I have a slight clicking noise that is audible when I move the steering wheel, while the vehicle is stopped (parked). The noise appears to be coming from the left front (drivers side). I believe it is the CV boot, because there is grease splattered in the wheel well.

What parts would I need to fix this? I want to fix it correctly the first time so I can basically not worry about it anytime soon. Is there a simple fix solution available as well?

Thanks everyone,
-Brian.

 

The grease splattered on your wheel is prolly the oil from your CV joints. If the CV boot rubber is cracked, then your joints are going to leak oil and will prolly need to be replaced as they can dry out and then you get all hella kinds of probs.

The clicking noise is also associated with bad CV joints.
You can get refurbished joints for about $60 - 70 or brand new ones for about $300 for both sides.

A nissan dealership will charge around $160 for labor to install them if you can't do it urself.

 

either that or the strut bearing since your car is stationary when it happens

 

How can I tell which one it is?

 

I think its the strut bearing, I am having the same problem. I had the CV boots messed up too and they never made this noise. Replace the strut bearings, They are like 45 dollars each at nissan.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Just curious, when the CV boot / joint is being replaced, do the springs and shocks have to be taken off? Would this be a good opportunity to replace them? Also, would replacing the shocks also replace the strut bearing as well, or rather, when replacing the shocks, would the strut bearings be easily replaceable?

Sorry to be so clueless, but I just want my Maxima in top running shape. I'd rather have a good stock running Maxima than one with problems and aftermarket goodies.

Thanks again,
-Brian.

 

It sounds like it is your cv boot joints and if that's the case, you have the same problem that i had on my 95 GLE about a week ago. The same thing happened to me (with the grease in the wheel well and clicking noises) and I got my whole front axle replaced for $120 installed. They said that replacing the boot costs almost as much as replacing the whole axle and that i would eventually need a new axle anyway if the boot it messed up now, so I just went ahead and did it.

 

Wow, that sounds like a good deal. Can you tell me where you got this done? Was the $120 just labor?

I'm pretty sure you're right about what the problem is. I just need to order the part and try to find a good place to put it in.

Thanks,
-Brian.

 

I called up Jerry Rome Nissan and they told me that I should get a remanufactured axle for about $100.. what do you guys think? Also, how many hours of labor should I expect to pay for in installing this?

Thanks,
-Brian.

 

For new axles, everyone recommends www.raxles.com

From my understanding, in order to replace the axles, you will need to disconnect much of the hub and suspension assembly.

So, yes, this would be a good time to replace your stock struts, springs, and strut bearings if you want to do that. Then you'll only need to get the alignment checked once afterwards.

Good luck.