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Drivetrain · Updated · 1 minute read

Clicking Noise When Turning: What It Means and What to Do

TRANSMISSION SIDEWHEEL SIDE12345
  1. 1
    Inner CV joint Sits near the transmission.
  2. 2
    CV boot Holds the grease in and keeps dirt out.
  3. 3
    Axle shaft Carries power to the wheel.
  4. 4
    Outer boot A tear here is how most axles start to fail.
  5. 5
    Outer CV joint At the wheel end. Clicking in turns points here.
A CV axle, from the transmission to the wheel.

A clicking noise when turning usually points to a worn CV joint. CV joints send power to your wheels. The outer joint on a front axle is often the first to wear out.

A rubber boot holds the grease in each joint. When the boot tears, grease gets out and dirt gets in. The joint wears down and starts to click. You’ll hear it most in sharp, slow turns.

Other worn parts can click in a turn too:

  • Tie rod ends or ball joints: often a single pop or clunk
  • Strut mount bearing: a pop or click as you steer
  • Loose brake hardware: a noise that shows up only in turns

Look inside the front wheel wells. Grease sprayed there points to a torn boot.

A CV joint that fails on the road can cut power to that wheel, and you can lose control. If the clicking is loud, don’t keep driving on it.

Book an inspection and ask the shop to check the axles and steering parts. For prices, read our guide to CV axle replacement cost in Vancouver.

Service desk The full guide

CV axle replacement cost in Vancouver: the published prices, what a quote covers and how to compare quotes.

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