Which tire? The most common source of noise when turning and the vehicle is standing still is a binding upper strut mount. Reach over the top of a front tire, wrap your fingertips lightly around the coil spring, then have a helper turn the steering wheel slowly left and right. You should feel the spring rotate smoothly with the wheel. If the upper mount is binding, you will feel the spring build tension, then suddenly snap free and turn. You will hear that inside as a banging or clunking noise when moving the steering wheel. That is rarely heard when the vehicle is moving because road vibration helps the mount turn freely.
There is not much to clunk in the rear other than control arm bushings and loose disc brake pads. Neither is a major safety concern, but a worn bushing will also cause steering wander. That is due to the alignment changing for that wheel. Alignment problems can show up as bad tire wear patterns, but it usually takes more misalignment than what is caused by just a worn bushing.
The steering and suspension systems should be inspected at a tire and alignment shop. The people there are experts at finding the causes of noises, pulling, and tire wear problems.
Jul 24, 2017 at 10:19 PM
