What could cause a groan when turning at low speeds in my Civic steering rack?

[Jerry60]

My 2016 Civic has started making a strange groaning noise from the front end, but only when I turn the steering wheel at low speeds, like when I'm parking. It’s not the power steering pump because it’s electric, so I’m wondering if it could be a steering rack issue or something with the suspension.

[Donald.J]

That groan at parking speeds screams something in the steering linkage or the steering assembly. Even with electric assist the steering components like inner tie rods and mounting bushings can bind or wear. Check for torn boots, feel for play, and listen for squeaks when you push the tie rods.

[JonathanM]

My Civic did something similar and it turned out to be a bad sway bar link; replaced and noise was gone.

[Mark.L]

I once found play in a tie rod end when I grabbed the wheel and moved it; swapped the end and the sound disappeared.

[MiaCT]

Could also be a sticking strut mount or a worn wheel bearing; those can groan as the suspension shifts.

[Daniel_T]

A caliper or rotor dragging at an angle can make a similar noise after work on brakes.

[Savannah.W]

If you're curious, have someone turn the wheel slowly with the hood up and watch for movement; a loose mount or link will show up.