Noise when turns are made

MEXCHICK03

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU

Noises problem
2001 Chevy Malibu 6 cyl Automatic 140000 miles

Hi. My car makes a rapid clicking noise when I make turns and when the steering wheel is coming back from the turn. The noise can not be heard from the outside only from the inside and I don't know what is wrong. The best way to describe this noise is if you have a a steering wheel cover made of a leather and then rub it against the steering wheel creating this annoying noise.

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

A clicking noise when turning is almost always a bad CV joint. The rubber boots that protect the joint can get cut/ripped by road debris and water gets into joint washing away lubricant causing metal to metal contact.

You can raise front, put on stands, inspect inner and outer boots for rips/tears and leaking grease.

Generally the CV axle will have to be replaced.

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Thursday, March 26th, 2009 AT 9:37 AM

MEXCHICK03

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Well thank youfor your immediate response. I was wondering about how costly this can be to replace and is there any immediate danger driving the vehicle.

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Thursday, March 26th, 2009 AT 11:52 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

It should be repaired as soon as you can, especially if you notice noise while driving straight.

The CV joint will (eventually) get to the point that the ball bearings on the outer joint will start "cracking" and grinding, at this point there is the possibility the joint will sieze and lock the front wheel. This can cause loss of control.

Many auto parts stores sell remanufactured/new CV assemblies for under $100.

If you do it yourself, it can be pretty inexpensive, a shop will mark up the cost of the part and, or course, charge for labor.

This NEW CV axle for an '01 Malibu is $90: