Why does my Subaru make a clicking sound when I turn left?

A left-turning click in a Subaru is most often caused by a worn or damaged left outer CV joint on the front axle, but steering, brake, suspension, and drivetrain components can also produce similar sounds. This article explains the likely causes, how to diagnose them, and when to seek professional help.

Common causes

In Subaru all‑wheel‑drive configurations, turning left puts load on the left‑side drive components. The most common source of a turning click is the left CV joint or the left axle, but several other parts can cause a similar sound.

• Left outer CV joint or inner CV joint damage, often due to a torn or leaking CV boot that lets dirt in and grease out.


• Worn or loose left-side steering linkage, such as a worn tie rod end or a worn steering rack component.


• Left wheel hub bearing wear or damage (bearings typically cause a rumble or grind, but a degraded bearing can produce a click in some situations).


• Sticking or seized left brake caliper or dragging brake hardware that briefly clicks as the wheel turns and the caliper releases.


• Left-side suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints, struts) that transmit a click when loaded during a turn.


• Drivetrain or center differential issues in some AWD Subarus, which can produce intermittent clicking under load in turns.

Not every clicking sound indicates a dangerous problem, but persistent or escalating noises warrant inspection, especially on AWD Subarus where left-side components carry significant load during turns.

CV joints and left-side components in practice

For many drivers, the most plausible culprit is the left outer CV joint on the front axle. A damaged joint can click as it flexes in a turn, and a torn boot often accompanies the noise. Worn steering linkages or binding brakes can also mimic or compound the sound, so a careful check of multiple components is advisable.

Diagnostics and what to check

To identify the source, perform a few checks and observations. The steps below guide you through home checks that can point to CV joints, steering, brakes, or suspension before you visit a shop.

1. Reproduce safely: On a quiet road, slowly turn left and listen for when the click occurs. Note speed, steering angle, and road surface.


2. Inspect CV boots: With the wheels turned and the wheel removed if possible, look for torn or cracked left CV boot and any grease leakage around the joint.


3. Check for grease leakage: A torn CV boot often leaks grease; if you see grease near the joint or in the wheel well, this is a red flag.


4. Check steering linkages: Inspect the left tie rod end and ball joints for play, looseness, or visible damage.


5. Inspect the left wheel hub and bearing: Gently rock or wiggle the wheel while the car is supported to feel for roughness or vertical/horizontal play that indicates bearing wear.


6. Observe brakes: Check for a sticking caliper or unusual brake pad wear; noise that coincides with turning and not just braking can point to brake hardware.


7. Consider drivetrain symptoms: If the noise changes with speed or grip, or occurs under acceleration/deceleration, a drivetrain or differential issue may be involved and require professional testing.

Because many issues involve components that require lifting the vehicle or removing parts, a professional inspection is recommended if you cannot safely reproduce the symptom, or if the noise persists or worsens.

When to seek professional help

Seek service if the noise persists, if you notice vibrations, grinding, or grease around the left wheel area, or if a workshop identifies torn CV boots, worn CV joints, or braking or steering defects. A qualified technician can diagnose CV joints, axles, steering components, wheel bearings, and brakes, and recommend replacement or repair.

Continuing to drive a vehicle with a suspected CV joint or wheel bearing issue can lead to sudden failure and loss of control, especially in an AWD Subaru. A prompt diagnostic is wise.

Summary

In many Subarus, a clicking sound when turning left points to the left outer CV joint or left-side axle as the primary suspect, but steering linkages, brakes, suspension, and even the center differential can cause similar noises. A combination of visual checks (CV boots, boots integrity, and steering/suspension components) and a professional diagnostic will identify the exact cause and guide the proper repair.

Why does my Subaru make a clicking sound when I turn?

A clicking noise in a Subaru when turning is most commonly caused by a failing Constant Velocity (CV) axle, specifically a worn or damaged CV joint. Other potential causes include a faulty impact sensor, issues with the center differential (viscous coupling), or, less commonly, other steering, suspension, or brake problems. You should have a mechanic diagnose the issue to determine the exact cause and correct repair. 
Common causes

• Worn CV axle: This is the most frequent cause. When the outer CV joint wears out, it can produce a rhythmic clicking or popping sound when turning. 
  • Why it happens: The protective boot on the CV joint can crack, allowing grease to escape and dirt to get in, which damages the joint over time. 
• Impact sensor: On some Subaru models, a faulty impact sensor can cause a popping or clicking noise. This is sometimes a known issue and may be covered under warranty, notes this Facebook post. 
• Center differential (viscous coupling): A problem with the viscous coupling in the center differential can cause a clicking or knocking noise when turning, particularly at low speeds. 

Less common causes

• Loose brake pad: A clicking sound, especially when driving slowly or braking, can indicate a loose brake pad. 
• Steering or suspension issues: While less likely to cause a clicking noise specifically when turning, other worn steering or suspension components could be a factor. 
• Wheel bearing: A failing wheel bearing usually creates a humming or grinding noise that worsens with speed, not a clicking noise, notes Reddit users. 

