Default left click hover action on befriended clockworks is "Attack"

That is intended behavior, example: a follower beefalo without a saddle, or a follower pig. Left clicking is attack by default, unless it is a beefalo with a saddle.

One clarification, attack action is the left click only if you are holding a weapon or a walking cane. Without a walking cane / or while holding an umbrella the default is examine.