Front Pass Wheel Creaking/Squeak/Click

DrDipshit · 2025-10-02T12:45:47-0400

2025 LE AWD Rav4, 4k miles. Has developed a weird noise coming from front pass wheel area. At low speeds you can hear it's definitely a creaking noise. At high speed it sounds like a rapid clicking sound. The noise increases and decreases in frequency with speed changes.
I have confirmed it's not the hub cap as the noise persists with the hub cap off (actually, taking the hub cap off is what showed me the rusty axle threads).

Below is an Imgur link to two 30-sec videos we recorded in which you can hear the creaking noise and I also vary the speed so you'll hear it at different frequencies.

'25 Rav4 Creaking Front Pass Wheel

[Please lmk if Imgur links aren't allowed here and if there's a better way to upload video]

Hoping for insights on what's causing this creaking noise as it certainly doesn't inspire confidence. I will probably be taking it back to the dealer to diagnose but wanted opinions. I hope it's an easy fix and don't have to waste a bunch of time at the dealer.

Avisitor · 2025-10-02T13:11:43-0400

Your videos do not have any strange sounds. Normal road noise. Sorry,

DrDipshit · 2025-10-02T13:16:54-0400

I opened the link again to check and I can hear it clearly. Maybe because of the speed traveled it's hard to hear and sounds like a rapid clicking noise. You can really hear the creaking around the 0:20 second mark in the first video when I slow down.

DrDipshit · 2025-10-02T13:17:18-0400

Either way thank you for attempting to hear it!

FKHeath · 2025-10-02T15:27:20-0400

In your second video, it looks like you are driving on a dirt road. Thus my guess is small rocks in the tire tread.

DrDipshit · 2025-10-02T15:39:11-0400

I have ruled that out as well. The squeaking/creaking occurs even when at low speeds on dirt road where small pebbles in the tread wouldn't be contacting anything like asphalt. Also, I've checked the tire tread (Michelin crossclimates notorious for holding pebbles) and made sure it was cleared.

Tazio Nuvolari · 2025-10-02T15:46:07-0400

Here are the most likely culprits for the noise in the videos after ruling out pebble in tire tread: 1.Rust on brake rotor (but should scrape off rapidly in a mile of driving) 2. Rotor warped slightly and pad scraping high spot, 3. wheel bearing defective. I suggest you jack up the RAV and spin the tire by hand with your ear close to it and listen for the noise and try to localize it. Also make sure the wheels lug nuts are torqued to correct ft.lbs.

Avisitor · 2025-10-02T16:01:16-0400

I tried to listen again and if there is a noise then you must be sensitive to it. I must be hard of hearing. For me, I would just turn up the radio. The noise doesn't seem to affect anything. Braking?? Steering?? Suspension?? Tire?? Rim??

MrPulldown · 2025-10-02T17:58:14-0400

Have you inspected behind the wheel and in the suspension linkages. Might have something jammed up in there.

I am sure your car is till under warranty. Let the dealer figure it out.

Afpj · 2025-10-05T07:56:31-0400

Have you tried lightly applying brakes while rolling to see if it goes away? If it does, it narrows down the source.

DrDipshit · 2025-10-07T07:36:39-0400

Hi friends. Applying brakes doesn't change anything unfortunately. Have inspected inside as well, nothing found. I like the lugnut suggestion but have already booked a dealer service appointment for the 16th, and will let them figure it out.

I will 100% update with the diagnosis.

Front Pass Wheel Creaking/Squeak/Click

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