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DawnWales

My car is a Mazda 121. When turning left on a corner (45 degree) there is a clicking sound. This has been happening for a little while. In the weekend, I was turning out of a round a bout and nearly spun the car. I thought maybe my wheels need replacing, but when I looked at them, yes they are worn, but I don't think enough to warrant changing. Do you think it could be wheel aliment, tyres, or something in the steering. No sure if to book car in for new tyres, ailment, or into a car mechanics.

jbiddle

The clicking noise sounds like wear in the constant velocity (CV) joint. The CV joint is part of the drive-line assembly which connects the transmission to the road wheels (in this case the front wheels) and still allow the steering to operate.

The joints (one on each side) develop normal wear over time or in some cases the protective rubber boot covering the joint can tear and allow water and road grim to enter the joint which will create premature wear.

The clicking noise is the result of excessive wear in the joint.

I’m not sure why the car would have nearly spun out apart from driving on a wet or slippery road surface. If it was connected to the CV joint you would have felt a problem with the steering (almost a lock-up situation).

Either way take the car to your mechanic, CV joint repairs have been a bread and butter job for garages for many years.

Repair methods can vary between fitting reconditioned or new joints and in some cases the existing joint cleaned and repacked with a special grease.

A good road test should highlight any other issues which may have caused the car to react the way it did.