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Clicking Noise When Turning

A rhythmic clicking when you turn and accelerate, especially at full lock, is typical of a worn outer CV joint on the drive shaft.

High risk

Have it checked soon. A worn joint can fail and leave the car unable to drive.

Short answer · Is a clicking noise when turning dangerous?

Not straight away, but it should be checked soon. A worn outer drive shaft joint (CV joint) usually clicks for a while before it fails, and a joint that breaks can leave the car without drive. A torn rubber boot is often the start of the problem.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Make the noise in a car parkTurn the wheel fully and drive slowly in a circle. Clicking that gets faster with speed and is louder on one side points to the CV joint on the outer side of the turn.
  2. Look at the rubber bootsBehind the front wheels, the drive shaft boots should be intact and dry. Grease spray on the inside of the wheel means a split boot.
  3. Note other noisesClunks over bumps point to suspension parts rather than the drive shaft.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Does it click only when turning and accelerating?That fits a CV joint.
  2. Is the car front-wheel drive?Most clicking-when-turning cases are in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars.
  3. Is there a vibration when accelerating straight?This can point to the inner joint instead.

Possible causes

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

  1. Worn outer CV jointThe most common cause.
  2. Torn CV bootGrease escapes and dirt gets in, wearing the joint.
  3. Worn suspension or steering partsTop mounts or ball joints can click or knock.
  4. Loose wheel or brake partsLess common, but should be ruled out.

Questions about Clicking Noise When Turning

Can a torn boot be replaced alone?

If it is caught early and the joint does not click yet, a new boot with fresh grease can be enough. Once the joint clicks, it usually needs replacing.

How long can I drive with a clicking CV joint?

There is no safe distance to rely on. Plan a repair soon and avoid hard acceleration while turning.