thumping sound when turning at low speeds...what is it?

I just noticed a thumping sound when turning at low speeds. From what i have read, i understand that it could be CV joints, but how can I check? The alignment seems a little off too (the car goes a little to the left when i let go, and straight ahead coresponds to a slightly turned steering wheel.) What should I check first? Alignment? Tire rotation? Power Steering? Any help is appreciated!

Has anyone encountered a problem like this?

I just noticed a thumping sound when turning at low speeds. From what i have read, i understand that it could be CV joints, but how can I check? The alignment seems a little off too (the car goes a little to the left when i let go, and straight ahead coresponds to a slightly turned steering wheel.) What should I check first? Alignment? Tire rotation? Power Steering? Any help is appreciated!


Worn joint noise is not typically speed dependent: always while turning at same angle, does not affect steering. More possibly bearings.

Check alignment, all joints, bearings. Take wheels up and try out for play.

Alignment is done only after all joints/bearings have been checked/repaired.

DIY alignment examples: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/18

The noise does occur when turning the wheel while stopped. I don't know if this matters or not.

I looked at both the left and right side this time, and i can tell that the left side is ok. The CV boot looks to be in the right place. However, the right side is 1/2 inch to 1 inch seperated from where it connects to the wheel. When looking closely i see grease (chunky black stuff) covering around the CV boot. I also had a friend sit in the car and turn the wheel. Listening under the hood, left wheel well and right wheel well, the noise is most noticable on the right side. So, from all this is the right CV joint bad (there is 1 per side right?) ? Or is just the boot need to be replaced? Thanks in advance!

I looked at both the left and right side this time, and i can tell that the left side is ok. The CV boot looks to be in the right place. However, the right side is 1/2 inch to 1 inch seperated from where it connects to the wheel. When looking closely i see grease (chunky black stuff) covering around the CV boot. I also had a friend sit in the car and turn the wheel. Listening under the hood, left wheel well and right wheel well, the noise is most noticable on the right side. So, from all this is the right CV joint bad (there is 1 per side right?) ? Or is just the boot need to be replaced? Thanks in advance!


One per side. If its noisy and/or leaking (dirt inside already) replace whole assy. Quite straightforward work to do at any shop; ask for prices, buy the assy uself?

Took it to the shop this morning, and turns out the rightaxle will be replaced and left boot. Cost: $200.

Took it to the shop this morning, and turns out the rightaxle will be replaced and left boot. Cost: $200.


Nothing comes free. Every deed, mile costs.

Check out the left boot and replace if necessary; they have run the same distance...