Clicking noise when turning
A rhythmic click that speeds up with road speed and appears only while the wheels are turned is the classic outer CV joint: the balls are loose in a worn cage and knock on every rotation under angle. A single clunk when you turn the wheel from rest, or a creak, is a different fault in the strut top, ball joint or steering. Check which side clicks by turning full lock each way in a quiet car park.
Urgency
Visit a workshop soon
Possible causes, most likely first
- Worn outer CV joint
Clicking only in bends, louder the tighter the turn and when accelerating out of it. Inspect the boot for splits and grease thrown around the wheel arch; with the wheel lifted, twist the shaft back and forth and feel for play in the joint. - Split CV boot with lost grease
A boot that has been open for a while lets dirt in and the joint fails within months. If the joint is still quiet apart from a faint click, a new boot and fresh grease can save it; a loud joint needs replacing. - Worn inner CV joint
Vibration under acceleration and a click or shudder when the suspension is loaded in a turn. Check for play by pushing and pulling the inner joint housing with the shaft at an angle. - Strut top mount bearing
A click or creak when steering at low speed, felt through the wheel, often with a spring that visibly rotates with a jerk. Have someone turn the wheel while you rest a hand on the spring top. - Worn ball joint or tie rod end
A knock when turning combined with a wandering steering feel. With the wheel lifted, grab at 3 and 9 o'clock and rock it; play or a clunk points to the tie rod end, play with the wheel at 12 and 6 points to the ball joint. - Loose wheel bolts or brake dust shield
A tinny click once per wheel revolution that changes with braking. Torque the bolts to spec and check the dust shield is not touching the disc. - Wheel bearing in its early stage
A click or rough rumble that appears when the car leans on that wheel in a bend. Spin the wheel by hand and feel for roughness; a wheel bearing noise usually turns into a hum before long.
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What you can check yourself
- Drive slow circles on full lock both ways in an empty car park and note which side and direction clicks
- Look behind each front wheel for a split rubber boot and grease spray
- Check wheel bolt torque on both front wheels
- Turn the steering from lock to lock at a standstill and listen for clunks from the strut tops