Simple things first. Inspect the tire surface all the way around and make sure there isn't a foreign object stuck in the tread. Jack it up, remove the wheel and inspect the brake rotor and caliper. Spin the rotor by hand (tranny in neutral) and see if it's smooth. As for the CV joints, remember you have an outer and inner joint, and just because the boot looks OK, doesn't mean the joint isn't clicking. They usually get louder when turning though. If all that checks out, the only other thing I can think of would be the wheel bearing.

 

Does it still make the sound with the brakes applied lightly?

 

It does not make the noise when the brake is applied.

 

Sounds like the brake pad is moving around on the caliper. I have not torn a 2008 model apart, but remove the caliper from the spindle and see if there is a metal clip of some type that is broken or missing. Sometime, there is a tab or slot the pads fit into. If the pad or slot gets worn, the pad will move around causing this clicking sound.

 

To check front axles in parking lot turn wheels all the way to the right and give it a little gas in drive,let up and gas again. 5-10 mph is enough.
Do the same in rev then turn wheel to the left and repeat.
Listen for clunking,clicking or grinding.
This will be the first noise they will make,it will take weeks,months for it to make any noise while going strait.

 

Clicking noise going over bumps

Hi folks,

I have a '13 RAV4 with 47K miles and I am getting a loud CLICKING NOISE coming from the left front wheel whenever I go over bumps. It sounds like it is coming from the inside but perhaps the clicking noise is so loud that it could come from the outside. One post suggests, it could be a loose brake pads or missing clips. What I want to know is, are there any other possibilities such as wheel well cover loose, strut mount cap being loose and so on.......HELP !!!!!!!!:crying: