Why Is My Car Making a Clicking Noise When I Turn?
So you’re pulling out of a parking lot or making a turn at a stoplight, and suddenly you hear it: click-click-click coming from one side of your car. Maybe it’s subtle… maybe it’s loud enough to make heads turn.
Either way, it’s not something you should ignore. At Wayside Garage, we’ve helped plenty of drivers figure out what that clicking sound means—and most importantly, how to stop it before it becomes a bigger issue.
👂 What Does a Clicking Sound When Turning Mean?
In most cases, a clicking sound while turning is your car’s way of saying:
🛠️ “Hey, something’s worn out and needs attention!”
This sound usually comes from the front wheels, and it often shows up more clearly when:
Let’s look at what could be going on.
🔍 Top Causes of Clicking Noises While Turning
1. Worn CV Joints (Constant Velocity Joints)
This is the #1 cause we see at Wayside. Your CV joints help transfer power from the transmission to your wheels while still allowing them to turn and move. When they wear out, they make that distinct clicking or popping sound, especially during turns.
2. Damaged Axles or CV Boots
The rubber boot around your CV joint (called a CV boot) can crack or tear. When that happens, grease leaks out, and the joint starts to wear faster—leading to clicks and clunks.
3. Loose or Worn Suspension Parts
Ball joints, tie rods, or control arms that are wearing out can also make noise—though it might sound more like a clunk or knock than a click.
4. Brake or Wheel Issues
Sometimes rocks or debris can get caught near the brakes or wheel hub, causing a clicking noise. This one’s less common, but it happens!
🚗 How to Tell If It’s Your CV Joint
Here are the telltale signs:
Clicking or popping noise only while turning
Noise gets louder during sharp turns
You might feel a slight vibration when accelerating
A torn or greasy-looking CV boot under the car (near the wheel)
If you're noticing any of these signs, it’s time to get it checked out. A failing CV joint can eventually snap—leaving your car undrivable.
🔧 How Wayside Garage Can Help
We get it—car noises can be stressful. But diagnosing them is what we do best. When you bring your car in, we’ll:
Test drive to hear the noise ourselves
Inspect the CV axles, boots, and suspension
Show you exactly what’s going on
Give you honest, pressure-free advice on what to do next
And if you’re on our maintenance plan, we inspect these components during your routine 30K/60K/90K services, so you can catch wear before it becomes a full-blown repair.
✅ Let’s Turn That Clicking Into Confidence
If your car’s making that clicking noise every time you turn, it’s not something to wait on. Let’s catch it early, fix it right, and keep you rolling smoothly.
Honest advice. Friendly service. That’s the Wayside Way.
📅 Schedule your inspection today!