Chrysler Repair: Knocking (clicking) sound from front wheel on one side, drive shaft, hub cap

Question
I have a PT Cruiser with just over 47,000 miles.  Recently, I noticed a knocking sound that appears to be coming from the front drivers side wheel area.  I notice it when I am driving slow and going straight, mostly in parking lots.  I do not hear when going fast.  What do you think it is and how much will cost to repair?

Answer
Hi Scott,
If it is a clicking sound, and if it is louder when you turn the steering wheel to one side or the other instead of straight ahead, then I would suspect that the cv-joint boot on the outboard end of the left side drive shaft has cracked and allowed some/all of the cv-joint grease to leak out. You can inspect that yourself by stopping with the wheel turned hard left and then examine the drive shaft where it connects to the back side hub of the wheel. There is a corrugated rubber boot to inspect for a tear or crack or signs of grease spread around that area. If so, then that is the likely cause of the knocking sound. Also look at the inner end of the shaft where you will find another boot but that is less likely to wear out. You could replace that boot yourself (assuming the joint has not worn for lack of grease) for the cost of the boot (about $15) plus your labor. It is a tractable job if you have the tools and an instruction sheet. Or a shop will probably charge you about $100 in parts for a rebuilt half-shaft (they prefer to do that rather than replace the boot) plus whatever labor they would charge which you would have to inquire around for.
Otherwise do you have a hub cap into which a stone might be trapped? If so remove the cap and see.
Roland