This is a subtitle for your new post

Mechanic inspecting brakes and suspension during service at Jamie's Tire & Service

Understanding Suspension Noise on Your Vehicle and How to Fix It in Dayton, Ohio

Have you ever heard a clicking or popping sound when turning sharply in your vehicle? Has it gotten worse over time? If so, noises like these can be signs of suspension, steering, or drivetrain parts that have worn out or broken. A well-maintained suspension system should operate quietly, free of bumps, grinds, or unusual noises, but these parts and bushings wear out as you put miles on your vehicle. Especially with Dayton road conditions like potholes, excessive wear and tear can cause parts to fail early. If you’re hearing noises when you turn, today we’re going to look at three common sources and how to fix them. If you’re unsure about your suspension and want professional mechanic help, Jamie’s Tire & Service is here for you!

Our Most Common Culprit for Noise When Turning: CV Axles

What the CV Axle Does on Your Car and How They Break

CV (Constant Velocity) axles transfer power from the engine to your wheels via the transmission. Unlike a solid axle, CV axles allow for turning while still delivering power to the wheels. There are two joints on CV axles that allow for changes in direction. These joints are sturdy, but wear out with time. They require lubrication from grease encased in a rubber boot. The most common cause of failure we see is that these rubber boots break, allowing grease to escape and cause excessive wear on the moving parts of the axle. Once the boot tears, we typically recommend replacing the entire CV axle, but sometimes you can replace the boot itself.

Symptoms of Worn Out CV Axles

What noise does a broken CV Axle Make?

The first sign a CV axle is wearing out is a rhythmic clicking noise, normally tied to the speed of the vehicle. When you speed up, the clicking increases, and when you slow down, it slows as well. This noise tends to get progressively worse over time, becoming louder and more pronounced as the CV axle deteriorates. When the axle finally breaks, they can pop out of their slot in the transmission completely or snap, leaving you with no power to the wheel.

Visual Signs of a Worn CV Axle

Another common sign of worn CV axles is grease splattered around the ends of the axle. When axle boots tear or wear out, the axle flings grease around the engine bay and suspension of the car. This grease can get on the body of the car, as well as on components like the brakes. If you see grease buildup under your car, especially when paired with clicking noises, it’s important to have your drivetrain and suspension checked.

How to Fix Broken CV Axles

The best way to deal with a worn or broken CV axle is to replace it. This often requires removing the steering knuckle to allow space to remove the axle, as well as an alignment after the mechanic completes the installation. Most of these jobs take several hours to complete, but each make and model is different.

Other noises to check for in your suspension

Whining noise when turning

Whining noises when turning are another common symptom of broken suspension and steering parts. While this is typically coming from the same area as a worn CV axle, whining noises are most commonly associated with power steering. Low power steering fluid can cause the hydraulic pump to make noise. While we recommend checking into these noises immediately, they typically come from a different system than the CV axles.

Single popping noise when turning

Another suspension noise when turning we often hear is a single pop. Unlike the rhythmic popping, single popping is most commonly caused by other worn suspension, like ball joints or tie rods. Single popping noises when turning or going over bumps should be taken to the shop immediately to be inspected, as ball joints and other components can give out suddenly and become unsafe.

Why do CV Axles wear out in Dayton?

Drivers in Dayton experience CV axel and suspension damage more often than vehicle owners in other areas, primarily because of the condition of the roads. The freeze-thaw cycle every winter creates potholes that put additional stress on steering and suspension. CV axles do not have a specified service or replacement interval, and may last for the life of the car, but still break with normal wear and tear. Inspecting them regularly is the best way to catch problems before they grow into bigger issues.

Hearing a click when you turn? Call Jamie’s Tire & Service!

If you hear the rhythmic clicking described here, or any other suspension noises that seem unusual, call the pros at Jamie’s Tire & Service. Our 7 auto repair centers are conveniently located near major freeways like i70, i675, and i75, so whether you live in Fairborn, Kettering, or Dayton, there’s a Jamie’s Tire & Service near you! Jamie’s Tire & Service is the largest locally owned mechanic shop chain in Dayton, and we’d love to show you why thousands of customers trust our team for their auto repair needs every year!

Call or schedule a visit at one of our Ohio locations: