I have been having this rattle or clunking noise when going over bumps from both sides of the front of my car (99 SE) 84K mi. I had a Nissan mechanic put it on a lift and he thinks its the steering rack. The tie rod that connects to the rack fits like a ball and socket. You can feel play in the tie rod when you try to move it. When you tap on the wheel you can also hear a rattle noise it makes.
I guess its worn out. Anyone ever priced one or had any problems in this area??

Thanks
cp

 

i have but not that problem. mine was just leakning really badly. dealer replaced mine for free

 

I have a knocking noise but I don't think it is from the rack. I am buying the bushings that connect the sway bar to the frame. Mine are shot and that is the suspect. If this doesn't work I will have Nissan check the rack. My method is: Do the cheapest possible fix first. Also, replacing your own rack would be a very complicated process.

 

Yea, I will not attempt to do that....

 

Well, I installed the sway bar bushings and the knocking remains. I am so tired of dealing with this **** so I schedualed a diagnostic apointment with Nissan. If it is the rack I will have them replace it and if it is some other minor issue I will do it myself.

 

It is prob you strut mounts, you hear when accelorationg at low speeds and over bumpy roads at low speeds, correct?

 

Hey, just replied to your thread with the pics. Didn't realize you replied to mine thread also. Anyway let me know what they tell you and how much the rack will be. I have'nt priced one yet. I know it's going to hurt.......

 

kevlo911, which part exactly is the strut mount? Is it the 4" rubber seat at the top of the spring or the metal piece or what.

 

check this site out it explains it pretty good.... http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/703

 

try replacing the tie-rod ends first, they are pretty cheap from advance auto, its a quick job, jacking up the car takes the most time

 

Thanks CPETTY. Reading that makes me think its not the strut bearing. I used to have the binding spring issue but it went away. When it comes back I will replace them. Also, I have replaced endlink and bushings and FSB bushings. Not fixed yet.

 

www.newnissanparts.com

Go there, choose your maxima. chose front sus, then -- I think-- components and then strut mount and click view. It will show you a pic of the front suspention and labeled parts.