A clicking noise in your car can be caused by anything from contaminated engine oil to a faulty car part.
Get to the bottom of what’s causing your car to click when you turn by reading this blog.
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What Causes a Clicking Noise?
You may hear a clicking sound when turning in your car if there is a problem with any of the following...
Low or Contaminated Engine Oil
A clicking sound when turning may indicate that the engine components aren’t properly lubricated due to low oil levels.
Check your oil levels and look for any visible leaks.
If the clicking persists even after adding oil – or your oil is dirty – consult a mechanic for help.
Worn Ball Joints
Your ball joints connect the control arm to the steering knuckle, allowing your car to run.
When these parts wear out, you might hear a clicking noise.
Worn Brake Pads
If your brake pads need to be replaced, they will produce a clicking noise when you apply pressure to them.
Take a look at the thickness of your brake pads – they will need to be replaced once they are thinner than a ¼ inch.
Worn Tyres
Inspect the tread depth on your tyres to get an idea of whether your tyres need to be replaced.
If your tyres are worn out, then you will hear a clicking noise when you turn.
Worn-out CV joint
When your CV joint wears out, you’ll hear a clicking noise when you turn.
Have your CV joint replaced when necessary to resolve the issue.
Wheel Bearings Issue
When your wheel bearings wear out or become damaged, they will make a clicking noise when you turn.
Wheel bearings can deteriorate with age, so make sure you have them looked at by a professional mechanic when needed.
Steering System Problems
When the tie rod ends, ball joints or bushings become worn or loose, you will hear clicking noises when steering.
Worn CV Joint
One of the most common causes of the clicking can be a damaged CV joint.
If the part wears out or is faulty, this can cause a significant loss of lubrication, thereby allowing more dirt and debris to get into the joint.
Suspension System Issue
A clicking sound coming from the suspension system may seem minor at first, but will continue to get louder if you don’t have the problem fixed.
Car Makes a Single Click
If you car makes a single click, then a faulty starter motor could be to blame.
A replacement can solve the problem, with starters having a lifespan of anywhere between 30,000 and 200,000 miles.
What to Do When Your Car Is Clicking When Turning
If you keep hearing a clicking noise when turning, there are a few things to check to try and resolve the problem:
- Check your brakes
- Check your wheel bearings
- Check the steering components
- Check your tyres
- Check the CV axle
- Check the ball joints
Inspect these parts for any signs of wear, damage, excessive play, rust, or leaks.
If you don’t feel comfortable checking these parts yourself – or you can’t identify the issue – you should have your car looked at by a professional mechanic.
A mechanic will be able to inspect these parts and recommend any repairs or replacements needed to fix the problem.
Keep up with regular oil changes, tyre rotations and wheel alignments to avoid a clicking sound in the future.
With regular inspections and maintenance, you can spot potential issues early on to prevent serious problems from developing.
