I've had this clicking or creaking sound coming from around the left rear wheel of my car ever since I bought it 6 months ago. Used the search feature and read about the common problems with CV joints and wheel splines but mine is only an occasional sound so I don't think it's either of those.

The sound usually only occurs once or twice when I'm accelerating after a gear change, or from a hill start, and mostly in 1st or 2nd gear. This made me think it might be related to something loose moving when the weight of the car is being thrown back and forth as i lift the clutch. Could also be related to a change of inertia through the drivetrain?

It is a very clear sounding creak or click and is best heard from outside the car, coming from near the rear left wheel. The sound isn't at all muffled so I doubt it is coming from inside the Diff.

Any ideas what it could be?

 

What year car and how many miles?

May just need the axle nut re-torqued.

 

maybe its the wheel bearings

 

It's a 2000, 100k miles.

If the problem was the wheel bearings wouldnt the noise occur constantly, not just with jerky clutch engagement at low speeds?

 

I'd say torque your axle nuts as it's free and if the problem is solved then good.. if not move to the next thing. Start small and work your way up.. Torque to revised specs and get back to us. BTW I have to do mine every few months.

 

If I was a betting man, I'd definately bet it's a wheel bearing. Had a friend of mine that had the exact problem. Change the bearing and you'll be good to go.

 

Not necessarily...bearings will start clicking occasionally and then progress to clicking most of the time, and then squealing.

 

the process is gradual. if you haven't ever re-torqued the axle nuts, do that (to about 224 lb. ft.)

if that clears up the noise, then it's more than likely the wheel bearing and you've bought yourself some time. when you start to hear the noise again, get your new bearing ordered and on the way, and go ahead and plan to change it in the near future

 

Thanks all.

I'll report back when I've tried what you suggested!