I hear a clunking sound from my front wheel when I make a turn. What could be the problem?

One possible cause of the trouble is a worn axle. Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels. There is one for each front wheel. These axles are called constant velocity axles or CV axles for short. Owners with rear-wheel drive vehicles have axles that are in back and run between the differential and the rear wheels. Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles will have an axle at each wheel.

When a front CV axle goes bad, it will frequently make a clunking noise as you make a slow turn. When a rear axle goes bad, the clunking or moaning sound will be in the back. Now there really isn’t any preventive maintenance you can have performed to make your axles last longer, but you can have them inspected from time to time to see if a problem such as a leaking seal or torn protective boot has arisen. Sometimes finding the issue early will make the repair easier and less costly.

Of course, axles do wear out and need to be replaced. This is vital and should not be put off because a severely worn axle can seize up causing expensive damage to your transmission or other components. This could even lead to an accident for drivers who ignore a worn axle.

If you suspect an axle problem, have it looked at right away. Ask us if it’s time for a diagnostic examination of your axle.

Give Douglas Automotive Repair Inc a call today.

This entry was posted in Axle, Vehicle Maintenance and tagged Axle, Vehicle Maintenance