My 1995 SE makes a noticably loud clunking sound when I turn the wheel all the way to the left and move (like when making a U-turn). Does anyone have any idea what that could be. It was not there before. Could it be the tie-rod? Any way to check? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Sounds like you're CV Joint

 

yea check and see if the cv boot is ripped..if it is..since is alreaady clicking you will need the whole axel..pep boys sells them for 100 bucks

 

i got mine from napa for around 80 dollars

 

It doesn't really sound like a clicking that an axle would make but more like 2 or 3 loud heavy clunks. Do you guys know if this is typical of a bad axle. I just rebooted and regreased them less than 20k miles ago when I replaced my clutch.

 

I got the same problem on my 97 with 40,100 miles. When ever I make a left U turn or enter my driveway with the steering locked fully left, then I get one big bang and that it, not clicking like axles... I dont know what is it, only happens when fully locked left..???

 

You got aftermarket springs?

 

sounds like either improper wrapping of aftermarket springs or strut bearings...

 

check your CVs first...then your springs and if both are good maybe a motor mount?...probably a cv joint though....i just got both mine replaced up front and a motor mount and a tranny flush...cost me $950 at the stealer w/ a discount.......wish i only had a lift

 

*if only i had a lift

 

yeah probly CV. + theres EDIT right over there --------->

 

stock suspension, see that ugly a$$ wheel gap in my sig.

 

The clicking noise is typical of a bad outer joint while the clunking is typical of an inner joint.

 

but I got only 40,000 miles on a 97 and about 70% of those miles are long distance highway milage. I dont get it...

 

I would say that this problem is your strut bearing, check this out:

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/703

 

I agree , a strut bearing

 

my 95 does it too i always thought it was just hitting the steering stops b/c i only hear it when i reach full lock.

 

If it is the CV joint and axle....would you guys that have had to get a new one recommend doing this replacement yourself, or just pay someone to do it and be done?
I have a torn boot (which means a bad CV joint to follow) and I will be needing to do this soon. I figured I would just replace the axle while everything is apart anyway. I have 102k miles.

 

if you're gonna do it yourself, might as well replace everything while you're at it. if you're going to a mechanic, make sure they don't give you refurbished parts. My axles were replaced 2 times in less than a year because refurbished only lasts a few months if they're not that great.

 

I think this thread just solved my clunk clunk clunk problem. I have yet to make the repair, but it definitely makes sense. My noise sounds that a coil springs winding up, not a click click click of the CV joint going bad, even though mine are. Since I'm replacing the drive shafts in a week or so, I'll remove the struts and do the fix. Thanks for the great thread.

 

i just oreder 2 new cv boot kits for my car (it wasnt making any noise yet but the guy at goodyear told me that it would start. he told me it was $250 i was like **** U the cv boot kits are 10 bux on ebay and i can change em myself.

 

If it will do it while turning the wheel while not moving then it's a strut bearing.

 

QUESTION: I also have the strut bearing issue. Do the strut mounts include the strut bearings? Or do I have to replace both separately?

If they are separate, then that's a lot of cash for little parts...

 

my suspension also makes noise when turning left while accelarating. but weird thing is that it does not make noise when i put it into neutral. i hate suspension.
oh and btw, it started happening after the tein coilovers were installed. sucks!@

 

mine does that, and its the upper strut mount on the passenger side. found that out when we swapped out my springs. gotta wait for adv. auto to get it in. only 36 bucks though, so not that bad at all

 

So, should I be replacing my strut mounts AND bearings on a 1995 car with all stock stuff (I will be putting new struts and springs)?

 

Unless shipping is a whole lot, you can get OEM ones through JRnissan (use "maxima" promo code) for less than that. You may want to go that route since many have had problems with the KYB ones...don't know if other aftermarket ones would be any good, but I'd go with OEM's.