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Hearing a clicking noise when you turn your car can be alarming, especially if it happens consistently. This sound often indicates an issue with your vehicle’s steering, suspension, or drivetrain components. Ignoring it could lead to more significant problems, so understanding the potential causes is essential. In this article, we’ll explore why your car might be making a clicking noise when you turn and what you can do to resolve it.
Common Reasons Your Car Makes a Clicking Noise When Turning
There are several reasons why your car might make a clicking noise during turns. Below are the most common causes:
Worn CV Joints (Constant Velocity Joints)
CV joints are essential for connecting your car’s axles to its wheels, allowing the wheels to move freely during turns. Over time, the protective boot covering the CV joint can crack or tear, causing grease to leak out and leaving the joint vulnerable to wear. When this happens, you’ll often hear a clicking noise during sharp turns, especially under acceleration.
Fix: The CV joint or the entire axle assembly usually needs to be replaced. A professional technician can diagnose the extent of the damage and make the appropriate repairs.
Damaged Axles
If your car has recently hit a curb, pothole, or was in a minor collision, a bent or damaged axle could be the culprit behind the clicking noise. A damaged axle causes instability and can lead to uneven wear on other components.
Fix: Bent or damaged axles need to be inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional to ensure your vehicle remains functional.
Loose or Worn Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow your wheels to spin freely and smoothly. When they become worn or loose, they can create a clicking or popping noise, especially when turning. Over time, this can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced performance.
Fix: Worn wheel bearings must be replaced. A trained mechanic can diagnose the issue and ensure proper installation of new bearings.
Faulty Steering Components
Components such as tie rods or ball joints can wear out or become loose, leading to clicking noises when you turn the wheel. These components are vital for your car’s stability and steering performance.
Fix: Loose or worn steering components must be repaired or replaced. A comprehensive inspection will help identify which part is causing the noise.
Broken Sway Bar Links
The sway bar helps stabilize your car during turns by reducing body roll. If the sway bar links are damaged or broken, they can cause a clicking noise when you corner or drive over uneven surfaces.
Fix: To restore proper vehicle handling, a professional can replace the sway bar links.
Debris Stuck in the Wheel Well
Sometimes, the issue isn’t mechanical but rather external. Small rocks, sticks, or debris can get trapped in your wheel well or near the brake components, creating a clicking sound as the wheel rotates.
Fix: Thoroughly cleaning the wheel well and surrounding areas can remove the debris and eliminate the noise.
Low or Old Power Steering Fluid
While less common, low or degraded power steering fluid can lead to noises when turning the wheel. Though the sound is often more of a whining or groaning, some cars might exhibit clicking due to a failing power steering pump.
Fix: Top off or replace the power steering fluid. If the problem persists, have the pump inspected by a technician.
Brake Issues
Brake problems, such as unevenly worn pads, warped rotors, or loose calipers, can cause clicking noises when turning. A caliper that shifts during turns or debris caught in the brake assembly can also lead to repetitive sounds.
Fix: Inspecting and addressing the brake pads, rotors, and calipers often resolves the issue. At McCullough NAPA Auto Care, we can quickly diagnose and fix brake-related clicking noises to ensure your car is reliable.
Why Addressing Clicking Noises Is Important
Ignoring a clicking noise when you turn can further damage your car’s components. Issues like worn CV joints, faulty steering parts, or damaged axles can compromise your vehicle’s handling, making it unsafe to drive. Additionally, resolving these issues early can prevent more expensive repairs later.
Schedule Your Repair at McCullough NAPA Auto Care
If your car is making a clicking noise when you turn, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. At McCullough NAPA Auto Care in Sandy Springs, our experienced technicians can diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs to quickly get you back on the road.
Contact us today to address your vehicle’s clicking noise and ensure it’s running at its best.
