Khat khat sound from the steering wheel

Sounak04 · 25th June 2021, 16:53

Hello Everyone, hope everyone is doing fine during these unprecedented times.

I have a Maruti Dzire ZDI AMT (bought in March 2018). The car has clocked around 51000 kms till date.

Recently, i have started noticing this khat khat sound coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel towards left or right. It is amplified if the steering is turn towards one side and i cross a speed breaker. Though the sound does not comes while going over a pothole or speed breaker with a straight steering.

I did find any changes in the weight or feel of the steering. It might be due to that fact that the Dzire has a very bad steering which does not weigh up properly.

I feel that the sound is coming from the Steering Rack, though i might be wrong.

I just wanted to know if anyone can tell me what the issue is. Also, my Car is under Extended Warranty and any idea, if its the Steering Rack, will the same be covered under EW. I have more 3.5k kms to cover before servicing. So is it advisable to drive for 3,500 kms more or should i immediately go to the Service Center?

Thank you

Agarwal_Aayush · 25th June 2021, 17:09

To me this looks like the driveshafts have gone bad on your car.
To check these, a mechanic in my car once turned the steering completely to left or right and started moving the car at some speed, if you hear the "kat kat" noise that is mostly the driveshaft.
If its steering rack that should be replaced under extended warranty, driveshaft I don't think will be covered under this, still there is no harm is asking for it.
Do get the same checked at the MASS at the earliest.

Indian2003 · 25th June 2021, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounak04

I have a Maruti Dzire ZDI AMT (bought in March 2018). The car has clocked around 51000 kms till date.

Recently, i have started noticing this khat khat sound coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel towards left or right.

This is a typical noise with worn outer driveshaft CV-joints. Noise at left turn means the right CV-joint is worn. If the noise comes at a right turn, the left joint is worn.

Looks like both of yours are worn but they should not wear at 51,000 km. Have a look at the rubber boot for damage.

My driveshafts are still going strong at 405,000 km.

Jaggu · 25th June 2021, 18:59

If it is a continuous khat khat synchronised with wheel speed then it is a CV joint like others have mentioned. If it is sound coming from up and down movement like a bad road, then you need to check the suspension links and bushes. But most likely it is the former.

Get it attended, you don't want to be stranded in these Covid times with a broken car.

Sounak04 · 25th June 2021, 20:44

Its not like a continuous khat khat sound. It comes at very low speed only while turning the steering wheel. The car has no sound when going over a pothole or a bump with a straight steering. The sound comes over potholes or speed bumps only when the steering is moved slightly to one side just like how there are small speed bumps in apartment complexes at the corners to reduce the speeds. The sound occurs on those speed bumps only.

asit.kulkarni93 · 25th June 2021, 20:59

Marutis are notorious for steering rack & caliper pin related issues. Please get both these things checked in addition to the stabilizer Link. If you get this sound on full turn then its your axle or the boot. Best to get it checked with a FNG first and the approach Maruti Suzuki SVC. Incase they don't honour the warranty, you can get it replaced outside.

paragsachania · 26th June 2021, 07:23

You will be able to isolate between the rack, CV axle/shaft, caliper pins or suspension by following the below steps.

If it is a clicking noise, intensity of which is proportionate to the rate of change of your vehicle speed AND more prominent when you are taking turns (steering wheel in left or right position), it will be your drive shaft/CV axle.

You may also park your car on a flat (and smooth) surface, turn off the ignition and turn the steering fully to the left and right and notice any noise. A bad steering rack will be noisy and you will be easily able to notice this.

I would also suggest to first take the car to a pressure washing center, lock the wheels by turning steering on both sides, spray water on the suspension outer springs generously and then carry out the steering rack test mentioned above. At times such the outer springs of the suspension strut when they get twisted as your turn the steering also makes such noise.

Finding out if it is caliper noise is very easy. Make a fist and hit the sidewalls and a dry caliper housing will result in you being able to distinctly hear metallic clinks indicating calipers are dry with no grease and are hitting the caliper housing resulting in that noise.

DieselAnna · 29th June 2021, 10:29

The sound you mentioned is similar to steering rack
But if this comes on while turning the steering then it is possibly the CV joint issue as other's called it.

I had a steering rack issue in my older car when it was 20k kms old. The sound was only while moving and on flat surfaces usually. It was diagnosed as the gasket holding the rack and joint was torn and the lubricant had fallen off. The metal parts now were in direct contact and making the khat khat sound.

Just to be double sure, get it checked with a FNG/ASS.

TJ02 · 29th June 2021, 12:28

Well it is a common issue with few Maruti cars. My ciaz has the same issue and I got the steering rack & assembly replaced under extended warranty. Also you should give the car to a capable service center, helps if you know the service manager in these outlets. They will try to find the issue and cover it under warranty.

According to me you can drive another 3500 kms there should be no issue unless the steering becomes hard.

ssjr0498 · 29th June 2021, 13:33

It sounds like a worn out Lower arm bush! However to rule out if its a cv joint etc, you could go to an isolated spot, fully lock the steering wheel to the left and hold it and drive it in a circle at some speed, if there is no sound, the right cv is good, do the same by turning the steering to the right to confirm if the left is good, see if you can hear any sound. If none, your cv joints are fine!

