Loud belt sound when steering car

68Y

Paid Member
Heyo,

I am not mechanical at all. I get a loud (belt?) screeching sound when I turn my car's steering wheel when it's cold. Does anyone know what this might indicate an issue with?

It doesn't feel any different through the steering wheel
It only happens when the car has been sat overnight or for a few hours
It doesn't happen again after the first time (leaving my driveway)
The sound is only when I am steering the wheel, not when I just sit idling

After doing a bit of Googling could it be the Tie Rods?
 
It's more than likely the lower ball joints, these are known to fail and usually get a scraping noise when turning (I get why you first thought belt noise, it can be awful) - When my old R27 developed the issue it was always noticeable on a morning when on full lock coming off the drive, then it gradually got worse and was there when turning often.

Best to take it to a Renault Specialist near you to diagnose properly.

If it is the ball joints it's usually about £150 per side and best to do both at the same time, standard dealers and garages not in the know will try get you to replace the full arm, but you can press the old ones out and just fit new balljoints.
 
It's more than likely the lower ball joints, these are known to fail and usually get a scraping noise when turning (I get why you first thought belt noise, it can be awful) - When my old R27 developed the issue it was always noticeable on a morning when on full lock coming off the drive, then it gradually got worse and was there when turning often.

Best to take it to a Renault Specialist near you to diagnose properly.

If it is the ball joints it's usually about £150 per side and best to do both at the same time, standard dealers and garages not in the know will try get you to replace the full arm, but you can press the old ones out and just fit new balljoints.

Cheers, you were right! Took it to Beaniesport and a few pounds later it is sorted. Time for some new front tyres...
 
  • Like
Reactions: matt9566