Ever since my brother gave me his 1997 maxima when he bought his new car, the car just has no smoothness. Whenever i drive through little bumps and holes, it feels like its a mini-earthquake everytime. My dad says i need to get new shocks. And also, it makes little *clicking* sounds when i drive through little bumps, and make a turn [left OR right] from a complete stop. any suggestions ? thanks

 

check your suspension..

 

The clicking noise is the CV joint that needs to be replaced.

 

pretty much you'd need a completely new suspension and axles.

 

How many miles, and how hard did your brouther drive the car

 

Dont forget its SE suspension, too. You sacrifice comfort for handling.

 

yeah i have the same problem!! i cant wait to get a new suspension.

 

No wonder he gave you his Max and got a new car



Replace axle(s), replace struts, check to make sure there blown.

 

Well I'm sure your brother wouldn't give you an unsafe vehicle to drive.

Like 99grnmaxgxe said the 'clicking': CV or Constant Velocity Joints or perhaps it's a torn CV boot (covering over the joint) and dust / soot is making it work less efficiently.

The 'mini-earthquake' is most likely like your dad says your SHOCK ABSORBERS are gone and don't do what they're supposed to anymore which is maintain as much tyre contact with the road as possible. If you have the money, you might consider installing a FTSB (Front Strut Tower Brace) that firms up the front of the Maxima considerably by connecting the two front suspension towers and minimising 'flex' which aids in giving us our infamous body roll in corners.

It's just advice but it's worked for me (1996 SE Maxima which my wife drives now)...

 

How much will it cost to replace the CV boot/joint? I have the same problem as well.

 

While inspecting my front brakes I noticed that my CV joint boot on the right side was cut, grease/gunk had spewed all over the hub/brake. Was barely making any noise. Got it fixed for $170. '95 140k miles.

 

Oh yuck! Had the same thing and you have to get it replaced ASAP. All that grease and gunk gets onto your brake rotors and pads and you won't be able to brake properly (or at all if there's too much grease on the rotors).