Q: Front left tire clicking noise

asked by on September 05, 2017

Hi.. as mentioned above, an intermittent clicking noise can be heard from the front left tire. It only happens on smooth tarmac.(not on bumps). As i accelerate, the noise goes faster(same case as when a small rock is stuck in a tire) .I removed the tire and checked: no small rocks stuck in the tire or in the brake caliper or any component in front. I don't think it's a wheel bearing cause the latter, when is worn out, causes a howling noise which is not my case. What seems to be the problem? Note: i'm heading towards changing my coil springs and shock absorbers due to age. Can aged struts cause such noise? thank you

My car has 154000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Axle / CV Shaft Assembly Replacement $216.91 - $1118.08 Get a Quote

What you are describing sounds like a failing CV joint. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring the power from the drive train directly to the wheels. The CV joint is packed with a special grease and sealed tight with the rubber or plastic boot, that is held in place with two clamps. The most common problem with the CV joints is when the protective boot cracks or gets damaged. Once this happens, the grease comes out and moisture and dirt get in, causing the CV joint to wear faster and eventually fail due to lack of lubrication and corrosion. When the CV joint becomes damaged or worn, you may hear a clicking, clunking or popping sound coming from this area as the weight of the vehicle puts pressure on this area and shifts back and forth and side to side. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car makes noise while idling
A vehicle may make noise when idling for a variety of reasons. A problem with a belt will usually be revealed by a squeaking or screeching type of noise. Closer inspection of the noise (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loud-squealing-or-squeaking-is-coming-from-timing-belt-inspection) by a knowledgable technician, such...
Car won't shift gears
Two scenarios: the leak developed as you were driving. It only takes the loss of 2 quarts before the transmission starts to act up. There is about 13 quarts of fluid though. The location of the leak needs to be...
No spark to coil pack or wires
Hello. The problem is most likely the engine crank sensor or CKP for short. The CKP measures engine speed and notifies the engine's computer when the engine is at #1 cylinder top dead center so it knows when to fire...
How can I start my car remotely?
There are a number of after market options (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-remote-starter) available. They require installation by someone who can read a wiring diagram and connect to the vehicles starting and PCM systems. If your comfortable working on your own car, google remote...
Squealing when decelerating
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Porsche Boxster. Most of the time this is caused by the pilot bearing in the rear of the crankshaft. When it fails it will make this noise at these times. I usually...
Rim swap Ford Expedition and Dodge Ram
That is hard to tell without looking at the rim and the truck you want to install it on. It should fit but there is no gaurantee that the backspacing is correct. Try looking up the wheel manufacturer and see...
Stabilitrak
Your car is equipped with what are called wheel speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-speed-sensor-replacement) which monitor the speed of the wheels at all four corners. When they detect that wheel speed is out of the ordinary in a given set of conditions,...
Clunking noise, and poping sound when turning hard
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. When shifting your vehicle from park to drive or reverse, there is usually a problem with a universal joint in the drive shaft. The clunking noise is the bearings in the universal joint...
How many engine mounts are in a 2006 Toyota RAV4?
Since the engine and transmission is suspended together, you have to consider the combined unit. There are 4 total engine & transmission mounts that should be considered. If engine torque tears any of the mounts, the other mounts are strained,...

Related articles

How to Use a BMW With Comfort Access Technology
The The BMW comfort access technology was introduced in 2002 as a keyless remote system that uses sensors to detect where the owner is in proximity to the vehicle within 1.5 meters (about 5 feet), allowing him or her to...
How to Get BMW Dealership Certified
BMW car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) program.
Top Automotive News & Stories: July 27-August 3
Each week we compile the best announcements and developments from the world of cars. Here are the topics you can’t miss from July 27 to August 3. Most Stolen Cars List Released most stolen cars...