Clicking Noise When Turning: Repair in Salt Lake City, UT
Scott's Auto & Clutch Repair has diagnosed and repaired CV joint clicking for Salt Lake City drivers since 1990.
Understanding Clicking Noise When Turning
Clicking or popping during a turn can come from a CV joint, steering or suspension components, or something contacting a moving part. A repeated click during a tight turn under power is a useful clue, but the noise alone does not identify the failed part.
Is That Clicking My CV Joint?
A repeated click during a tight, slow turn under power can point to an outer CV joint. The sound alone cannot confirm the joint or identify which side needs repair.
Tell us whether the noise repeats with wheel speed, happens once as you turn the steering wheel, or changes when you brake. Those details help us choose between axle, steering, suspension, and brake inspections.
What Causes Clicking Noise When Turning?
These are possible causes to inspect. Tell us which symptoms you notice; the checks below help guide diagnosis but do not confirm a failed part on their own.
Worn CV Joint or Torn Boot
A CV joint lets the axle transmit power while the wheels turn. Wear inside an outer joint can produce repeated clicking during a turn. A torn boot lets grease escape and dirt enter, but a torn boot alone does not tell us how much wear is inside.
Repeated clicking during a tight turn under power makes the outer CV joints worth inspecting. Grease around a boot is another clue. We inspect both sides rather than choosing an axle from the turn direction alone.
Steering or Suspension Joint
A worn joint or a binding strut mount can click or pop as the steering moves. These parts need an inspection because looseness or binding can affect steering.
Tell us whether the sound happens while the car is stationary, over a bump, or once as you change steering direction. A single pop needs different checks from a click that repeats as the wheel rotates.
Brake Hardware or Contact Near the Wheel
Loose brake hardware or a shield contacting a moving part can make a click or scrape. We look for loose parts and contact marks before recommending an axle.
Tell us if the noise changes when you apply the brakes or also happens while driving straight. Mention any recent brake work, wheel work, or curb impact.
Not sure which applies to you? Call (801) 485-4089 or text us: free diagnosis at our Salt Lake City shop.
When Should You Have Clicking During Turns Checked?
Arrange an inspection when a new click or pop starts. A torn boot may be repairable before the joint is damaged, but we need to inspect the joint before recommending a boot or axle replacement.
Stop driving if the clicking comes with loose steering, severe vibration, a wheel that appears out of position, or difficulty controlling the vehicle. Call to discuss towing rather than driving with those symptoms.
How We Find the Source of the Clicking
We ask about the speed, steering angle, and braking conditions that produce the sound. When safe, we reproduce the noise, inspect the CV boots and joints, and check steering, suspension, and brake components for looseness or contact.
We recommend repairs based on what the inspection shows. Read about CV joint and axle repair at our South Salt Lake shop.
Free diagnosis. Written estimate before any work begins. No surprises.
Where to Get Help with Clicking Noise When Turning
Scott's Auto & Clutch Repair, serving Salt Lake City drivers since 1990.
Hours
Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Phone
Frequently Asked Questions: Clicking Noise When Turning
Does clicking during a turn always mean a CV joint?
No. Repeated clicking under power can point to a CV joint, but steering, suspension, or brake components can also click or pop. We reproduce the noise when safe and inspect before choosing a repair.
Should I replace both CV axles at once?
Not automatically. We inspect both axles and boots, then recommend work based on their condition. A problem on one side does not establish that the other will fail soon.
How long can I drive with a clicking CV joint?
There is no reliable safe mileage or time limit based on the sound alone. Arrange an inspection promptly. Stop driving if you also notice loose steering, severe vibration, or difficulty controlling the vehicle.
Can you replace the boot instead of the axle?
Sometimes. A boot repair may be appropriate if the joint is still serviceable. Noise, wear, contamination, and parts availability help determine whether a boot, joint, or axle replacement makes sense.
Not Sure This Is Your Issue?
Browse related symptoms, drivers often confuse these for one another.
Customer Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Salt Lake Valley drivers
“Scott is the best guy and best mechanic in Utah. He is also a great American. He is honest and does exceptional work.”
“This is my mechanic — he is great.”
“Great service and great prices!”
“Really great — brought me back to help me understand my truck better. I won a giveaway on his Instagram. He is awesome!”
“My wife's Subaru was having a timing issue with the wipers. I brought it to Scott's and they diagnosed the problem quickly and torqued a bolt in about 5 seconds that fixed it. They didn't charge us and we will definitely be coming back here for auto service with Subarus.”
“I just had my transmission rebuilt by Scott's auto and they did an amazing job for a good price. My car has not run this well for three years — would definitely recommend.”
Experiencing Clicking When Turning?
Contact Scott's Auto & Clutch Repair today for a free diagnosis. We'll get your vehicle running right.
- Free Estimates
- Competitive Pricing
- Same or Next Day Service
- 2-Year Parts & Labor Warranty
- Free Towing on Repairs Over $1,000
144 W Crystal Ave, South Salt Lake, UT 84115