Clicking Sound When Driving: Causes and Fixes

Have you ever been driving along Interstate 4 when suddenly you hear a strange clicking sound? You’re not alone. A lot of drivers hear sounds that they don’t expect, and the sounds can be anything from mildly annoying to seriously scary. These clicking noises shouldn’t be ignored because they often signal underlying issues that need attention. Keep reading to discover what those clicking sounds may be telling you about your Subaru or any vehicle you drive.

Understanding the Clicking Sound When Driving

Clicking noises can manifest in various ways, typically resembling distinct tapping or clicking sounds that repeat as your vehicle moves. These sounds may get louder as you go faster, or they may only happen when you do certain things, such as brake or turn. It’s important to investigate clicking sounds right away because small problems can quickly become big mechanical problems if they’re not fixed. Most clicking sounds are caused by moving parts that are wearing out or lacking proper lubrication. You need to fix these parts right away to maintain your vehicle’s performance and reliability.

Common Causes of Clicking Sounds in Cars

Listen closely if your car makes a clicking noise while driving. Those sounds could mean that something is wrong. Catching them early can save you from frustrating breakdowns and expensive repairs later on. Let’s explore the usual suspects for those annoying clicks so you can better understand what’s really going on under the hood or beneath your car.

Constant-Velocity Axle Damage

Constant-velocity (CV) joints connect the transmission to the wheels and help keep the ride smooth even when you turn. However, when these joints deteriorate or the protective boots tear, dirt can infiltrate and damage the internal bearings. You’ll usually hear a clicking noise when you turn, especially since the joints are working hard when the wheels are at an angle. The clicking tends to get louder as you go faster and becomes more noticeable during sharper turns.

Brake System Issues

When anti-rattle springs or other parts of the brake system get rusty or worn, they can make clicking sounds. These springs usually hold the brake pads in place. If they start to go haywire, the pads may move when you hit the brake pedal. Worn brake shims, which help keep things quiet between parts, can also cause clicking sounds when you brake.

Brake pads that aren’t installed correctly may also cause the issue — unsecured brake pads may shift and click. Worn-out calipers produce strange noises, too. They let the brake parts move around too much, which causes the weird clicking sound. That’s why regular brake checks are important.

Wheel Cover or Hub Cap Issues

Small components, such as hubcaps or wheel covers that aren’t tight enough, could be the source of the noise. Over time, these parts may break or fall off, especially if you hit a curb or pothole. You can hear the noise because the cover is spinning with the wheel and bumping into other parts. Tightening or replacing those wheel covers is usually a quick and easy job you can do yourself. If you ignore it, you may end up losing the cover altogether or even hurting the wheel if it starts to come off.

Engine-Related Concerns

Engine clicking can mean a bunch of different things, some minor and some serious. Insufficient oil pressure may lead to clicking sounds from parts such as the lifters due to a lack of lubrication. Loose timing chains can make a rhythmic clicking sound that matches the engine speed. You may also hear clicking if there’s an exhaust leak near the manifold. This is because the metal expands and contracts with heat. Clicks could also come from damaged spark plugs or problems with the fuel injectors.

Battery or Alternator Fault

There’s probably something wrong with your car’s electrical system if you hear a lot of clicking sounds. The issue may be caused by several things, but the biggest culprit is often a dead battery or an alternator that can’t keep it charged. Seeking assistance from a friend or family member to jump-start your car can sometimes resolve the issue. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call in a pro mechanic with the know-how and tools to sort it out.

Diagnosing the Source of the Clicking Sound

You should find out when and where that clicking sound comes from. Start by noticing if it pops up when you first start the engine. If it does, it may be a sign of something electrical, such as a weak battery or starter issues. If the clicking happens when you turn, especially when you make sharp turns at high speeds, the CV joints may be broken. If the sound gets louder as you speed up or stays the same when you accelerate, that could signal a potential problem with your drivetrain, or there may be some loose parts rattling around.

Do you hear a clicking sound when you apply the brakes? It’s likely related to the brake system. Paying close attention to when the sound occurs, along with any unusual vibrations or changes in how your car drives, can really help. This information will assist your mechanic in diagnosing the issue and getting it resolved for you as quickly as possible.

How To Fix the Clicking Noise

If your car is making clicking sounds, it’s a good idea to consult a mechanic. This step is really important for tricky stuff such as CV joints or engine parts. You can check for simple things such as loose hubcaps on your own, but leave the serious problems to the professionals.

Keeping up with your Subaru’s service schedule can help you stop those annoying noises. As a tip, try to dodge rough roads when you can and take care of minor issues early to prevent bigger headaches later.

Keep Your Subaru Running Smoothly at Sport Subaru South

Our skilled mechanics at Sport Subaru South in Orlando, Florida, can tell you what’s causing the pesky noise and fix it correctly. We always use genuine Subaru parts to make sure your vehicle keeps running smoothly for as long as possible.

Put an end to the clicking sounds by scheduling a service with us. Our service team wants to help you stay safe on the roads of Orlando and beyond. Book online or call us at 321-525-7511.

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