If the vibration+sound feels like its coming from beneath your legs, its 99% your lower arms, if you can feel it on your steering, it might be your rack!

Hope this helps!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounak04

Its not like a continuous khat khat sound. It comes at very low speed only while turning the steering wheel. The car has no sound when going over a pothole or a bump with a straight steering. The sound comes over potholes or speed bumps only when the steering is moved slightly to one side just like how there are small speed bumps in apartment complexes at the corners to reduce the speeds. The sound occurs on those speed bumps only.

AR_0592 · 29th June 2021, 16:47

My assumption would be a loosened Anti-roll bar. We also had similar symptoms especially when moving forward full lock on inclined surfaces with our 2011 Ford Fiesta Classic. That was rectified to a loosened Anti-roll bar. The sound vanished after it was tightened. I may be wrong but this is my 2 cents.

raunaqv471 · 29th June 2021, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounak04

Hello Everyone, hope everyone is doing fine during these unprecedented times.

I have a Maruti Dzire ZDI AMT (bought in March 2018). The car has clocked around 51000 kms till date.

Recently, i have started noticing this khat khat sound coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel towards left or right. It is amplified if the steering is turn towards one side and i cross a speed breaker. Though the sound does not comes while going over a pothole or speed breaker with a straight steering.

Thank you

Sounds more like an electric power steering motor bearing gone bad. Have seen this issue in my friends Verna as well. Sound is very evident while turning the wheel clock to clock. Most likely your EPS motor would need to be changed which is what ASCs usually do instead of fixing the busted bearing.If the car is under warranty, the part should be covered ideally.This is a given if it happens when the car is stationary or at very low speeds. If you are feeling the above only over minor humps, check your steering rack tie rod ends as well. Same could be loose.Hope this helps.

Regards...

AdityaRai · 29th June 2021, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by paragsachania

. At times such the outer springs of the suspension strut when they get twisted as your turn the steering also makes such noise.

I have this same issue of discomfortingly loud clicking sound on turning the steering in 3 Swifts and 1 Dzire, and every time it was the strut-top-mount/McPherson struts that were making this noise.

The noise used to resurface after a duration of keeping the car parked (say 1 week), and go away after a week of regular driving.

Initially, I used to take the car to the service center (thinking of getting the strut changed under warranty), but now I just leave it alone for a few days.

The noise was very disturbing because its fairly high intensity (owing to being so close to the passenger cabin).

Mahven · 29th June 2021, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounak04

Hello Everyone, hope everyone is doing fine during these unprecedented times.

I have a Maruti Dzire ZDI AMT (bought in March 2018). The car has clocked around 51000 kms till date.

Recently, i have started noticing this khat khat sound coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel towards left or right. It is amplified if the steering is turn towards one side and i cross a speed breaker. Though the sound does not comes while going over a pothole or speed breaker with a straight steering.

I did find any changes in the weight or feel of the steering. It might be due to that fact that the Dzire has a very bad steering which does not weigh up properly.

I feel that the sound is coming from the Steering Rack, though i might be wrong.

I just wanted to know if anyone can tell me what the issue is. Also, my Car is under Extended Warranty and any idea, if its the Steering Rack, will the same be covered under EW. I have more 3.5k kms to cover before servicing. So is it advisable to drive for 3,500 kms more or should i immediately go to the Service Center?

Thank you

Definitely bad Tie-rod-end on either of the front wheel joints.

Get you mechanic/service center personnel to check the 'tie rod end' and 'ball joints' as well. This one particular thing is very easily overlooked as most mechanics go right on to columns and shafts as soon as they hear complains about sounds - especially 'Khat Khat'

momsonlydriver · 30th June 2021, 09:29

This happens when you drive over bad roads without slowing down. The main culprit is the steering rack that is now broken. Our Baleno and sx4 they both have the broken rack and there is no issue besides the khat khat sound which I’m used to. Maruti charages 30k to replace a steering rack. Is it worth it? Not really. It’s again one of the fragile parts that keep breaking.

25th June 2021, 16:53	#1
Sounak04 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Navi Mumbai Posts: 88 Thanked: 167 Times	Khat khat sound from the steering wheel Hello Everyone, hope everyone is doing fine during these unprecedented times. I have a Maruti Dzire ZDI AMT (bought in March 2018). The car has clocked around 51000 kms till date. Recently, i have started noticing this khat khat sound coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel towards left or right. It is amplified if the steering is turn towards one side and i cross a speed breaker. Though the sound does not comes while going over a pothole or speed breaker with a straight steering. I did find any changes in the weight or feel of the steering. It might be due to that fact that the Dzire has a very bad steering which does not weigh up properly. I feel that the sound is coming from the Steering Rack, though i might be wrong. I just wanted to know if anyone can tell me what the issue is. Also, my Car is under Extended Warranty and any idea, if its the Steering Rack, will the same be covered under EW. I have more 3.5k kms to cover before servicing. So is it advisable to drive for 3,500 kms more or should i immediately go to the Service Center? Thank you
	(3) Thanks

25th June 2021, 17:09	#2
Agarwal_Aayush BHPian Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: India Posts: 116 Thanked: 258 Times	re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel To me this looks like the driveshafts have gone bad on your car. To check these, a mechanic in my car once turned the steering completely to left or right and started moving the car at some speed, if you hear the "kat kat" noise that is mostly the driveshaft. If its steering rack that should be replaced under extended warranty, driveshaft I don't think will be covered under this, still there is no harm is asking for it. Do get the same checked at the MASS at the earliest.
	(7) Thanks

25th June 2021, 18:59	#4
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,380 Thanked: 17,284 Times	re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel If it is a continuous khat khat synchronised with wheel speed then it is a CV joint like others have mentioned. If it is sound coming from up and down movement like a bad road, then you need to check the suspension links and bushes. But most likely it is the former. Get it attended, you don't want to be stranded in these Covid times with a broken car.
	(6) Thanks

25th June 2021, 20:44	#5
Sounak04 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Navi Mumbai Posts: 88 Thanked: 167 Times	re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel Its not like a continuous khat khat sound. It comes at very low speed only while turning the steering wheel. The car has no sound when going over a pothole or a bump with a straight steering. The sound comes over potholes or speed bumps only when the steering is moved slightly to one side just like how there are small speed bumps in apartment complexes at the corners to reduce the speeds. The sound occurs on those speed bumps only.
	() Thanks

25th June 2021, 20:59	#6
asit.kulkarni93 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pune Posts: 1,009 Thanked: 2,970 Times View My Garage	re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel Marutis are notorious for steering rack & caliper pin related issues. Please get both these things checked in addition to the stabilizer Link. If you get this sound on full turn then its your axle or the boot. Best to get it checked with a FNG first and the approach Maruti Suzuki SVC. Incase they don't honour the warranty, you can get it replaced outside.
	(5) Thanks

26th June 2021, 07:23	#7
paragsachania Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Belur/Bangalore Posts: 7,147 Thanked: 27,204 Times	re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel You will be able to isolate between the rack, CV axle/shaft, caliper pins or suspension by following the below steps. If it is a clicking noise, intensity of which is proportionate to the rate of change of your vehicle speed AND more prominent when you are taking turns (steering wheel in left or right position), it will be your drive shaft/CV axle. You may also park your car on a flat (and smooth) surface, turn off the ignition and turn the steering fully to the left and right and notice any noise. A bad steering rack will be noisy and you will be easily able to notice this. I would also suggest to first take the car to a pressure washing center, lock the wheels by turning steering on both sides, spray water on the suspension outer springs generously and then carry out the steering rack test mentioned above. At times such the outer springs of the suspension strut when they get twisted as your turn the steering also makes such noise. Finding out if it is caliper noise is very easy. Make a fist and hit the sidewalls and a dry caliper housing will result in you being able to distinctly hear metallic clinks indicating calipers are dry with no grease and are hitting the caliper housing resulting in that noise.
	(13) Thanks

29th June 2021, 10:29	#8
DieselAnna BHPian Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Mumbai Posts: 137 Thanked: 499 Times	Re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel The sound you mentioned is similar to steering rack But if this comes on while turning the steering then it is possibly the CV joint issue as other's called it. I had a steering rack issue in my older car when it was 20k kms old. The sound was only while moving and on flat surfaces usually. It was diagnosed as the gasket holding the rack and joint was torn and the lubricant had fallen off. The metal parts now were in direct contact and making the khat khat sound. Just to be double sure, get it checked with a FNG/ASS.
	(1) Thanks

29th June 2021, 12:28	#9
TJ02 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 168 Thanked: 216 Times	Re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel Well it is a common issue with few Maruti cars. My ciaz has the same issue and I got the steering rack & assembly replaced under extended warranty. Also you should give the car to a capable service center, helps if you know the service manager in these outlets. They will try to find the issue and cover it under warranty. According to me you can drive another 3500 kms there should be no issue unless the steering becomes hard.
	(1) Thanks

29th June 2021, 16:47	#11
AR_0592 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: CHENNAI Posts: 2 Thanked: Once	Re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel My assumption would be a loosened Anti-roll bar. We also had similar symptoms especially when moving forward full lock on inclined surfaces with our 2011 Ford Fiesta Classic. That was rectified to a loosened Anti-roll bar. The sound vanished after it was tightened. I may be wrong but this is my 2 cents.
	(1) Thanks

30th June 2021, 09:29	#15
momsonlydriver BHPian Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Kolkata Posts: 358 Thanked: 989 Times	Re: Khat khat sound from the steering wheel This happens when you drive over bad roads without slowing down. The main culprit is the steering rack that is now broken. Our Baleno and sx4 they both have the broken rack and there is no issue besides the khat khat sound which I’m used to. Maruti charages 30k to replace a steering rack. Is it worth it? Not really. It’s again one of the fragile parts that keep breaking.
	(1) Thanks