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Cars can make a lot of sounds, but a clicking noise when braking and turning is a noticeable one. It’s also one that you shouldn’t ignore. You might hear a clicking sound when braking for various reasons.
Being aware of when these potential issues could occur can help you prepare if this happens to you. At JEGS, we pride ourselves on helping our customers manage car problems that could arise. So, below, we offer some tips for handling noise when pressing the brake pedal while you turn.
Why Do My Brakes Make Clicking Sounds When I Change Directions?
A clicking sound when braking and turning can be very alarming. For this situation, it’s best to know what to watch for so you can plan how to handle the issue if it happens to you.
Here are some common reasons as to why you may hear a clicking noise when braking:
- Unsecured hubcap - The issue could be as simple as a loose hubcap. If you drive your car with a hubcap that isn’t on tight, it can cause a clicking sound as you drive and turn your vehicle. Fortunately, the fix for this is as straightforward as tightening the hubcap.
- Worn tie rod - Tie rods help you maintain control of your vehicle’s wheel. If they are worn, they can cause a popping sound when you turn and brake. A worn tie rod can be hazardous as it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You can check between your car’s two front feels to see if the tie rod is worn if you suspect this to be the problem.
- Bad CV joints - Constant Velocity or CV joints are integral to keeping your car’s wheel and suspension in line. These joints are at the end of drive shafts and join them to the transmission. If these joints are damaged, it can adversely impact your steering.
- A loose drive belt or tensioner - The tensioner ensures that the drive belt, which connects crucial parts like the air conditioner and power steering to the crankshaft, is tight. If the drive belt fails or is not tight enough, it can cause a clicking or popping noise when turning and braking. A loose drive belt can cause significant malfunctions to your car, so be sure to check for this part if you hear a clicking noise when braking.
- Irregularly inflated tires - Tires that are not inflated at the same and correct size could also cause a popping noise when changing direction. Much like the hubcap, this is an easy situation to fix. You can solve this by simply inflating each tire to the correct level.
- Untightened brake pads - Another reason you may be hearing a clicking noise when braking is that your brake pads are not properly making contact between the brake rotor and caliper. This can cause the brake pads to move when you apply pressure to the brakes.
- Faulty struts - Struts help your vehicle absorb the shocks they experience throughout your ride. When your struts are not operating correctly, you can hear a clicking sound when braking during your turns. Struts are a critical portion of your suspension system. It is the backbone of your car. So, ensure that you’re keeping an eye on this area if you hear noise while turning.
- Debris in your wheel and caliper area - If you’ve traveled over gravel or on a dirt road, it’s possible that debris could have made its way into the space between your wheel and brake caliper. This occurrence could also cause you to hear a noise when pressing the brake pedal.
You may hear a clicking sound when braking during your turns for many reasons. Each issue requires its own unique fix. The issue could be a simple one to solve or a more complex one requiring an experienced mechanic’s help. Either way, it’s essential not to ignore a clicking or popping sound if you hear it.
How Do I Fix the Clicking Sound?
The method you’ll use to fix the clicking sound will depend on the underlying problem. That’s what’s so important about knowing what to look for when diagnosing the problem of hearing a noise when pressing the brake pedal.
First, it’s crucial to determine what the problem is. The fix for a loose hubcap is much easier and less expensive than repairing CV joints. So, make a point to check areas where these problems are commonly known to occur. For example, you’ll want to keep an eye on the steering and wheel system for things like the tie rod or caliper.
Alternatively, the tires may be another location to check, particularly for issues like under or overinflation. Therefore, take the time to look at your vehicle and inspect where the potential problem could be. Then, determine if the issue is something you can fix or if you need help or insight from an experienced mechanic.
Should I Stop Driving My Car If This Happens?
When you initially hear a noise when pressing the brake pedal while turning, it’s hard to know immediately what is causing the issue. As a result, it’s crucial to always stop driving if you hear your brakes cracking or popping when you turn.
Not only can this be unsafe since your braking system could be compromised, but it can also worsen the issue over time. Always ensure you park your car if you hear a clicking sound when braking.
Let Us Help You Find the Fix for Your Clicking While Braking
Whether you want to fix the issue yourself or find aftermarket products for an experienced mechanic to use during the repair, we believe in having exceptional and high-quality products in stock that won’t break the bank.
Our online store has various parts to consider, from brake rotors to brake pads and calipers. You can find the products you need to solve the cracking sound while braking. For a look at our braking products, take a look at what we have in stock. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our help center if you need assistance in determining what you need.
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