Dreaded clicking noise

[PurdueB8A4]

Ok, recently driving to work ~ 6 AM (still dark) and I see the car in front of me slightly swerve-- well turns out he hit an animal, not sure if it was a dog/cat/something else, but I did not have any room to make any sort of maneuvers due to someone being in the lane next to me-- I tried my best to lessen the blow but I definitely ran over the animal right down the middle of the car.

No faults came up or any weird noises immediately-- so I figured I dodged a bullet & that maybe it just scraped against the oil pan cover & other misc plastic pieces under the car.

Fast forward a couple of days & I now hear a really strange clicking noise while making hard right hand turns-- such as turning onto a road from a subdivision. It lasts for a second or two, then is gone once I'm going straight again. What could possibly have been jacked up from running over an animal in the suspension (I'm assuming -- could be a mud/plastic flap or exhaust I guess) that would cause clicking/scratching noise on right hand turns only?

Thanks in advance!

[Audibot]

Usually that's indicative of CV Axle starting to go, but definitely check underneath to see if is not just some piece of plastic or metal being caught. I had a brake dust shield bend that made a similar sound when I was turned left but went away when it was straight.

[nycaudi]

Yeah that sounds like the CV axle

[PurdueB8A4]

Usually that's indicative of CV Axle starting to go, but definitely check underneath to see if is not just some piece of plastic or metal being caught. I had a brake dust shield bend that made a similar sound when I was turned left but went away when it was straight.

Nailed it! Exhaust shield near one of the rear mufflers was bent & touching the frame during turns-- bent it back into place & no more noise or problems!

Thank you sir!