Causes For Ticking Noise From Car Wheel And Solutions

Diagnosing a clicking or a grinding sound from the wheels can be a tricky one. A road test can determine the sound that’s being emitted. Before you take the vehicle on a road test, you would need to know more about the problem. A ticking noise from car wheel can be due to a variety of reasons and it is important to understand them.

In this article, we will dive deep into the problem and firn some solutions for it.

Reasons For Ticking Noise From Car Wheel And Solutions

As with all unusual noises from your car, clicking and popping from the wheel can be a variety of reasons, here are the top 5 reasons and there solutions-

1. Damaged Or Torn CV Joint

The most common cause of a clicking sound coming from the wheels is a damaged or worn-out CV joint. The CV joint acts as the wrist of your vehicle’s steering system. It provides the axle the flexibility it needs as the wheels and suspension movement. When it becomes damaged, the axle loses its flexibility and will make a constant clicking noise when the wheels are turned.

Options To Deal With A Damaged CV Joint

The joint is packed with grease to keep the joint lubricated. If only the grease has leaked out, then service the CV joint boot and you are good to go. If the CV joint has damaged due to the metal-to-metal contact, then get it replaced. You can also go with a cheaper remanufactured unit. 

2. Tyre Thread Filled With Stones

The simple answer is that a stone will move about as the tire turns and as the stone hits the ground it will not only dig its way into the tire tread, also make a ticking noise. Most stones are ejected automatically but some manage to stay in the tread. The longer they are in the tread the more potential damage is caused. If you are unlucky enough, it can cause the destruction of the tire.

How To Deal With A Stone-Filled Tire?

Dig the tire tread using a tire thread stone remover tool. Please be careful and do not use any metal items, or else you run the risk of damaging your tires. Wedge the plastic tool between the pebble and the tread wall. Wiggle the remover tool until the pebble emerges from the tread. In most cases, they come out automatically.

3. Suspension Struts Gone Bad 

The struts are an important part of your suspension system. They act as shock absorbers with spring coils, and they help the suspension absorb the impact of the road. They are filled with liquid or gas, and a piston. When the struts are damaged or stuck, the suspension is unable to absorb most of the road’s impact, and the car will produce ticking noise. 

Procedures To Deal With Bad Struts

Sometimes buying struts or shocks for your car can be pretty confusing as there are tons of options available nowadays. You can go for OEM suspension service kits, or you can use this opportunity to upgrade the suspension of your vehicle and go for performance mods. 

4. Loose Drive Belt Or Drive Belt Tensioner

The drive belt helps run your alternator, air conditioning, and power steering through the crankshaft, which ultimately powers these components. The job of the drive belt tensioner is to keep the drive belt straight and tight. So that it efficiently does its job. If either of these becomes loose, the drive belt can tap against the car and make a loud noise, making it seem like a ticking noise from car wheel.

Drive Belt System Service Procedure

Mechanics will normally check the belt to ensure no significant damage has occurred. Repairing worn or damaged belts isn’t possible,  You’ll need to replace the belt rather than attempt to repair it. While replacing, make sure the old and new belts up next to each other to make sure they are the same length and width. Use a good quality belt tensioner while replacing.

5. Car Body Rattles

Sometimes the problem is not that grave and it can be something as simple as a loose car component. They generally produce a ticking noise and it can fool you into thinking that it is coming from the car tire. They are not serious in nature but if the noise is coming from the engine bay, then it can be an early indication of a big problem.

General Fixes For Body Rattles

You should take a good test drive over a bumpy road in order to find out the real source of the noise. After you have identified the source of the rattle, you should get the loose component replaced or if it has worn out, then get a new replacement for the job. If the noise is coming from the engine compartment, then do not delay the job.

How To Diagnose The Source Of Ticking Noise?

A mechanic will likely check your wheels and tires first with a lengthy test drive of your vehicle. In order to make sure there isn’t a major problem causing the ticking noise from car wheel that you’re hearing. Next, the mechanic will check out the steering linkage and suspension, as that is likely where the problem is coming from. If there is an issue with the struts, CV joints, or another steering or suspension component, a replacement will be needed.

How Much Will It Cost Me To Fix Ticking Sound?

Generally, if the whole suspension system is involved, then a proper suspension job will cost you around 500$. It can stretch up to 1000$ in the case of an expensive car. Dealing with CV joints will cost in the range of 300-500$. Other general maintenance should not cost you more than 100$. lastly, if the drive belt system is involved, then you can expect a bill of 200$.

Conclusion

So it can be concluded that the ticking noise from car wheel is not a major problem and should not cause you much trouble. However, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. If you still have any questions, then comment down below. 

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