It clicks when I turn
A rhythmic click that gets faster with speed and louder in tight turns is a worn outer CV joint on a front axle. The rubber boot cracked in the heat, the grease flung out, and grit got in. A single pop or clunk once per turn, not rhythmic, is more often a sway bar link, a strut mount, or a ball joint. A groan or whine when the wheel is turned is the steering system, which on many cars now means an electric rack, or low fluid and a pump on older ones.
What to do right now
- 1Test it in an empty lot. Turn the wheel fully left and drive a slow circle, then fully right. If the click is only in one direction, that is the axle on the opposite side.
- 2Look behind the front wheels for grease flung on the inside of the rim or the suspension. That is a torn CV boot.
- 3Note if the steering feels heavy or notchy at the same time. That is a different problem and we want to know.
- 4Do not ignore it for months. A CV joint that clicks eventually breaks, and when it does the car stops moving wherever it is.
What it usually is
Suspension repair
Replace the CV axle, or reboot the joint if caught early. We also check sway bar links, strut mounts, and ball joints since they make similar noises.
See the serviceWheel bearings
A bearing that growls in one direction and goes quiet in the other is a classic. It is easy to confuse with an axle from the driver seat.
See the servicePower steering
Noise and stiffness when turning the wheel, especially at parking speed, is the steering system, not the axle. On older cars it is low fluid or a pump; on newer ones it is the electric rack.
See the service