1996 Maxima SE 5 Speed

Here are a few things you should be aware of:

1. I didn't notice this on the test drive (last November), but I had the windows up.
2. When I first bought the car I had four new tires installed.
3. I've looked underneath and jiggled the exhaust (no rattles), looked around and everything is tight.
4. I drove around without the spare and jack, clanking persists.
5. It comes from the rear end but seems louder on the drivers side.
6. I hear it but I do not feel it.
7. My car is empty with nothing in the trunk.
8. The rear shocks/struts seem healthy and strong.

What could it be? I've uploaded a video of the sound (The insect-like sound throughout it just my camera). The clanking sound is most audible from 0:26 to 0:34 with a few sharp clanks here and there when I drive over expansion joints. It sounds like a rock rolling around in a coffee can. Ignore the ending, it just shows some of the infamous 1st gear whine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB2PAG7-_Vw

I wanted to consult you guys before I paid to have a mechanic take a look. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Check your caliper it's probably loose.

 

I have had to replace a few rear caliper mounting brackets because they get "wallowed" out (if thats even a word lol). one way to kind of point you in that direction is if the noise goes away when you apply the brake.
or you could just reach up and wiggle the caliper and see if that is the noise you are hearing.
p.s. do the later only after the brake are cooled down.
hope this helps

 

I'll definitely check the calipers. It's very possible that the tire shop knocked something loose when they were working.

Another strange sound that may or may not be related to this is a distinct "knock" or two when I'm braking that is heard about two seconds before coming to a complete stop. I'm stumped on that one.

 

Calipers and heat shields are fine. I looked underneath and found some other odd things:

1. Both rear strut boots are torn.
2. There is a bent paper clip sticking out of an electrical connector with an alligator clip connecting it to the car's frame. I disconnected it and heard a knock from the black plastic box in the corner (fuel pump?).

I'm out of ideas here. I drove around campus and my car made so much clanking that everyone within 50 feet stared at me like I was country come to town!

Here are pics:

 

Have your shocks and struts looked at. Thats what it sounds to me IMHO .

 

I will. I thought struts became really soft and bouncy when they were bad though. Mine are pretty firm.

 

My struts are super bouncy... definitely need to get them replaced.