measure!

5. Grinding noise due to tie rod ends and rods

Tie rods and rods Lada Granta They can also make a grinding noise, especially if the boots are torn or the lubricant has run out. Symptoms of a problem:

🔧 Grinding or clicking noise when turning the steering wheel to extreme positions.
🚗 Play in the steering (the steering wheel “walks”).
🔄 Uneven tire wear along the outer edge.

To check:

Raise the car on a jack.
Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel while you grab the rod yourself. If you feel vibration or hear a grinding sound, the tip is worn out.
Check the play in the tip joint. If it is, the part must be replaced.

Replacing the steering tip with Grante takes about 30–40 minutes. You will need:

🔧 Key for 19 and 22.
🔧 Puller for steering tips.
🔧 New tip (we recommend TRW or Sasic).

Important: After replacing tips be sure to adjust the wheel alignment, otherwise the tires will wear unevenly, and the car may “steer” to the side.

6. Wheel bearing: how not to miss a critical failure

If a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel is accompanied by rumble at speedMost likely the problem is in the wheel bearing. On Lada Granta this unit fails after 80–120 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or bad roads it can break even earlier.

Signs of bearing failure:

🔊 A hum or grinding noise that gets worse when turning.
🚗 Vibration in the steering wheel or body at speeds above 60 km/h.
🔄 Heating of the hub after a trip (can be checked by hand).

For diagnostics:

Jack up the car and spin the wheel by hand. If you hear a crunching or grinding noise, the bearing is worn out.
Rock the wheel in a horizontal plane. Play of more than 0.5 mm is a sign of critical wear.

Replacing the wheel bearing with Grante - a labor-intensive procedure that requires a puller and a press. If you do not have experience, it is better to contact the service. However, if you wish, you can do it yourself:

Remove the wheel and brake disc.
Unscrew the hub nut (force will be required!).
Using a puller, press out the old bearing.
Install a new bearing (we recommend SKF or FAG) and press it in.
Reassemble everything in reverse order and adjust the gap.

⚠️ Attention: Driving with a worn wheel bearing is extremely dangerous! He can jam while driving, which will lead to loss of control and an accident.

7. Prevention: how to prevent grinding noise in the steering

To avoid grinding noise when turning the steering wheel Lada Granta, follow these guidelines:

🛢️ Check the boots regularly steering rods, ball joints and racks. Replace them at the first sign of cracks or tears.
🔧 Lubricate the components every 20–30 thousand km. Use quality lubricants (Litol-24, CV joint-4).
🚗 Avoid driving through deep puddles — water gets into the boots and washes away the lubricant.
🔄 Keep an eye on your wheel alignment. Incorrect wheel alignment angles accelerate wear of ball and bearings.
🛑 Don't ignore the first signs of trouble - creaking, knocking or tight steering wheel. The sooner you find the problem, the cheaper the repair will cost.

We also recommend:

🔧 Once a year wash the steering rack (if it is not an electric booster).
🛢️ Control power steering fluid level (if available) and change it every 60 thousand km.
🚗 Use quality spare parts. On Grante well-proven details TRW, Febi and Sasic.

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A grinding sound when turning the steering wheel is not just an annoying sound, but a signal of a malfunction. The longer you ignore it, the more expensive the repair will be. Regular diagnostics and prevention will help avoid serious breakdowns.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about grinding noise when turning the steering wheel on a Grant

Is it possible to drive if the steering wheel creaks, but you can’t drive the car?

Short-term - yes, but the longer you put off repairs, the higher the risk that a part (for example, a ball joint or bearing) will fail permanently. On Grante with worn ball joints, the wheel may fall off on the go, so it's better not to take risks.

The grinding noise appeared after replacing the ball joint. What is the reason?

The problem is probably one of three:

🔧 New support defective or low quality (especially if you bought a cheap analogue).
🛢️ Not enough lubricants in the lever or tip.
🚗 During installation the boot was damaged, and dirt got inside.

Check all components and, if necessary, replace the support with a quality one (for example, TRW JBJ724).

What is the best lubricant to use on steering wheel ends?

For tie rod ends and ball joints on Grante fit:

🛢️ Litol-24 - universal and inexpensive lubricant.
🛢️ CV joint-4 - better protects against moisture.
🛢️ Molykote BR2 Plus — premium version with molybdenum, extends the service life of parts.

Do not use graphite lubricant or solid oil — they dry out quickly and do not protect against corrosion.

The rattling noise disappeared after the rain. What does this mean?

Most likely the problem is boots on steering rods or ball joints. The water temporarily washed away the dirt and reduced friction. However, after drying, the grinding noise will return, and the parts will wear out even faster. Urgently check the integrity of the anthers and replace them if necessary!

How much does it cost to fix a grinding noise in a service?

The cost of repair depends on the reason:

Problem	Cost of spare parts (₽)	Cost of work (₽)
Replacing the ball joint	1 200–2 500	800–1 500
Replacing the steering tip	500–1 200	600–1 000
Steering rack repair	3 000–6 000	2 000–4 000
Replacing the hub bearing	1 500–3 000	1 500–2 500

Prices are current for Moscow and the region as of 2026. In regions, the cost may differ by 20–30%.

Grinding noise when turning the steering wheel on a Grant: 7 reasons and how to fix the problem yourself