Clicking noise coming from front wheel

Tiny
M4XIMILI4N
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BMW 118I
  • 1.6L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 28,000 MILES
When I suddenly (firmly) turn the steering wheel just about ten degrees left or right when stationary, there's a small clicking noise coming apparently from the front wheels. There's no noise when the steering wheel is turned softly. No noise when 360 turning. No noise when in movement. I just had the car checked by a local garage. They lifted it and everything and said all good with suspensions and any mechanical component. Any idea of what it could be? Could it be normal to have this kind of noise?
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 2:54 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This is probably a worn out CV joint on your front axle. A CV joint (Constant Velocity) is a ball and socket joint on your front axles like a hip or shoulder joint on your body. What happens it it has a protective boot covering it and if the boot gets ripped it will allow sand and gravel to get into it. Over time the contamination will wear out the socket and as you turn your steering wheel the ball end will roll on itself making the distinctive "popping" noise that you hear. I have included a few links for you to go to down below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cv-joint-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
M4XIMILI4N
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Thank you for the quick answer. I have one question though. This is a rear wheel drive car. Aren't CV joints usually mounted on active wheels? In this case, wouldn't they be on the rear wheels?
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey M4XIMILI4N,

You are right on this vehicle if it is the rear wheel drive version there are no CV shafts on the front.

I would advise you need to try and locate the noise by putting the car on a drive on hoist and operating the steering to make the noise whilst trying to pinpoint the source. You will not be able to do this on a two post hoist where the wheels are hanging.

The noise may be coming from the steering column, so also check for noise on the interior of the vehicle if you can't find the source from underneath.

Check that the front wheel bots are tightened to spec (120NM) if the previous shop did not do so. I also advise checking that the bolts that hold the steering rack are tight.

Let us know if you can narrow down the source of the noise from testing on a drive on hoist.

Hope that helps.

Regards, Joe
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
M4XIMILI4N
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Update:
Thank you all for the replies. Just had the car checked. Nothing wrong with suspensions etc. The light clicking noise can be heard only when pulling the wheel on one side and releasing it when stationary. Once it centers back, there's a light click. Was told the sound is normal as comes from the steering column re-centering. Maybe i'm paranoid. Thanks anyways.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey M4XIMILI4N,

It is very possible that this noise is normal for your vehicle.

If there is no play and is not getting any worse I would advise monitoring it.

With the vehicle being out of warranty I don't think pursuing it further will be worth your time/money.

I can't see any TSB's (technical service bulletins) for your vehicle but it is worth dropping into a BMW dealer to ask if it is a common issue/if they have a fix.

It should not cost anything for them to advise you on this.

Hope this helps, all the best.

Regards, Joe
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
M4XIMILI4N
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks Joe,
Will probably get it to the main dealer and get it checked for a piece of mind. I actually have a warranty for this car, so it wouldn't be an issue.

Regards,
Max
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
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Hey m4ximili4n,

I think the new car warranty would cover this but a lot of used car warranties may not.

Definitely worth running it by the dealer but make sure it is covered before they start getting too deep into it. Like I said just to get someone to look at it and check if there are any TSB's or known issues should be cheap/free.

Best of luck, let us know if you do find anything. It will help others with the same issue.

Regards, Joe
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 2:34 PM

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