My Maxima is doing the following:

Vibration at freeway speeds - most notable when accellerating, especially at 60-80mph with my foot on the gas (beginning of 3rd gear)

This vibration is barely noticable when cruising.

When taking a cloverleaf freeway entrance, turning to the right, I hear a "CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK" - this is at 35-45mph - This sounds and feels like it's coming from directly under my feet!

At low speed (city driving) - no vibration is evident, and no noise comes from making a right turn.

This doesn't seem to be the typical CV Joint issue, but has anyone else experienced these symptoms when a drive axle/joint was bad?

I've tried the "foot on the gas and brake in "D"" motor mount test, and nothing unusual happens. Compared this with a friend's Max just to be sure. I also had the mounts inspected by a dealership, and they said the mounts looked fine.

Also, is there anything else that could cause this?

Thanks!
IanS

 

bump, my car has recently developed a similar problem. I'll let you know if I determine what it is. I think mine may be differential bearings though

 

Vibration while accelerating usually means inboard CV joints.

Try this test:
(1) Jack the car up to get the wheels off the ground.
(2) With the engine off and the car in gear (manual or auto) check the amount of play by turning the wheel back and forth.
(3) If the wheel you are turning, turns more than 1/8" - 1/4" before the other wheel turns, you may want to have a closer look at the inner CV joints. (the 1/8 - 1/4 is normal from the total play in all 4 CV joints, and the play in the differential.)

The next test is a little harder to do, but try to grab the inner CV joint with one hand on each side, try to twist the CV in opposite directions. If you have any noticeable movement, your inner CV needs to be replaced.

Let me know how you make out.

Take Care,
Max VQ

 

Or the carrier bearing for the passenger axel.

 

The passenger axle is brand new from raxles and was installed weeks ago.

This problem has existed for 1.5 months....

Thanks for all the suggesstions everyone!

 

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

bzump.