'97 Camry - Fast Clicking When Turning Wheel

[Turk]

Wife's '97 Camry 4 banger has fast clicking, about 6-8 per second, when turning the steering wheel to the left or right.

Before, I only heard it when locked in either direction, but I rarely drive it.

I have previousle sucked out the PS Fluid a few times & put in Amsoil ATF, but that has been in there for a couple years with occasional refreshing.

What would cause the fast clicking??

TIA!

 

[yonyon]

Is this a clicking as the wheels roll with the steering turned as typical of a failing CV joint or a clicking in the steering regardless of whether or not the wheels roll? The latter would suggest something nasty happening in the steering column.

 

[Turk]

Well, I "never" turn the wheels without the car moving, so I have not experienced that.

I hear it when turning a corner, from one street to another.

 

[DutchBrad]

Sounds like the CV joint....

 

[yonyon]

Probably a borked outer CV joint. Does it sound like it's coming from one side of the car and not the other?

 

[Warstud]

What's the condition of the boots?

 

[Turk]

Boots look fine. I'll have to drive it again to listen where it came from, but probably CV going out. I never heard that from a car before...

 

[cathy]

$200+

 

[mechtech2]

C/V joint.
You'll probably see a torn boot. The grease gets out, dirt and water can get in.
2-3 weeks is about all a C/V joint will last with a torn boot.