A sharp clicking or popping sound that appears only when turning—especially at low speeds in parking lots or making tight U-turns—is the textbook symptom of a worn outer CV joint. The joint's internal ball bearings have lost their lubrication, usually because the rubber CV boot tore and allowed the grease to escape while road grit entered. CV joints don't typically fail suddenly; they click for weeks or months before breaking completely. But when they do break, you lose drive to that wheel entirely—often leaving you stranded in the most inconvenient location possible.
We'll diagnose the extent of CV joint wear and give you a clear recommendation on what repair approach makes sense for your vehicle and budget. We also inspect the opposite axle while your vehicle is on the lift—if one boot has torn, the other is often aging close behind, and catching it early prevents a repeat visit. Learn more about our CV Joint & Axle Repair service.
From diagnosis to repair, we keep you informed every step of the way.
Call or text us to describe what you're experiencing.
Bring your vehicle in for a thorough inspection.
We explain what we found and quote before any work begins.
Experienced technicians complete the repair with quality parts.
We test drive and verify the repair before returning your car.
Clicking that appears only during turns—especially at low speed—is the classic sign of a worn outer CV joint. The joint's protective boot has torn, grease has escaped, and road grit has contaminated the bearing surfaces. The damaged joint clicks as it articulates through the turn.
Moderately urgent. CV joints don't usually fail suddenly—they click for weeks or months while the internal bearings progressively wear. Eventually the joint can bind or break entirely, leaving you stranded. Most clicking CV joints last 2–4 months before failing, but there's no reliable way to predict exactly when.
In most cases, replacing the complete CV axle (half-shaft) is actually more cost-effective than rebuilding individual joints. Quality remanufactured axles are widely available and the labor to swap the whole axle is identical to rebuilding a single joint on the bench.
These are the most common reasons drivers experience this symptom.
The most common cause—the joint's internal ball bearings have worn from lack of lubrication after grease loss.
A torn boot lets grease escape and allows road grit to enter and destroy the joint.
A bent or impact-damaged axle can cause clicking and vibration during turns.
Not sure if this is your issue? Browse other common problems we fix.
Contact Scott's Auto and Clutch today for honest service and expert repairs.
144 W Crystal Ave, South Salt Lake, UT 84115