Why Is My Car Making a Clicking Noise When Turning?
Hearing a clicking or knocking noise when turning the steering wheel can be worrying, especially when the sound becomes louder during tight corners.
A clicking noise from the front of your car can have several possible causes. In many cases, the CV joint is responsible, but steering, suspension, wheel or drivetrain components can also create similar sounds.
Identifying when the noise occurs and where it appears to come from can provide useful clues.
If the clicking is becoming more frequent or is accompanied by vibration, steering problems or unusual handling, the vehicle should be inspected.
When Does the Clicking Noise Usually Happen?
The first thing to consider is exactly when you hear the noise.
Does it happen:
When turning left?
When turning right?
During tight turns?
When reversing?
When accelerating around a corner?
When driving over bumps?
Only at low speeds?
Even when the steering wheel is straight?
These details can help a mechanic narrow down the possible cause.
1. Worn CV Joint
One of the most common causes of a repetitive clicking noise while turning is a worn constant velocity (CV) joint.
CV joints transfer power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing the driveshaft to move with the suspension and steering.
When the outer CV joint becomes worn, it can produce a clicking or popping sound, particularly during tight turns.
You may notice:
Repetitive clicking while cornering
Clicking that increases with wheel speed
Noise during acceleration while turning
Noise that is more noticeable during tight turns
A worn CV joint should be inspected rather than ignored.
2. Damaged CV Boot
The CV joint is protected by a rubber boot that helps keep grease inside and dirt and moisture outside.
If the boot cracks or splits, grease can escape and contaminants can enter the joint.
Over time, this can cause accelerated wear.
A damaged CV boot may leave grease around the inside of the wheel or nearby suspension components.
Early detection of a damaged boot can sometimes prevent more extensive CV-joint damage.
3. Clicking When Turning at Low Speed
If the noise is particularly noticeable during slow, tight turns, a CV joint is one possibility.
For example, you may hear repeated clicking when:
Making a tight turn into a parking space
Performing a three-point turn
Turning into a driveway
Manoeuvring around a car park
The sound may become more noticeable when the vehicle is accelerating while the steering is turned.
However, other components can produce similar noises, so a proper inspection is needed before identifying the exact cause.
4. Steering Components
Not every clicking noise during steering comes from the driveshaft.
Various steering components can develop wear or looseness and create noises when the steering wheel is turned.
Depending on the vehicle, possible sources can include:
Track rod ends
Steering joints
Steering rack components
Ball joints
Other steering linkages
A steering-related problem should be investigated because these components are important to vehicle control.
5. Suspension Components
Suspension components move as the vehicle turns and travels over uneven surfaces.
Worn or damaged components can sometimes produce clicking, knocking or clunking noises.
If the noise occurs while turning and also when driving over bumps, the suspension system should be inspected.
Other symptoms may include:
Unusual handling
Uneven tyre wear
Knocking over bumps
Excessive movement
Changes in steering feel
A mechanic can check the relevant suspension components to identify excessive wear or movement.
6. Wheel Bearing Problems
A worn wheel bearing can produce humming, rumbling or grinding noises.
In some cases, changes in the load placed on the wheel while cornering can make the noise more noticeable.
Although a wheel bearing is more commonly associated with a humming or droning sound than a repetitive clicking noise, it should still be considered when diagnosing unusual wheel noises.
The wheel, hub and bearing can be inspected for abnormal movement or noise.
7. Loose or Damaged Wheel Components
A clicking or knocking sound can sometimes be associated with a loose or damaged wheel-related component.
This is particularly important if the noise appeared after:
A wheel change
Tyre replacement
Hitting a pothole
Contact with a kerb
Recent brake or suspension work
If you suspect a wheel is loose or something has been damaged, the vehicle should be checked before continuing to drive unnecessarily.
8. Braking Components
Although clicking while turning is not normally the first symptom associated with a brake problem, certain brake components can move or make contact and create unusual noises.
Loose or damaged brake hardware, for example, can sometimes produce clicking or rattling sounds.
If the clicking is accompanied by:
Brake vibration
Grinding
Reduced braking performance
Pulling while braking
Brake warning lights
the braking system should be inspected promptly.
Why Does the Noise Get Louder When Turning?
Turning changes the angle and load on many components within the front suspension and drivetrain.
If a component is worn, the additional movement or load during a turn can make the noise more noticeable.
This is one reason a clicking sound may be difficult to reproduce when the car is travelling straight but becomes obvious during cornering.
The exact cause can only be confirmed through appropriate inspection and testing.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Clicking Noise?
It depends on what is causing the noise.
A clicking sound does not automatically mean that the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but it should not be ignored.
If the noise is accompanied by:
Steering difficulty
Excessive vibration
Loss of control
Severe knocking
Wheel movement
Sudden changes in handling
Brake problems
you should avoid continuing to drive until the vehicle has been assessed.
A suspected steering, suspension or drivetrain problem deserves particular attention because these systems can affect vehicle control.
How Is a Clicking Noise Diagnosed?
A mechanic will usually start by identifying exactly when the noise occurs.
The inspection may include:
Checking the CV boots for splits or damage.
Inspecting the CV joints and driveshafts.
Checking steering components for excessive movement.
Inspecting suspension components.
Checking the wheel and hub assembly.
Inspecting relevant brake components.
Carrying out a road test where appropriate.
The aim is to identify the source of the noise rather than simply replacing parts based on symptoms.
What Should You Do If Your Car Starts Clicking?
If you suddenly hear clicking when turning, pay attention to the circumstances in which it occurs.
Try to identify:
Whether it happens when turning left or right
Whether it occurs during tight turns
Whether it gets faster as the car speeds up
Whether acceleration makes it louder
Whether it happens while reversing
Whether there are any other steering or handling symptoms
This information can help a mechanic diagnose the problem more efficiently.
How Can CV Joint Problems Be Prevented?
CV joints are designed to last for a long time, but regular inspection can help identify problems before significant damage occurs.
One of the most useful checks is inspecting the CV boots for cracks, splits or signs of grease leakage.
If a damaged boot is identified early, repairing the problem may help prevent contamination and further wear to the CV joint.
It is also important to have unusual noises inspected rather than waiting until the component fails completely.
Clicking Noise Checks With AP Auto Services
If your car is making a clicking noise when turning, AP Auto Services Mobile Mechanic can help identify the possible cause.
A mobile mechanic can attend your home or workplace and inspect relevant steering, suspension, wheel and drivetrain components.
Depending on the symptoms, the inspection can help determine whether the noise is related to a CV joint, CV boot, wheel bearing, steering component, suspension component or another part of the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
A clicking noise when turning should not automatically be assumed to be a major fault, but it should not be ignored either.
A worn CV joint is one possible cause, particularly when the clicking is repetitive and becomes more noticeable during tight turns. However, steering, suspension, wheel and brake components can produce similar noises.
The earlier the source of the noise is identified, the easier it can be to determine the appropriate repair.
If your car is making a clicking, knocking or unusual noise when turning, AP Auto Services Mobile Mechanic can inspect your vehicle at a convenient location.
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