What causes a knocking sound in the front of a car when turning to the right?

Answer 1

AnswerI assume that you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle and that the noise comes from the left side when you are turning right. If so, your symptoms are indicating a possible CV Joint problem (Constant Velocity Joint). Upon inspection, you will likely need a new or rebuilt half-shaft. You need MORE than a new CV boot because the joint has lost all the grease and dirt has gotten inside.

If it's a single knock or pop, it can be the tie-rod ends. If it's continuous knocking, almost grinding, most likely it's the CV Joint. But to be sure, lift the front of the car on jacks and grab the wheel that's making the noise at the 12 and 6 positions and give it a strong wiggle back and forth. If it gives freely for any distance, it's the CV Joint. Grab it at the 9 and 3 positions and wiggle those back and forth. If it moves freely for even a fraction of an inch, your tie-rod ends need to be replaced. Do the same to the other wheel because you never know if that one has a problem that hasn't audibly manifested yet. I suggest replacing both sides of the axle's tie-rod ends since you're going to have to get them aligned anyway. Replace both inner and outer tie-rod ends too. It'll be a little more expensive, but then you're only doing one re-alignment, and you know that you didn't leave any old parts in there that could go bad quite quickly (costing you time and re-alignment later). Basically, if any part of a tie-rod end needs replacing, do them all for the axle, as they all are likely due for it if one goes out. Both the inner and outer tie-rod ends have joints that can go loose over time. If you've let your car go for many years, you could end up with bad CV Joints and bad tie-rod ends. It's rare that both go bad at the same time, but a thorough inspection is best to be sure. Accidents and strong impacts like giant potholes *can* damage both systems.