Clicking Noise from Front Wheel When Making a Sharp Turn?

Question

I got a fisrly loud clicking noise from my driver's side front wheel. I checked the CV joint boot and it looks OK. When I jack the car up and turn the wheel manually I don't notice the noise. I really notice it when turning sharply and in only one direction. I am thinking the CV joint may be bad. Any opinions on anything that could be wrong in addition to the joint. Maybe a wheel bearing? Also, if qualified give me a repair estimate in a ballpark sense. Thanks.

Answer 1

Bad CV joints, uhhuh.
Noise under load.
What condition are the boots in?

Answer 2

I did this myself on a car for $50 a CV joint. I went to a wholesale store. Quality parts, brand name parts, for less. Not sure if you have one there. Off brands are cheaper than name brands. However, you checked the boot, and it looks good, so I would guess that if you loosen one side, slip some grease in (using a grease gun with a thin, flexible hose will make it much easier), and make sure both sides are tight, you can probably extend the life of it for a bit longer. I don't remember doing mine that well, it was about 4 years ago, and I haven't even LOOKED at a CV boot/joint since then.

Answer 3

That's the classic sign of a worn CV (constant velocity) joint on a front-wheel drive car. I had a Ford Fiesta that did that for several years and 40,000 miles. I never fixed it, and sold it like that with about 120,000 miles on the car.

You should take it to a qualified mechanic and have it checked. Without seeing it, nobody can tell you over the net whether it can be driven for awhile, or fixed, or if it will break and leave you stranded, or what.

Answer 4

you're right, your cv joint is the exact problem. if it was your wheel bearings you would hear a whirring noise which would get louder as you drive. now depending on what type of car it is the parts could be anywhere from $100 and up if you do it yourself. if a mechanic does it then it depends what his hourly rate is, but regardless, any mechanic worth his ticket should be able to replace the axle within the hour. good luck.

Answer 5

Your right it is the CV joint. I had the same problem on a 91 Mazda MX6. I had this same problem on a 1980 Tercel, I kept greasing the joint, but it kept clicking as I made turns, I sold them both.

Answer 6

I would have to agree with your thinking, a CV joint. Bearings typically give you a scraping or squealing noise. CV joints typically click or clunk.

Answer 7

CV joint. 150 to 250..

Answer 8

did you look at the arm bushing?