Hearing a clicking noise when you turn your steering wheel can be alarming, especially if it starts suddenly. While it might be tempting to ignore it and hope it goes away, a clicking sound is often an early warning sign that something in your vehicle’s steering or suspension system needs attention. Addressing the problem early can help you avoid bigger (and more expensive) repairs down the road and keep your car safe to drive.
Common Causes of Clicking Noises When Turning
Worn or Damaged CV Joints
One of the most common causes of clicking sounds when turning is a failing constant velocity (CV) joint. CV joints are essential components in front-wheel-drive and many all-wheel-drive vehicles.
They allow power to be transferred smoothly to the wheels while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension and the side-to-side motion of steering.
When CV joints wear out, they often make a clicking or popping noise that’s most noticeable during sharp turns, especially when accelerating.
Bad Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow your wheels to rotate with minimal friction. When they start to wear out, they can create various noises, including clicking sounds when turning.
In addition to the noise, you might notice uneven tire wear, a humming sound while driving, or a loose feeling in the steering wheel.
Damaged Suspension Components
Your suspension system comprises many parts, including ball joints, tie rods, and control arms, which can wear out over time.
If these components become loose or damaged, they can produce clicking or clunking noises when the vehicle turns or goes over bumps.
Worn suspension parts can also affect vehicle handling and tire wear.
Steering System Issues
Components in the steering system, like the steering rack or intermediate shaft, can develop play or wear that results in clicking noises.
If the sound seems to come directly from the steering column or feels like it’s inside the cabin, steering system components might be the culprit.
Brake System Concerns
In some cases, brake components like calipers or pads can shift slightly if they’re loose or improperly installed, producing a clicking noise when turning or braking.
Though less common, it’s still worth checking if other causes are ruled out.
Prompt Attention Is Needed
Clicking noises when turning aren’t just annoying — they often signal components that are wearing out and could fail.
A failing CV joint, for example, can eventually break, leading to a loss of drive power to the wheel and possibly leaving you stranded.
Worn suspension or steering components can compromise handling, making the vehicle unpredictable and unsafe, especially during emergency maneuvers.
How to Diagnose the Problem
A thorough inspection is crucial to accurately determine the source of the noise. A professional mechanic will lift the vehicle to check for play in the CV joints, inspect wheel bearings for looseness, and examine suspension and steering components for wear or damage.
Test driving the vehicle can also help pinpoint the noise, as mechanics can listen to how it changes during different maneuvers.
Preventing Future Issues
While some wear and tear is unavoidable, regular maintenance can help catch problems before they become serious. Periodic inspections of your suspension, steering, and drivetrain components allow technicians to spot early signs of wear.
Keeping up with scheduled maintenance and promptly addressing small repairs can greatly extend the life of these critical systems.
Trust State Tire & Auto Center in New Jersey
At State Tire & Auto Center, with four convenient locations across New Jersey, we understand how unsettling strange noises can be. Our experienced technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing steering, suspension, and drivetrain issues to keep your vehicle safe and comfortable.
If you’ve started hearing a clicking noise when turning, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule an inspection with us today, and we’ll find the source of the problem and get you confidently back on the road.
- State Tire & Auto Centers - Forked River
- State Tire & Auto Center - Manahawkin
- State Tire & Auto Center - Brick Township
- State Tire & Auto Center - Wall Township