What to do

1. Consult a mechanic: It's important to have a qualified mechanic diagnose the problem to ensure it's not a serious safety issue. A clicking noise can indicate a failing CV axle that could potentially break, leading to a loss of control. 
2. Provide details: When you take it in, describe the sound in detail. Note if it happens when turning left, right, or both, and if it changes with speed. 
3. Ask about CV axles: Ask the mechanic to inspect the CV axles and their protective boots for any cracks or damage. 

0:03Knocking noise when turning : r/subaruRedditshowmethelettuce · 10mo 0:112024 Subaru Forester Popping Sound When Turning Wheel (at low ...Redditdog_dev3 · 4mo 0:13What is this sound when turning hard left? : r/subaruRedditjohnnypancakes49 · 1y 0:13Knocking noise occurs when turning slowly, what is it? : r/subaruRedditNookage · 3y 0:19Clicking noise from indicator/ steering column. 2017 Forester : r ...RedditNoPop6106 · 1y 0:12Clicking noise when turning left in Subaru : r/AskMechanicsRedditSargon54 · 1y 0:492013 Subaru outback making weird clicking noises after turning off the ...RedditSubstantialandStable · 2y (function(){
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How long do Subaru CV joints last?

80,000 to 100,000 miles
The lifespan of your CV axle is typically fairly long, withstanding 80,000 to 100,000 miles under regular driving conditions. If you begin hearing a loud, rhythmic clicking noise as you turn, it's a good sign the axle is failing.

How to fix clicking CV joint?

To fix a clicking noise from a CV axle, you must replace the entire axle assembly, as a clicking sound indicates the CV joint is worn out from a torn boot or normal wear. While some people attempt to replace just the boot and grease, this is not a reliable fix once clicking starts, because the joint's inner components (ball bearings and races) are likely damaged and will not last. The most effective and time-saving solution is to replace the entire assembly, which is often the most cost-effective approach as well. 
Why the CV axle is clicking

• A clicking noise, especially during turns, is almost always caused by a worn outer CV joint. 
• The CV joint's protective boot can tear, allowing dirt, water, and grit to enter and contaminate the grease. 
• This contamination causes the ball bearings and sockets to wear out and develop play, leading to the clicking or popping sound. 
• Once clicking starts, the joint's internal components are damaged and a simple boot replacement is not a sufficient fix. 

How to fix the clicking noise

1. Replace the entire CV axle assembly: This is the recommended and most reliable solution.
   • DIY: You will need to jack up the car, remove the wheel, and disconnect several other components like the tie rod and strut to get to the axle. This YouTube video demonstrates the process.
   • Professional: A mechanic can perform the replacement for you. The cost is generally a combination of parts and labor.
2. What to expect after replacement:
   • The new CV axle assembly comes with new joints, boots, and grease, which ensures a lasting fix.
   • You may need to check the transmission fluid level and top it off after the new axle is installed, as some fluid can drip out during removal. 

Why is my car making a clicking sound when I turn left?

A clicking noise when turning left is most commonly caused by a worn-out CV (constant velocity) joint, but could also be a problem with a wheel bearing, suspension component like a ball joint, loose lug nuts, or brake issues. It's important to have this checked by a mechanic, especially if the sound is loud or rhythmic, to prevent a potential breakdown or accident. 
Common causes

• Worn CV joints: This is the most frequent cause. CV joints transfer power from the transmission to the wheels, and as they wear out, they can make a clicking or popping sound, especially when turning. 
• Wheel bearings: A bad wheel bearing can cause a clicking or grinding noise that may change with speed. Unlike a CV joint that clicks during a turn, a bad bearing often produces a growling sound that gets louder as you drive faster. 
• Suspension and steering issues: Worn-out components like ball joints, tie rods, or sway bar links can cause clicking or popping sounds when they have too much play. 
• Loose lug nuts: If the lug nuts holding the wheel on are loose, the wheel can shift slightly when turning, causing a clicking or clunking noise. This is a serious safety hazard and can lead to the wheel detaching, so it should be checked immediately. 
• Brake problems: Worn-out or loose brake pads, or a foreign object stuck behind the brake rotor, can cause a clicking sound when turning. 

What to do

1. Get a professional inspection: Since several issues can cause this noise, a mechanic can perform a thorough inspection to diagnose the exact problem. 
2. Inspect the CV joint boot: Check the rubber boot around the CV joint for tears or a leak of grease. A damaged boot can indicate a failing joint. 
3. Check for other symptoms: Note if the noise changes with speed or if you feel any vibrations, which can help pinpoint the issue. 
4. Do not ignore the sound: A clicking noise is a warning sign that a part is wearing out. Driving with a failed CV joint, wheel bearing, or loose lug nuts can be dangerous and lead to a loss of control.