Why does my car click when I turn?
A rhythmic click or pop that speeds up as you accelerate through a tight turn is the classic sign of a worn outer CV (constant velocity) joint on a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car. It usually starts when the rubber boot tears and the grease leaks out. It won't fail tomorrow, but it gets worse, and a CV joint that breaks can leave the car unable to move.
How to tell it's a CV joint
- Clicks when turning, louder in tight turns like parking lots
- Gets faster as you speed up through the turn
- Grease sprayed on the inside of the wheel or suspension, from a torn boot
- A vibration on acceleration in a straight line can point to a worn inner joint
Why boots matter
Each CV joint is packed with grease and sealed by a rubber boot. Boots crack with age and heat. Once one tears, the grease flings out and dirt and water get in, and the joint wears quickly. That's why we look at CV boots during inspections and send you a photo when one is cracking, before it turns into a clicking joint.
What we do
We confirm the noise on a road test, inspect the boots and joints, and replace the axle with a quality part. A customer once came in for another repair and we found an axle that was badly degraded, and showed close-up photos so the decision was easy.
From drivers who came to us
I was also alerted that my axle was extremely degraded… Bonus for them showing me close up pictures of the issues on my car.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
How long can I drive with a clicking CV joint?
Often weeks or a few months, but it's unpredictable. Once it's clicking, the joint is worn, and wear speeds up. Plan the repair soon.
Can I just replace the CV boot?
If a torn boot is caught early, before the joint is worn or contaminated, yes. Once it clicks, replacing the axle is usually the better repair.
The clicking happens when I turn the wheel while parked. Is that the CV joint?
Probably not. Noises while turning at a standstill are more often strut mounts, the steering rack or power steering.