97SE 5spd, 144k. Energy front bushings, all stock otherwise.

When I release the throttle and coast, or apply throttle, I sometimes get a pop from somewhere in the front at the bottom. I can kind of feel it thru the floorboard, but strangely it sometimes happens under my feet, sometimes out near the passenger wheel, and sometimes near to the passenger's feet. It doesn't happen exactly when I let off or apply throttle - but always within a second of that moment, when weight transfer is taking place.

This is an intermittent problem. Some days it's all quiet, other days (like today) it will pop every time I apply or lift from the throttle. It will also happen when I first apply the brakes if I gently let off the throttle first.

Tonight I inspected the front end with my prybar, and couldn't find anything loose. I used my jack to lift under the balljoint so that the suspension was held in a 'loaded' position, but still couldn't find any parts that could move. The swaybar bushings are in good shape, as are the steering rack bushings, tie rods, ball joints, and end links.

When I installed the control arms with the Energy bushings, I recall that the u-shaped bushings toward the rear seemed a little short - such that the hold-down plates didn't appear to be in firm contact with the bushing. I was to install a spacer between the bushing and plate tonight, but I couldn't find my 22mm socket to remove the bolts .

Please, anyone who has solved this I'd like your ideas.

 

+1 i've asked this on the forums as well, said culprit was worn strut mounts, but doesnt make sense to me

 

Strut mounts are BRAND NEW Nissan.

Dave