19maxima95

iTrader: (1)

How can I check to see if my ball joints need replacing?

Thanks in advance

19maxima95

iTrader: (1)

nobody knows ?

VeN0m

wierd noises, like grinding sounds, or listen for a crown victoria to drive by...that sound

adithius

Grab your rotor shake it back and forth and see if it moves. If there is play it's a bad ball joint. Also does your car pull, or you hear a crunching sound?

PAREDLINE

Lift your car (from the side jacking point or the center crossmember) so the wheels are not off the ground but the weight of the chassis is resting on the jack.

Then take a large pry bar and try to wedge the steering knuckle away from the control arm.

If there is no play, your joint is fine

If there is play, you need a new ball joint. You will feel and see the thing move. You may also hear a clunk.

If the boot in intact, your joint is most likely ok. If the boot is ripped, then its 50/50. It may last like that forever, or fail in a week

JSMax

iTrader: (13)

some guy told me that if you drive at a slow speed and turn to the right. If you hear a clunk noise, that means that the left ball joint is bad. If you turn to the left, and you hear a noise, then the right joint is bad. Do you have any description of the noises that you are hearing?
I had thought that my ball joints were going bad, but it turned out that just the lugnuts for the wheels wernt torques to spec. Maybe check that out also.
good luck.

19maxima95

iTrader: (1)

So far I havent heard any noises... but the other day I was checking out something stuck on my springs, i grabbed the spring and I was able to move the whole spring and shock all together. Im still wondering if I need new shocks or a ball joint.

Any ideas?

BEJAY1

iTrader: (19)

Is it moving from the top or the bottom? Could be a worn strut mount on top.

19maxima95

iTrader: (1)

from the top, i can see the strut moving from inside the hood, where the struts bolt on to

19maxima95

iTrader: (1)

anyone know what this could be?

96mAx2fast

iTrader: (2)

Well, im getting a clunk sound when i take off slowly, when i come to a slow stop, and when i first start going up my driveway. Its driving me nuts.. I have no clue what it is.. It only does it once *CLUNK* and its on my front left wheel..I recently did my AGX/Eibach suspension and i did not change the mounts and the stock boots seem to have a slight crack around the metal of the strut.. Any ideas.. I tried to raise it and move the tire around from the top and bottom..its pretty stiff.. I have no idea whats going on..

PAREDLINE

You do know what's going on. You just said it.

You didn't change the mounts.

A lot of things can cause this clunk. Sometimes my car does it even though the front end is basically new.

It can be caused by the steering rack, the tie rod ends, ball joint, bearings, and last but not least, there's an adjustment nut on top of the steering rack that controls slack that might be loose.

Or the steering gearbox itself can be worn and produce this clunk. Also termed "gear slap"

If you want to do some detective work I wish you luck. Let us know what it is.

Gmahoney

Ive got a question too if someone can help.. Might go with this problem. ONLY when im driving and turning to the LEFT I hear a noise from the front right I believe. Its a constand noise not a clang more of like a friction noise. As if something was rubbing. Im riding on tein basic coilovers and have been for like 5 months or more. 62k on the car its a 99se. Im not good with suspension so I could use the help

PAREDLINE

Look at the plastic shroud (fender liner) in your wheelwell. Sounds like your springs have settled and your tires/wheel are rubbing against the plastic shroud.

If so, post back and we'll give you ways to correct this. I had this happen and just took the plastic out.

knight71

I had this same low speed clunk..turned out to be bad ball joints...If this is your problem, you have 2 choices, Replace Lower control arm, or have the new ball joints pressed in. 2nd choice is cheaper, however, if you have high mileage, replacing LCA is more wiser, since LCA comes with new ball joints and new bushings.
check this thread:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....1&page=1&pp=30

19maxima95

iTrader: (1)

Thats a good write up, but does anyone know whats going on with my set up? I can see the actual strut move around where it bolts up into the chasis.

Thanks

PAREDLINE

You're supposed to see some movement as this is the top strut mount.

If its cracked or you think the movement is excessive, you need to change the strut mounts.

Aside from that, a little movement is normal

96mAx2fast

iTrader: (2)

Where do check the movement of the mounts from?? the top(under the hood) or the bottom(the actual strut)?? Also, im not sure if this makes a difference but this noise was not there before i did my agx/eibach about 4 weeks ago.. The spring is directly on the strut in the bottom.. There is nothing between the bottom of the springs and the strut. Does that matter?? is there supposed to be some sort of layer of rubber or something. I freaking hate the idea of lifting my car and just having to shake every damn piece of equipment behind the wheel.. Thats why i would rather have a NEW car fully warrantied and pay alittle more just for comfort.. What am i saying, i love my mAx. Anyone near Newark, NJ w/ a lift and some skills to help me diagnose my baby?