A clicking noise when you turn can make every parking lot feel like a test. One moment you are just pulling into a space. Next, you are listening closely and wondering if something is about to give out.
Clicking usually follows a pattern, and that pattern is the clue. The sound might happen only on tight turns, only while accelerating, or only when you turn the wheel at very low speed. If you can notice when it shows up and what makes it change, you can get closer to the cause before the vehicle even goes on a lift.
What Clicking While Turning Usually Points To
Most turn-related clicking comes from parts that move when the wheels are angled. That includes CV axles, steering joints, suspension joints, and sometimes brake hardware that shifts slightly. The sound can be rhythmic, repeating with wheel rotation, or it can be a single click as you begin the turn.
A rhythmic click that speeds up with vehicle speed often points to an outer CV joint. A single click or pop can point to a loose joint, worn mount, or a component shifting under load.
How to Narrow Down The Cause
Many drivers first notice clicking in tight turns at low speed, like pulling into a driveway or turning into a parking stall. That is when the steering angle is greatest, and the CV joints are under greater strain. Over time, the click may start happening on normal corners, especially if the worn part continues to loosen.
If it is a CV axle issue, the click often gets louder during light acceleration while turning. If it is a suspension joint, you may hear it when the car’s weight shifts, even if you are coasting. Those differences matter because they point toward different systems.
CV Axles And Torn Boots
CV axles transfer power to the wheels while allowing suspension movement and steering angle. The outer CV joint handles the turning angle. When it wears, it often clicks in a steady rhythm during tight turns.
A torn CV boot is a big reason this happens. Once the boot cracks, grease escapes and road grit gets inside. The joint then wears quickly. You may notice grease on the inside of a wheel or splattered on suspension parts. That visual clue is a strong sign that the joint has been running without proper lubrication.
Steering And Suspension Parts That Can Create A Click
Not every clicking noise is a CV axle. Worn ball joints, loose tie rod ends, sway bar links, and strut mounts can also create clicking or popping sounds during turning. These noises can be more noticeable when you turn at a stop or while creeping forward.
A helpful clue is whether you feel anything through the steering wheel. A small knock you can often feel points to steering or suspension joints. If the steering wheel feels normal and the sound is a rapid tick that follows wheel rotation, CV axle wear becomes more likely.
Brakes, Wheel Bearings, And Other Noise Imposters
Brake hardware can click if pads are shifting in their brackets due to worn clips or loose caliper hardware. This can be more noticeable when you brake while turning into a spot. It can also show up right when you change direction from forward to reverse.
Wheel bearings are more likely to hum or growl, but a very worn bearing can create unusual noises during turns due to load shifts. If the sound changes more with speed than with steering angle, tires and wheel bearings should be checked as well.
What To Avoid Doing While You Wait To Get It Checked
Avoid ignoring it for months. Wear usually progresses, and a noise can turn into looseness that affects handling. Also avoid replacing parts based only on the sound. A CV axle is a common cause, but it is not the only one.
If the clicking suddenly becomes a heavier clunk, or if you feel vibration during acceleration, reduce driving and schedule an inspection soon. Those changes can indicate more play in the joint or a component shifting more than it should.
Get Steering And Suspension Diagnostics in Albuquerque, NM, with Forthright Auto Repair
We can test-drive your vehicle, pinpoint where the clicking is coming from, and inspect CV axles, steering joints, and suspension components for wear or looseness. We’ll explain what we find and recommend the repair that matches the real cause.
Call
Forthright Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, to schedule an inspection and get rid of that turning noise.
