Rick’s (and others) inputs are worth the price of admission here alone.
Car in question: 1998 ford escort, 150k miles (yes, I really really need to buy a new car)
Symptoms: Kind of a clinking metallic sound when making right turns coming from the area of the driver side tire
History: 2 months ago I had all my tires replaced. Around the same time/shortly thereafter, I heard the clinking metallic sound. It got progressively worse, and at times it was a big-ass clunking sound once in a while. The last few weeks it’s kind of gone away, with just occasional clinking sounds.
I should take this in to someone to figure out what it is, but with it kind of going away I fear I’ll be too lazy to do this.
Clicking noises from a wheel can be a couple of things. [ul]
[li]Loose lug nuts that allow the wheel to flex[/li][li]Brake pads that don’t quite fit the caliper (generally a loud click when reversing direction)[/li][li]A constant velocity joint going bad on the drive axle.[/li][/ul]
It is probably number 3. I threw 1 and 2 in for completeness. Have it checked out, It can get ugly if you ignore it.
The constant velocity joint is what allows the axle to transmit power as the suspension moves up and down.
Here is a Wiki link with a cool animation that shows how they work. Here is a picture of a tripod joint
And lastly, Here is a good article on CV joints and how they fail.
No that those aren’t possibilities. but it sounds to me like his wheel alignment is out. Should always have that checked when you change front tyres, especially on older cars.
That would explain it being apparent when cornering. Unless things have failed through corrosion (possible on a car that old), it’s just a simple adjustment by a mechanic.
:dubious: In 40+ years in the auto repair business I have never seen a car where a clicking noise was caused by bad wheel alignment. I have seen cars where the alignment was out so far, the tire squealed as it scrubbed the rubber off of it. No click.
Oh OG, not the underpants gnomes. Those are the worst.
zuma exactly what you told us. Cost? Frankly I am not sure. I don’t know if it will require an entire axle or if just the joint can be replaced. You could try calling a few shops and asking for a ball park figure for a front axle replacement for your car.
Welcome to the dope Sub Judice don’t sweat it, we all make mistakes. Has been pointed out evil pixies can be ruled out. You also cannot overlook demonic possession. have you ever tried to do an exorcism on a Ford? Not a pretty sight, I can assure you.
That is one of the big problems with the SDMB. We have real life experts in everything from auto mechanics to rocket scientists. Everybody that has been here more than three weeks has been corrected by an expert. And yes even the Brits get corrected.
Haven’t we all. I think you will fit in just fine here.
Pull up a chair and check out the various forums. I hope you will stay with us.
Rick
