Knocking sound when turning... anyone else?

Models Sorento
1

Hey, I’ve got a friend with a 2017 Kia Sorento EX, and there’s this knocking sound when turning the steering back and forth. It mostly happens when the car isn’t moving, and we’re not sure if it happens when driving too. Did some digging, and it might be the steering motor coupler. Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue before? We’re going to check it out tomorrow.

2

Yeah, that’s actually a known issue with the coupler. I’ve had it happen on my car. It was an easy fix once I figured it out.

3

Brad said:
Yeah, that’s actually a known issue with the coupler. I’ve had it happen on my car. It was an easy fix once I figured it out.

What do you mean by coupler? Not super familiar with that term lol.

4

@jonces
Oh, my bad. It’s like this part that connects the steering motor to the rest of the steering system. When it wears out, you start hearing that knocking noise.

5

@jonces
I had the same thing on my Hyundai… super common in a few models. Replacing the coupler fixed it for me.

6

Could also be the u-joint on the steering shaft. I’ve seen them get loose and make that noise.

7

Evanson said:
Could also be the u-joint on the steering shaft. I’ve seen them get loose and make that noise.

Good call, I’ll check that out too when we take a look tomorrow.

8

Same issue here on my Sorento. It was the coupler in my case, but definitely check the u-joint too just in case.

9

Lisa said:
Same issue here on my Sorento. It was the coupler in my case, but definitely check the u-joint too just in case.

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind!

10

I’ve heard about this a lot. Apparently, it’s super common in certain years of the Sorento. Quick fix if it’s the coupler.

11

Cabby said:
I’ve heard about this a lot. Apparently, it’s super common in certain years of the Sorento. Quick fix if it’s the coupler.

Yeah, hoping that’s the case. Gonna check it out tomorrow.

12

My buddy had the same thing in his Kia. Replacing the coupler took care of it. Hope that helps!

13

NiroNomad said:
My buddy had the same thing in his Kia. Replacing the coupler took care of it. Hope that helps!

Appreciate the info! I’ll pass that along.