After hearing a clunking sound when the wheel was turned, I recently removed the front strut bearings and re-packed them with lithium grease. The noise disappeared completely for 2 weeks, but has since returned. It seems likely, especially since the re-packing temporarily alleviated the problem, that the bearings are worn and need replacement, but I'm not exactly sure how these bearings would exhibit wear. Am I missing the signs of bearing wear, or are there other possibilities, like a worn strut mount, for example, that could be causing this problem?

Thank you

 

Is your suspension modded? I tore up one of those bearings because I was an idiot and didn't have it seated correctly when I lowered my car off jacks. The bearing was destroyed. New ones are $20. It's the labor involved with replacing them that's the real bitc#.

 

I have a stock suspension, and I didn't experience any problems during this procedure.

 

i have this same problem. Can you explain this in further detail (packing)?

 

Check it out:

http://www.motorvate.ca/auto/maxima/...ut_bearing.htm

 

YES YES YES! Oh Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!

I have been having this same problem and the few people I talked to said that I had to totally replace my struts and everything to get rid of it. I am so excited!!!

 

It is interesting to note that Frank, the owner of http://www.motorvate.ca/auto/maxima/...ut_bearing.htm , urges the use of spring compressors. This issue was debated in http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....threadid=63096

http://www.motorvate.ca is an excellent Web site for the D-I-Y mechanic. Lots of photos, lots of good advice.

 

Just a word of advice before you embark on your front strut bearing(s) task: spend an extra $35-40 and replace the bearings, because my remedy of re-packing the original bearings only lasted 2 weeks before a relapse, and do not neglect getting an alignment right after you complete the job, as your alignment will be considerably off.