Clicking When Turning

Turn the wheel, hear a click-click-click? That’s not popcorn. That’s your CV joint telling you it’s on borrowed time.

Why It Happens

Front-wheel-drive cars (and many AWD) use CV joints — constant velocity joints. They let the wheels turn and power the car at the same time. When the grease boots rip or dry out, the joint wears. Metal on metal. Every turn = a click.

Ignore it and eventually the joint locks or snaps. Translation: no drive, tow truck time.

Most Common Causes

• Worn outer CV joint – the classic clicking culprit.
• Split CV boot – grease gone, dirt in, joint doomed.
• Low-grade replacement axle – some cheap parts wear fast.
• Other suspension play – less common, but loose ball joints or tie rods, strut mounts can mimic the sound.

What You Can Check

What a Mechanic Will Check

• Inspect CV boots for tears or leaks.
• Check joint play by hand with the wheel off.
• Test drives on full lock in both directions.
• Rule out suspension and wheel bearing noise.

Ballpark Repair Costs

• New CV boot only: $120–$200 (if caught early).
• Complete CV axle replacement: $300–$600 per side.
• Both axles done at once: $600–$1,200.

When to Call It Quits

If the click gets loud or constant, stop stalling. That joint can let go mid-turn. You don’t want to learn what “loss of drive” feels like in traffic.