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Clicking Noise From A Wheel

A click that repeats once per wheel turn is often a stone or nail in the tread, a loose wheel trim or a worn CV joint; clicks only in tight turns point strongly to a CV joint.

Normal risk

Check the tyre and wheel nuts soon. Loose wheel nuts are dangerous.

Short answer · What causes a clicking noise from the wheel?

A small object stuck in the tread clicks every time it touches the road. Loose plastic hubcaps click too. A worn CV joint on a front driveshaft clicks under power, especially when turning sharply. Loose wheel nuts can also click or knock and must be checked straight away.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Inspect the treadLook for stones, nails or screws in each tyre.Do not pull out a nail if the tyre still holds air; have it repaired.
  2. Check wheel trimsPush on plastic hubcaps to see if they are loose.
  3. Check the wheel nutsAll nuts should be tight; if any is loose, tighten it and have the torque checked.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Only when turning sharply?Typical of a worn CV joint.
  2. Does the click speed up with speed?Something on the wheel or tyre.
  3. Were the wheels removed recently?Check the nuts and trims.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Stone or nail in the treadClicks once per turn.
  2. Loose wheel trimPlastic clicks against the wheel.
  3. Worn CV jointClicks under power in turns.
  4. Loose wheel nutsDangerous; check immediately.
  5. Brake pad clipA loose clip can click.

Questions about Clicking Noise From A Wheel

Is a nail in the tyre always a puncture?

Not always right away, but it usually leaks slowly. Have it repaired if it is in the repairable area.

How long can a clicking CV joint last?

It varies, but a torn boot lets grease out and the joint wears quickly. Have it checked.