Why Is My Car Making A Clicking Noise When Turning?
- Tyler Ellis
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
A clicking sound when you turn—especially at low speeds in a parking lot—usually isn’t just a “random noise.” It’s often a mechanical part moving under load, & the sound is a clue that something is worn, loose, or lacking lubrication.
If you’re asking Why Is My Car Making A Clicking Noise When Turning?, the most common answer is a CV axle issue on front-wheel drive or AWD vehicles, but there are a handful of other causes that can sound similar. The goal is to catch the real culprit before it becomes a breakdown or a steering/suspension safety issue.
Why Is My Car Making A Clicking Noise When Turning? The Classic Pattern
So, Why Is My Car Making A Clicking Noise When Turning? Here’s the typical pattern that points toward the most common cause:
Clicking happens mostly while turning (left or right), not while driving straight
Clicking is rhythmic (click-click-click) & speeds up as the wheel speed increases
Clicking is louder on sharper turns (full lock in a parking lot)
Often more noticeable when accelerating lightly while turning
That pattern strongly suggests a CV joint issue—but we still want to confirm.
What Causes This Problem?
Why Is My Car Making A Clicking Noise When Turning? Common Causes
1) Worn outer CV joint (most common)
CV (constant velocity) joints allow the axle to transmit power while turning. The outer CV joint takes the most stress during turns. When it wears out, it clicks.
Why it happens:
The grease inside the boot breaks down over time
The boot tears & grease escapes
Dirt/water gets in & accelerates wear
Clues:
Torn or greasy CV boot near the wheel
Clicking louder when turning one direction
Clicking speeds up with wheel speed
If ignored long enough, a CV joint can fail completely & leave you stranded.
2) Loose wheel or damaged wheel hardware
A loose lug nut or wheel issue can sometimes create a click or pop that changes with turning.
Clues:
Noise started after tire service
Clicking feels like it’s coming from the wheel area
You may feel a slight wobble or vibration
This is one of the “check immediately” possibilities because loose wheels are dangerous.
3) Worn tie rod ends or ball joints
Steering & suspension joints can click, pop, or clunk when load shifts during turning.
Clues:
Clicking is more of a “pop” than a rapid tick
Steering feels loose or wanders
Clunk over bumps is also present
Uneven tire wear may show up
4) Strut mount or bearing noise (common on some vehicles)
The strut mount/bearing allows the suspension to rotate smoothly during steering. If it’s worn, you can hear clicking, popping, or creaking.
Clues:
Noise when turning at a stop (even without rolling)
“Springy” feel or binding in steering
Often worse in cold weather
5) Brake hardware shifting (pads or caliper hardware)
Loose or worn brake hardware can click when load shifts during turning.
Clues:
Clicking happens during low-speed turns & braking transitions
Recent brake work may correlate
Noise may be intermittent depending on direction
6) Power steering issues (less often a “click,” but possible)
Some power steering problems create groans or whines more than clicks, but certain components can click if there’s play.
Clues:
Noise changes with steering input even while stationary
Steering effort changes or feels inconsistent
Fluid leaks (if hydraulic system)
How to Fix It?
Fixing a clicking noise when turning starts with identifying whether it’s driveline (CV axle) or steering/suspension.
Quick Things You Can Note Before Coming In
Does it click more turning left or right?
Does it click only while moving, or also while turning at a stop?
Is it worse when lightly accelerating through a turn?
Any recent tire/brake work or pothole impact?
Those details help narrow the cause quickly.
What a Shop Will Do to Diagnose It Properly
Road test to reproduce the noiseWe confirm the exact conditions: turning direction, speed, acceleration vs. coasting.
Inspect CV boots & axlesWe look for torn boots, grease sling, & joint play.
Check wheel torque & wheel conditionConfirms the wheel is secure & properly mounted.
Inspect steering & suspension componentsTie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, strut mounts, & any play points.
Inspect brake hardware if neededPads, caliper brackets, anti-rattle clips, & rotor shield clearance are checked.
To schedule a noise inspection, use: https://www.roundrockautocenter.com/appointments
Why Act Now?
Clicking noises often start as “only in tight turns,” then expand into louder sounds & drivability problems.
Waiting can lead to:
CV joint failure (loss of drive power, possible tow)
Accelerated tire wear from worn steering/suspension joints
Safety issues if a joint has excessive play
More expensive repairs if the problem spreads (boot tear becomes axle replacement instead of boot service)
If the clicking suddenly gets louder, becomes constant, or you feel vibration while accelerating, it’s time to get it checked immediately.
Schedule a Turning Noise Inspection at Round Rock Auto Center
If you’re dealing with Why Is My Car Making A Clicking Noise When Turning?, Round Rock Auto Center can pinpoint whether it’s a worn CV axle, loose wheel hardware, strut mount, steering joint wear, or brake hardware shifting—then fix the real cause before it becomes a bigger problem.
Book your appointment here: https://www.roundrockautocenter.com
For more car symptom guides & maintenance tips, visit: https://www.roundrockautocenter.com/blog
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