Letters: Clicking sound could be worn CV joint

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Updated: October 4, 2011 11:22AM

Q: My 1995 Toyota Corolla (160,000 miles) makes a repetitive clicking sound when driving slowly with the steering wheel turned sharply to the right. The noise goes away if I stop moving or straighten the steering wheel. Also, I don’t hear the noise when making left turns. What could be causing this? I checked all the suspension and steering components and they appear to be good. – C.S., Chicago

A: Sounds like a worn constant velocity joint in one of your front axles. There are a total of four CV joints on front-wheel-drive vehicles, two on each axle (also known as half-shaft). Because of the high mileage, I would recommend replacing the entire shaft, though, instead of just the faulty CV joint. You could replace the one bad CV joint and then have the other CV joint fail down the road. A rebuilt shaft costs just a little more than a replacement CV joint but the labor is actually less to replace the shaft. That’s because changing the CV joint first requires removal of the shaft.

Q: The brake pedal and steering wheel in my 1989 Chevrolet Astro Van (180,000 miles) recently started to vibrate when coming to a stop. A neighbor said the van probably needed new brakes and he helped me replace the pads. After replacing the pads the problem is still there. What else could be wrong? – V.S., Burbank

A: The vibration is likely due to front brake rotors that are warped or have excessive run-out. You’ll need to have the rotors measured to see if there’s enough material on them to machine them true again or you’ll need to replace them. Don’t forget to inspect and service the front wheel bearings, too.

Q: My 1993 Plymouth Voyager (140,000 miles) with the 3.0-liter V-6 engine runs OK but the mileage seems to have dropped significantly lately. Figuring it might be time for a tune-up, I changed the spark plugs, fuel filter and air filter. The mileage improved slightly, but it’s still not as good as I got earlier this summer. Do you have any ideas? – R.B., Calumet City

A: Have you added any heavy items to the vehicle recently? Are the tires properly inflated? Low tire pressures increase a vehicle’s rolling resistance, causing a decrease in fuel economy. Also, properly aligned wheels not only enhance the ride and prolong tire life, but help reduce rolling resistance, too. Dragging or misadjusted brakes could decrease fuel economy.

Aside from those things, have the engine inspected to be sure there are no vacuum leaks. The EGR valve should be checked, too. An EGR valve that isn’t fully seating could cause a decrease in fuel economy. So could worn or damaged fuel injectors.

Q: The light for the gearshift indicator in my 1996 Toyota Corolla burned out. I’m wondering if this is something I can change myself. Or is this a big job? – J.E., Mokena

A: Bulb replacement is usually fairly simple. The shift indicator bulb in your Corolla, though, requires the removal of the trim around the shifter and it might be challenging for a novice.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Advisor Hotline at (708) 633-6839 or e-mail autoadvisor.irasiegel@gmail.com. Siegel is an automotive instructor and an automotive service excellence-certified master auto technician.