Hi Everyone, this is my first thread and I am in dire need of advice. When I turn my 97 GXE's steering wheel one inch to the right or left when the car is not moving, I hear a faint "klunk" sound. If I turn the wheel clockwise then counter-clockwise and repeat this, the car goes "clunk-clunk-clunk-clunk". Two of my maxima friends do not have this problem when I checked their's. My Dad had driven the car until a year ago and he treats it very nice. For example, he drove our Sentra to 140,000 mile without a break down. So, he treats the car really well. Then i inherited it. I have tried driving the car slowing and then turn but the noise is so faint that I can not hear it over the noise of the car moving. But, it does make a very noticeable noise when idle and not moving. The only change I have made to the car is replace the GXE wheels with those of the 350Z. I have the 17" rims with Kumo rubber. Any idea what could be wrong. Also, I think joining this forum is a really good move because combined, we have more knowledge and experience then the best mechanics in the world. Also, I noticed this when my friends and I did a tuneup to the car. We changed spark plugs, the oil filter, engine oil, air filter, pcv valve, and gas filter. Don't think any of those could cause the problem. Anyways, I would appreciate an input from you guys. Also, since I'm new to the forum let me introduce myself.
My name is James.
Live in Norwalk, Ca.
Go to school in University of California, Irvine.
Work saturdays at MWave.com, as techsupport, which is in City of Industry.
I've been following this forum for a while and just decided to become a real member. Nice meeting you guys.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Your problem sounds like a strut bearing issue. How many miles are on your car? Do a search for strut bearing to find more information.

 

mmm maybe a bad cv joint?

 

Turn your car on and turn your wheels all the way in one direction. Look behind them and if you see a big, black greasy mess where your CV boot should be, your CV drive axel is shot and you need to replace it (approximately $80 at raxles.com). If your CV boots are find, its a strut bearing issue. Strut bearings are pretty cheap from the dealer (I think in the neighborhood of $5 each) but there a pain to install because you have to take your entire suspension apart - not fun. Hope that helps!

 

Hey James, I don't believe it's a problem with the strut bearings, or the CV joint. Since the sound seems to be coming from the rack and pinion. I have had problems with my own strut bearings and CV joints, and this does not sound like a bad CV joint or strut bearing has gone bad. I believe that when a CV joint has gone bad, you get a continuous clunking noise while turning and moving forward. I think that there might be something wrong with your rack and pinion. You need to look at and see if you notice anything unusual with the rack and pinion, alse look at the tie rods. Also try putting on your steelies, and listen for the clunk.

Later,
1FSTMAX

 

Most likely it's the strut bearing.

Have a friend help you out. There's plenty of fender gap in the Maxima so as to allow you to grab hold of the spring while your buddy turns the wheel slowly. If it's the strut bearing, you will feel the spring bind and let go as you hear the clunk clunk.

If you can't feel any abnormality in the spring, then you may have a rack and pinion issue to deal with.