Why is my Impala making a knocking/cracking noise every time i turn the steering wheel?

You shouldn't drive it until you take it to a shop,it sounds like the ball joint's are about to go out on ya.It is very dangerous to drive with that kind of problem,when they break you will not have any control of the steering what so ever,not trying to scare you but it is a fact.Also it can be another problem but it is in the suspension which consist of shocks,tie rods ball joints etc.,,,,,,,,,

The noise your listening to is from the steerage shaft that runs through the steerage column.it is a immediately ahead difficulty on the chevrolet impalas.Please call your interior reach chevrolet sellers provider dept and tell this about this difficulty.there is also a production unit bulletin in this difficulty that would have them deploy a particular grease to this shaft or replace this shaft if its worn to the point it desires replaced.best of luck.

The other answers answers are helpful and possible causes. A common problem in the 2000-2005 Impala is the rack and pinion (it controls the power steering). The rack and pinion looses grease causing a popping sound every time you turn the wheel. Any mechanic will know what you are talking about. Good Luck.

You need probably power steering fluid its a very cheap fix. any walmart/target will have it and it takes about 30 seconds to locate the tank under the hood.

Just turn up the radio. Works every time.

Does the knocking noise repeat, or is it just a single knock?

As in, as you turn the wheel do you hear....

*turn turn turn turn BANG turn turn turn*

Or is it...

*turn BANG turn BANG turn BANG turn BANG turn*

If it's the first, then it's probably your ball joint as the first person said. If it's the second, then it's most likely your CV joint or wheel bearing.

This is the way my Lincoln was doing. It turned out to be a ball joint. What ever the heII that is.