Q: Hello, I just got my front lower ball joints and control arms replaced today, but I am now experiencing a tinking sound.

asked by on February 09, 2017

Hello, I just got my front lower ball joints and control arms replaced today by a trusted mechanic, but I am now experiencing a tinking sound while accelerating. I did not have this sound before the work was done. It seems to be coming from the driver's side and is only heard while the car is in motion. Almost like something is clinking with something else. What could this noise be?

My car has 196000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The most obvious possibility is damage to the CV joint during control arm replacement. In your application, the CV joint and boot will be impacted unless precautions are taken when the ball joint is separated from the steering knuckle. Indeed, there is a specific caution regarding this in the Factory Service Manual for your car. Check to see if the outer CV boot on the driver side has any evidence of impact or damage (tearing for example). If the arm was not tightened with weight on the suspension, the ride height could be off and hypothetically that could cause the axle, and CV joint, to be out of position. Another possibility is debris has gotten in the brake pad/rotor area and/or a dust shield got bent causing contact with the rotor. In any event, the bottom line is once a repair is performed, new problems are not supposed to be created and evidently that has happened in your circumstance. Although arm replacement doesn’t require removal of the hub axle nut, if by chance (by mistake) that nut was removed and then re-applied with the wrong torque, that could cause the noise as well (would be wheel bearing noise). To obtain a definitive diagnostic, please request a suspension inspection and the responding certified Mechanic will get your concerns addressed and resolved. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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

Brakes shake the car, what makes that happen?
I can understand the frustration with this problem and to assist with fixing the concern, it is best to understand why we see the issue re-occurring. Disc brake rotors that have been resurfaced are more susceptible to being overheated. When...
How do I turn on the cruise control?
The cruise control system allows you to drive at a constant speed, without having to keep your foot on the gas pedal. When the system is set to a speed, the car will maintain that speed automatically. Setting the cruise...
Air suspension system issue on 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. I suggest that you have a technician test a power and ground going to the air ride relay and pump. Some particular make and model have experienced corrosion on...
Door locks but does not unlock with key remote
If the door unlocks with the remote, then the car and the keys are communicating, so there has to be another fault that is preventing the lock from working correctly. It could be a problem with the door lock module,...
Serpentine belt keeps coming off
The pulleys will not just lose their alignment. For this to happen, there has been a failure somewhere. One of the most common causes I have found for this problem, on a serpentine belt system, is that the belt tensioner...
Odd noise like a tractor, oil light keeps coming on. What could this mean?
When the oil light comes on, it's usually an indication that your oil pressure is low. When your engine is running, it has a pump that moves the engine oil through passages in the engine under pressure to keep the...
there some oil dropping down from the acclerator pedal also engine there a noise thought it was exhaust but got that checked out
Hello. Thank you for writing in. The first thing you want to do it's find the cause of the oil leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-fluid-leak-inspection), and make the appropriate repairs. The leak coming from the accelerator is likely coming down that pedal from...
gear box has aproblem of sellection and my car has acceleration problem
Hello there. Thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunately, we can't really help resolve your issue due that your type of Nissan is not one that is sold here in the United States. We are unable to offer mechanical services on a...
All my warning indicator's are on and the car won't start 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Hi there - the security system is intentionally invoked after a battery replacement. Turn the ignition key to the "On/Run" position, and leave it for 10-15 minutes in this position. The security light will go out, then you can start...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Teenagers
If If you’ve decided that you’re ready to purchase a used car for your teenager, then you’re probably pretty picky about what you’re looking for. Likely affordability, safety, and fuel economy are high on the list. With that said we’ve...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Axle CV Shaft Assembly
Common signs include loud clicking noises when turning, grease on the inside edge of the tires, and excessive vibration when driving.
How to Respond When Your Brake Warning Light Is On
Safe operation of your car relies heavily on your brakes working properly every time you need them. When you experience a Brake...