Car makes a tapping or clack clack clack only on turning drivers side

2016 TOYOTA COROLLA
115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TOYPACIFIC
  • MEMBER
  • 159 POSTS
When driving straight car sounds fine but when turning left or right there is a tapping noise on the drivers side. Once you make your wheel straight it will go away. I was thinking wheel bearing or perhaps CV outer shaft.. what's your take on it?

Just to recap, the car makes a tapping or clack clack clack only on turning drivers side
Aug 9, 2020 at 11:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MOTOR MASTER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 279 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello my name is Dave.

It sounds like the most likely culprit is the CV joint, I would advise taking it to a parking lot that has a reasonable amount of clear space and turning the wheel almost to lock and driving in both directions, if it clicks doing this you can be reasonably sure that replacing the axle will cure the problem. Please keep us up to date on your progress and thank you for using 2CarPros!
Aug 10, 2020 at 4:00 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good morning,

This sounds like the outer CV joint itself.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

The axle shaft will have to be replaced.. Once it starts making noise, there is nothing you can do to get rid of the noise.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Roy

PROCEDURE
REMOVE FRONT WHEELS
REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER LH
REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER RH
DRAIN CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSAXLE FLUID (for CVT)
Click here [ K313 (CVT): FRONT DIFFERENTIAL OIL SEAL: REPLACEMENT+ ]

DRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (for Automatic Transaxle)
Click here [ U341E (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE): VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY: REMOVAL+ ]

DRAIN MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL (for Manual Transaxle)
Click here [ EC65 MANUAL TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE: MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL: REPLACEMENT+ ]

REMOVE FRONT AXLE SHAFT NUT
Using SST and a hammer, release the staked part of the front axle shaft nut.

image
SST : 09930-00010

NOTICE:

Loosen the staked part of the front axle shaft nut completely, otherwise the threads of the drive shaft may be damaged.

While applying the brakes, remove the front axle shaft nut.
SEPARATE FRONT SPEED SENSOR
Click here [ AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL: FRONT AXLE HUB: REMOVAL+ ]

SEPARATE TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY
Click here [ STEERING GEAR / LINKAGE: STEERING GEAR: REMOVAL+ ]

SEPARATE FRONT STABILIZER LINK ASSEMBLY
Click here [ FRONT SUSPENSION: FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER: REMOVAL+ ]

SEPARATE FRONT LOWER NO. 1 SUSPENSION ARM SUB-ASSEMBLY
Click here [ AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL: FRONT AXLE HUB: REMOVAL+ ]

SEPARATE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
Click here [ AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL: FRONT AXLE HUB: REMOVAL+ ]

REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LH
Using SST, remove the front drive shaft assembly LH.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Aug 10, 2020 at 4:03 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Did you respond? I got an email but nothing came through.

Roy
Aug 10, 2020 at 5:18 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Still did not come through.

Try sending to my email. Roybelding@gmail.com

Roy
Aug 10, 2020 at 5:21 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.