A "clacking" "tapping"sound
On Front Wheel Drives, when the CV Joint is going bad it will do this because the joint is not wearing out and when turned you get a clacking sound. I believe it is the CV joint opposite of the way you turn that is bad.
first off is the clacking noise when in park as well? if it is it may be a valve tap. you can research a valve tap it is common and usually not a huge problem right away.
To make an abrupt, sharp sound, as in the collision of two hard surfaces
It CAN be CV joints, but it depends on the sound.
a dog
I have the exact same question! It just flew around overhead - clicking and clacking! So strange! I'm in Northern Calif - Bay Area. It appeared to be light in color.
The popping sound is most likely caused by a problem with the suspension. The front strut spring is the most likely culprit.
Possibly a bad wheel bearing.
The Doppler effect causes this phenomenon. As the sound source moves towards the observer, the sound waves are compressed, resulting in a higher perceived pitch and frequency.
Bad CV joint, loose rim, Loose caliper
As its name suggests, it floats (or levitates) above the ground. Additionally, it has no traditional "rails" to make clacking sounds with.