Help tracking down a clicking wheel noise
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Help tracking down a clicking wheel noise
I have an 06 Z06. When turning the wheel to the right pretty sharply, the car makes a clicking sound. The tighter I turn and/or faster I go, the quicker the tick is. The tick seems to be coming from the front left wheel.
When the front is on jack stands, I cannot reproduce the problem. Yesterday, I checked (and tightened) both caliper clips that hold the padlets in place. I also changed sway bar end links but the clicking still persists.
Only other component I can think of is the wheel bearing but it was replaced about 6 months/6k miles ago after a front left collision.
Any ideas on what to go investigate would be appreciated.
When the front is on jack stands, I cannot reproduce the problem. Yesterday, I checked (and tightened) both caliper clips that hold the padlets in place. I also changed sway bar end links but the clicking still persists.
Only other component I can think of is the wheel bearing but it was replaced about 6 months/6k miles ago after a front left collision.
Any ideas on what to go investigate would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 237
From: Indianapolis IN
I was going to suggest wheel bearing. Its not uncommon for a newer wheel bearing to fail. Lots of things can go wrong. *during install
Have you tried jacking that side up and feeling if the bearing has any play in it?
Have you tried jacking that side up and feeling if the bearing has any play in it?
Last edited by User Omega; Sep 5, 2016 at 11:43 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 627
Likes: 110
Check the upper control arm bushings. I just replaced mine for the bushings coming out of the arms making a clicking noise when turning. The sway bar end links can also cause a clicking noise. A failed wheel bearing will be making a humming/rotational noise.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I have not tried shaking down the wheel - I tried that prior to the new bearing and thought it felt fine when doing that test but it ended up being bad. The bearing created more of a humming/vibration that got worse the faster you went (highway speeds usually)
The upper control arm bushing is a good idea that I don't think I ever would've thought of. I'll try to get under it today or tomorrow and investigate. Sounds like I should be able to diagnose it visually if it's seated properly or busted out/leaking grease?
The upper control arm bushing is a good idea that I don't think I ever would've thought of. I'll try to get under it today or tomorrow and investigate. Sounds like I should be able to diagnose it visually if it's seated properly or busted out/leaking grease?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 627
Likes: 110
I have not tried shaking down the wheel - I tried that prior to the new bearing and thought it felt fine when doing that test but it ended up being bad. The bearing created more of a humming/vibration that got worse the faster you went (highway speeds usually)
The upper control arm bushing is a good idea that I don't think I ever would've thought of. I'll try to get under it today or tomorrow and investigate. Sounds like I should be able to diagnose it visually if it's seated properly or busted out/leaking grease?
The upper control arm bushing is a good idea that I don't think I ever would've thought of. I'll try to get under it today or tomorrow and investigate. Sounds like I should be able to diagnose it visually if it's seated properly or busted out/leaking grease?
the bushing will be visibly pushed out.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
I'm pretty sure the noise you are hearing is coming from your rack and pinion. My car is also making that noise and it is coming from the left side where the rack and pinion is located. I'm going to be replacing it this week in hopes that it fixes the problem.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Originally Posted by ccraver82
I'm pretty sure the noise you are hearing is coming from your rack and pinion. My car is also making that noise and it is coming from the left side where the rack and pinion is located. I'm going to be replacing it this week in hopes that it fixes the problem.
Let me know if that takes care of your noise. If so, I'll drive up to the dealer and let them replace it again.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Bay Area CA
If I turned the steering wheel from left to right in a stationary position, I would hear a creaking noise coming from the front steering area. I removed the sway bar end links and turned left to right and it was still there. So that eliminated the sway bar end links. Then I tightened the rack and pinion steering bolts to the frame and all is quiet again.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Sep 13, 2016 at 11:44 PM.