Mother in law has a Kia Sorento. Something like 2010. It's got an odd one I've never come across.

When turning the steering wheel it make a light knocking sound. Can start it up and run lock to lock and it makes noise as long as the steering rack is moving. Can feel a slight vibration at the same frequency as the knock. Stop turning the steering wheel and it goes away.

Seems to happen when driving or stationary.


There is some grease, oil, whatever on the boot on one side of the steering rack but power steering fluid is full but a little dirty. I'm almost wondering if the PS pump is dying.


Not something I've come across before. Ideas?

Could be a dozen different things.

Get the front end in the air to unload the suspension, see if it still does it.

Strut mount bushing I'd bet. Pretty rhythmic?

Narrow down when it happens.

Sprinters get a good pop pop pop when you turn exactly every 90 degrees. The slip in the steering shaft sticks and pops as the u joints go around.

Extremely rhythmic. Doesn't really seem to vary with the speed the steering wheel is spun.

That's the next step.


At this point it doesn't matter if the vehicle is moving or not.

Happens the entire time there is steering input. If the steering rack is pushing the knuckles one way or another it happen.


Vehicle can be stationary or moving. Doesn't seem to matter.

Possibly a steering wheel coupler? It was a common issue on Kia and Hyundai, happened to my wife's Sonata. It was only a $7 part but took hours to tear apart the dash and steering column to replace.

I thought about that. Haven't been able to look at it again.


With the steering damper or tie rods I'd expect to hear or feel play with the engine off. Nada. I've only been able to hear the noise with the engine running.


Still need to lift the front end and take dog in more.