clicking from front right, maybe?

[atm0sphere]

hi all..

so I'm bringing the car into the dealer on Monday but want to know if anyone has experience with this particular malady I'm experiencing.

when starting the car, it sounds fine, but once I shift into drive and let off the brake, it starts to click from (possibly) the front right of the car. it stops entirely after about 20mph, but it sounds like a loose bolt or something somewhere and that something is sliding in and out of place. same thing happens during braking from 20-0mph, and I MIGHT be getting slight feedback from the wheel from it, but I can't tell if that's a physical manifestation of my brain being scared or not.

anyways..brought it into the shop and the foreman didn't exactly have a sense of urgency so I scheduled a loaner for Monday instead of leaving it there and asking for a ride.

think it's safe to take out this weekend much? I don't know if I shouldn't be driving it. I'm also paranoid.

[Ilya]

Does the clicking change with speed from 0-20? Does it get faster?

If so, it's likely your bearing. See the FAQ thread in my signature to see what a bearing is and how it's replaced (might be able to save yourself some money if you have the know how as opposed to paying a dealer - especially if you're out of warranty).

[pedsemdoc]

Agree with Ilya, sounds like a wheel bearing.

Just replaced my front passenger one a few weeks ago.
Technically, not very difficult, especially if you've changed brake pads and rotors. Plus, the DIY in the How To & FAQs was very helpful.

Besides, it was going to be close to $600 (the part alone was like $230) to install it at the dealer.

However, some words of caution if you try to this DIY:
1. I broke off the head of the 10 mm wheel sensor bolt - it was all rusted and corroded.
So I spent an extra amount of time drilling it out and then drilling for a new one to replace it.

2. My hub was waaaay rusted in there....tons of penetrating oil and whacks from the hammer.
Finally had to get a pry bar in there to coax it out of there.
That took the longest amount of time.
Everything else was easy peasy.
I bought my new bearing off of Fleabay for like $160 shipped.

good luck with trying to figure out what's wrong.

Craig

[atm0sphere]

it's most prominent when the full body of the car is either going forward or backward.

for example..

1) cars in park
2) I put it in drive and let it move
3) I press the gas
4) it gets to 3-4mph and I hear a click, 5-6 I hear another, 8-9 one more, 14-15 another
5) 20mph, and no clicking. 50, none, 70, none
6) slowing down to 20 from 70, not a click
7) 20-18 click, 16-14 click, 14-12 click, click click CLICK CLICK CLICK.
8) stops with clicks, starts moving again with clicks from 4, and repeat.

edit: so is the verdict on this either drive ultra f*** carefully, or just keep it quiet this weekend and pray I make it to the dealer come Monday morning?

[Ilya]

It's fine to drive. And my guess is you can't hear it at 70 beause of the road noise. BUT, from 0-20, does it increase in speed as speed increases?

[rxmclaren7]

i had the same clicking issue and the dealer found it to be the front drive shaft!! 1100 bux later the clicking was gone!!

[atm0sphere]

it turns out there was something loose on the front right control arm, so they tightened it up.

I did get my brakes done, an alignment, my tires balanced/rotated, and an inspection with totaled me out to 600$.. figured I needed tons of stuff fixed anyway.

the winter (potholes..everywhere...) in NY had KILLED my M. however, after the service the car now both drives straight AND the brakes don't pulsate the whole car anymore!