The other night I was forced to drive through at least 8 inches of standing water. Since then I've had this noise..

When I turn left or right IN GEAR I'll hear a clicking sound coming from my right front. If I'm in neutral I don't hear the noise. My traction control has been on the fritz since I've had the car. (bought it used and the ***** dealer wouldnt fix it)

I did a general inspection of the car underneath and I couldnt see any split boots. I pulled the fuses for both the TCS and ABS, reset the computer and I still have the noise. It's a very loud non-symetrical CLICK CLICK. I'll admit this car is a bit above my range of skills - too many sensors.

I don't have the cash to dump at a dealer right now so I'm hoping for some suggestions. Thanks!

 

find a parking lot and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and drive in a circle very slowly, then do that same procedure to the right, if you hear a semi constant click noise then chances are it's your CV axles (you don't have any CEL on or anythign do you?) Does it make the noise if it's in gear and you revv the engine or only when you are moving/turning?

 

I have done that at my parking lot in work here. Got the clicking turning both ways. If the car isnt moving there's no noise at all. The axles were very rusted from what I saw when I was under there. Obviously they're the original ones and they have 87k on them. Still, makes me wonder what else may go wrong with this car. (it was in an accident that wasnt mentioned to me when I bought it) Carfax was clean. : /

 

it sounds like a CV joint problem.... is the sound only coming from one side? It's odd that it didn't start doing it until that puddle but perhaps that was enough to "jar" it, Does it make the noise when you drive straight or turning only? if it's only when you turn and seems to be from just one side then it probably is your CV Joint

 

From what I can tell it's coming from the passenger side. It's a loud noise that can definetly be heard outside. I've had busted boots/joints before on other vehicles and this is by far the loudest. lol

When going straight, I can hear a very faint "wrr wrr wrr" type of sound at low speeds. High speeds turning and straight the car sounds normal.

 

sounds like something dragging. take your wheel off after you set paring brake and jack up car. put car in Neutral and turn the wheel you suspect of making that noise.................

 

I didnt see anything dragging when I was under there this morning but it's worth a shot. Anything I should be listening for out of the ordinary?

I know that if I can wiggle the wheel around the bearings are shot. I didnt think to do that either. Never heard bearings make the noises coming out of my front end though. lol

Thanks for the help guys I appreciate it. Keep 'em coming if you can think of anything.

 

bearings make more of a growling noise and it changes pitch as you slowly turn the wheels either slightly left or right...... while driving at highway speeds

 

it sounds like that axle needs to be replaced. its an easy job.

 

I dont suppose you have a link on how to do it? [sm=smiley20.gif]