Car Clicks When Turning Right
A car clicks when turning right typically due to a failing CV joint on the right axle or a worn suspension component. This clicking sound during turns is often rhythmic and increases with sharper angles, indicating mechanical wear that needs diagnosis.
Can I Drive?
You can drive carefully to a mechanic, but avoid sharp turns and extended driving. Continued clicking usually means a CV joint is failing and will eventually cause loss of power to that wheel.
Most Likely Causes
- 1
Worn Right CV Joint
The CV (constant velocity) joint on the right front axle allows power delivery while the wheel turns. When this joint wears out, the bearings inside create a clicking sound during turns. A car clicks when turning right most commonly due to a failing CV joint, which is the joint nearest to the right wheel.
Most common on front-wheel-drive vehicles; rear-wheel-drive cars are less affected.
- 2
Damaged CV Joint Boot
The rubber boot protecting the CV joint can tear, allowing grease to escape and water/dirt to enter. Once contaminated, the joint deteriorates rapidly and produces clicking noises during turns. You may see grease splatter on the inside of the wheel.
- 3
Worn Suspension Strut or Mount
A failing right-side strut or strut mount can cause clicking during cornering as worn components shift slightly. This is less common than CV joint issues but should be ruled out if the clicking is louder near the wheel well. Suspension noise often worsens over bumps and during turns.
- 4
Loose or Worn Sway Bar Link
The sway bar link on the right side can become loose or wear out, creating a clicking or clunking sound during turns. This component helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering and can develop play over time. Clicking from a sway bar link is usually sharper and may happen on both left and right turns.
- 5
Wheel Bearing Failure
A worn right-side wheel bearing can produce clicking or grinding sounds, especially during turns when load shifts to the outer wheels. Bearing failure can cause the wheel to drag or lock up, making it a safety concern. This clicking may be accompanied by vibration at highway speeds.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Perform Tight Right Turn Test
In a safe, empty parking lot, drive slowly and make a tight right turn while listening for the clicking sound. Repeat at different speeds to see if the clicking intensifies. Note whether the sound is rhythmic (pulses with wheel rotation) or random.
- 2
Inspect Right CV Joint Boot Visually
Raise the right side of the vehicle safely on jack stands and remove the right front wheel. Look at the CV joint boot (rubber accordion-like cover) for tears, cracks, or grease splatter. A torn boot confirms CV joint contamination and likely failure.
Tool: Jack and jack stands
- 3
Check for Excessive CV Joint Play
With the wheel off and vehicle supported, grab the right axle shaft near the wheel and try to move it up and down, side to side, and in/out. Excessive movement or clicking felt during this manipulation indicates CV joint wear. Compare to the left side for reference.
Tool: Jack and jack stands
- 4
Test Sway Bar Link for Looseness
Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the right strut (usually visible near the lower control arm). Grab it firmly and attempt to move it. Any movement or clunking indicates a loose or worn link. Listen for clicking when doing this.
Tool: Jack and jack stands
- 5
Road Test for Wheel Bearing Noise
Drive at highway speed on a smooth road and listen for grinding or clicking from the right wheel area. Turn left to load the right wheel bearing—if clicking intensifies, bearing failure is likely. Turn right to unload it; the noise should decrease.
How to Fix It
Replace Right CV Joint and/or Axle Shaft
Shop recommendedIf testing confirms CV joint wear, the joint or entire axle shaft must be replaced. Most shops replace the entire axle assembly (both CV joints and shaft) rather than rebuilding. This is the most common fix for a car clicking when turning right.
Replace CV Joint Boot and Regrease
If the boot is torn but the joint is not yet damaged, the boot can be replaced and the joint regreased. This preventive fix stops water and dirt from contaminating the joint and extends its life. This is cheaper than full joint replacement if caught early.
Replace Right Sway Bar Link
If the sway bar link is loose or worn, replacement is straightforward. Remove the old link's bolts and install a new one. This typically takes 20–30 minutes and eliminates clicking from that component.
Replace Right Wheel Bearing
Shop recommendedA failing wheel bearing must be pressed out and replaced with a new one. This requires a press or bearing puller tool and is best done at a shop. Replace the wheel bearing on the right side if testing confirms bearing wear.
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Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the clicking sound—CV joints degrade quickly once they start failing, leading to loss of drive to that wheel.
- Replacing only one CV joint—most shops recommend replacing the entire axle shaft to avoid repeat failure.
- Assuming all right-side clicking is a CV joint—always rule out sway bar links, struts, and wheel bearings before concluding it's the CV joint.