I just purchased a 95 maxima se with 115K. I have had it for about 2 weeks now and unfortunately I hear a clanking noise coming from the driverside rear wheel area. It sounds like I have to change the shocks. Any suggestions? This is my second car so if I have to change the shocks and want it to keep it as close to stock as possible, what should I get? I don't believe I have to change the front but definitely the rear needs new shocks. Any suggestions on what to get and how much will it cost me?

The noise could be a strut mount (the hardware just gets old and worn out with all the mileage, as is the case with my car in the front). Also, just to be sure, check to make sure all of the bolts are tightened properly. You get to them by removing the trunk lining. Also, could just be the shock itself is bad.

As for the shocks, with 115k, it would be wise to replace them all. To keep your stock ride go with KYB. If you want something a little stiffer for more control but still comfortable try Tokico. If you are interested in lowering springs (a good idea while you have the whole strut assemblies apart) H&R (only about a 1.4 drop) will give you the closest-to-stock ride. You could use either shocks with H&R, but most use the Tokico.

Thanks for the input. Where can I get KYB shocks and how much are they. Do you think I could only change the rears?

Since I have recently purchased my maxima se, what should be the first mod? I have purchased a drop in K&N filter. What else should I get?

if you're going to replace them all around, might as well get new isolators & bearings for the fronts, just don't get the isolators from kyb cause they don't have one for the se; i did this and will have to reinstall the oem isolators due to a rubber noise coming from there. i have the kyb's and am happy with the ride, feels pretty much like stock and i will lower with h&r's soon when i replace the isolators and boots. good luck.

You can get the struts at tirerack or Shox.com aka RD Enterprises. I got my Tokico's at shox.com and they were great to deal with. Also, maxima.org members get a discount -- go here for more info: https://maxima.org/forums/showthread...?threadid=4960

As for mods, it is your preference. As for me, I want NO engine mods. I am more than happy with the Max's power. Suspension is my main mod, which has greatly improved the "driving experience". Though whatever you do, good luck with it...

I just got new strut bearings for the front, therfore, I want to leave the front shocks alone. Can I change the rear shocks without replacing the front shocks?

yes

Don't be hasty
 

Don't be too quick to condemn the shocks. Investigate
- exhaust system banging against the body
- dried/cracked/missing suspension bushings
(don't overlook the sway bar, if so equipped)

Re: Don't be hasty
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Daniel B. Martin
Don't be too quick to condemn the shocks. Investigate
- exhaust system banging against the body
- dried/cracked/missing suspension bushings
- don't overlook the sway bar, if so equipped


Dan,

Thanks for the advice. I investigated as you said and you were right. It was not the shocks at all. It was a metal piece that had rusted off the exhaust piping. I taped it up and now the clanking noise has disappeared. Wow, you really saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks again.

Well now I must get a complete exhaust system due to rust and holes. Any suggestions on a complete overhaul? I'm thinking of a Cattman Y-pipe, intermediate exhaust piping, keeping the stock catalytic, and an exhaust that looks fairly stock but provides some performance....maybe something like what HKS has to offer. What do you think?

Exhaust system
 

My own Maxima is "bone stock" and I cannot provide guidance about mods. My bias is to avoid mods unless you are eager for a few more horsepower and willing to spend freely to get them. The stock engine delivers all the power I need...

[Edited by Daniel B. Martin on 02-07-2001 at 10:07 AM]

Re: Re: Don't be hasty
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rberga1

Quote:

---

. . .Dan, Thanks for the advice. I investigated as you said and you were right. It was not the shocks at all. It was a metal piece that had rusted off the exhaust piping. I taped it up and now the clanking noise has disappeared. Wow, you really saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks again.

Well now I must get a complete exhaust system due to rust and holes. . .

---

Do you really need a new complete exhuast system? Is it loud? Maximas with bone stock exhaust systems in good working order are pretty much whisper quiet at idle. And if you do really have holes in your exhaust system, yes, I'd look at replacing it, but if there's just some surface rust on it, don't mess with it--"if it ain't broke don't fix it," so the saying goes. Before I got my 4th gen, my old 3rd gen SE w/ 176K miles had a solid original exhaust system w/ some surface rust, so I think it says volumes about the engineering of these cars. However, with the metal piece that rusted off, think about simply getting it welded back on (maybe $20), and that may be all that you have to do.

With Dan's comments about the aftermarket mods, I whole heartedly agree about the Maxima's stock power and left it alone as it's more than ample for most driving that you'd ever do. But then, it's totally up to you where your priorities are and how you want to spend your money.

Best of luck.