car clicks when turning

Most Likely Causes

1. 1

   Worn CV Joints

   The constant velocity (CV) joint on your front axle allows the wheel to turn while receiving power. When the protective CV boot tears, grease leaks out and moisture enters, causing the joint to wear. A car clicks when turning, especially with front-wheel-drive vehicles, because the worn joint can no longer smoothly transfer power at an angle.

   Most common on front-wheel-drive vehicles with high mileage.

2. 2

   Wheel Bearing Wear

   Wheel bearings allow your wheels to spin freely. When they wear out, the wheel becomes slightly loose on the hub, creating a clicking or knocking sound during turns. The sound is often worse in one direction because turning shifts the vehicle's weight, increasing pressure on the outer wheel bearing.

3. 3

   Suspension Joint Wear

   Ball joints and tie rod ends connect your steering and suspension system. When these wear out, they become loose and click under load, particularly during turns when suspension flex increases the play. This clicking is similar to CV joint noise but typically comes from the front of the vehicle near the frame.

   Common in vehicles over 100,000 miles or with rough road use.

4. 4

   Brake Pad Wear Indicators

   Some brake pads have metal tabs designed to click against the rotor when pads are worn down. If you hear this clicking mainly when turning, it could be that weight transfer during the turn increases pressure on a worn pad. This is less common than other causes but can mimic CV joint clicking.

5. 5

   Loose Heat Shields or Trim

   Plastic or metal heat shields near the wheels can become loose and rattle during turns when suspension flex increases vibration. While less serious than mechanical wear, a clicking from a loose shield can be difficult to distinguish from genuine CV joint noise without careful inspection.

How to Diagnose It

1. 1

   Listen During Tight Turns

   Drive in a safe, empty parking lot and perform sharp left and right turns while listening for clicking. Note whether the clicking is louder turning left or right—this helps pinpoint which CV joint or wheel bearing is failing. The side with worse clicking typically has the worn component.

2. 2

   Inspect CV Boots Visually

   Jack up the front of your vehicle and look at the accordion-like rubber boots on the front axles near each wheel. Look for tears, cracks, or grease splattered on the inside of the wheel. A torn CV boot is a strong indicator the joint inside is worn and causing your clicking.

   Tool: Jack and jack stands

3. 3

   Check Wheel Bearing Play

   Raise the vehicle and grab the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock. Gently shake it—there should be no movement. Excessive play (more than 1/4 inch of movement) indicates a bad bearing. Then spin the wheel by hand; rough grinding or resistance suggests bearing damage.

   Tool: Jack and jack stands

4. 4

   Test Suspension Joints

   With the vehicle raised, grasp the ball joint or tie rod end directly and attempt to move it up and down or side to side. Any visible movement or play indicates wear. You can also visually inspect for cracks in the rubber boot surrounding these joints.

   Tool: Jack and jack stands

How to Fix It

• Replace CV Joint or Axle Assembly

  Shop recommended

  The most common fix for car clicks when turning is replacing the worn CV joint or the entire axle assembly. Many shops replace the complete axle to ensure balanced handling and avoid future issues. This requires removing the wheel, disconnecting the axle from the transmission and wheel hub, and installing a new unit.

• Replace Wheel Bearing

  Shop recommended

  If the bearing is the culprit, the wheel hub assembly is typically replaced as a unit rather than repacked. The hub is pressed onto the axle and must be carefully aligned during installation. This is a moderately complex job that requires a press and proper wheel alignment afterward.

• Replace Suspension Joints

  Worn ball joints or tie rod ends can be replaced individually, though some shops replace entire steering linkage assemblies for longevity. The old joint is disconnected, the new one installed, and the wheel alignment is rechecked. Replacement is more straightforward than CV joint work but still requires proper tools.