My GF has a 96 Maxima, with the Automatic Trans. During stop and go traffic, there is a "pop" noise that happens around the 2-1 downshift when slowing, coming from the passenger side. I just replaced both axles, as the boots were torn open, and the passenger side axle seemed loose when i first inspected it. Is there something else that could be causing this pop? Could it be the top strut bearing?

Thanks for the help,

matt

 

The trans doesn't (shouldn't) downshift as you're slowing down, especially into first (the engine braking alone would be too harsh for all consumers).

Have you checked all of the suspension components on that side? Is it anytime you decelerate, or just when braking?

 

motor mount possibly?

do you get a ridiculous amount of torque steer? that is, if you ever drive the car...

 

it only happens when braking, as you're almost to a complete stop. I'll have to drive it a little more and see how bad the torque steer is.

I think i may have not explained it well originally, it's not like the trans is down shifting say at 15mph to 1st, it's as you brake, and right around, a little before you stop.

thanks guys

 

another update, you tend to notice it when hitting bumps as well. Like the little reflectors in between the lanes.

 

^^ hmm, doesn't sound like a tranny issue at all.

upper strut mount, lower control arm, wheel bearing, cv joint/axle...

someone else will know much more than i do, i'm just throwing out ideas.

 

My Max pops from the back while coming to a stop. Apparently the previous owner installed some brand new (but low-rent) brake pads before selling me the car and they shift a bit while braking and make a "pop" sound just before coming to a halt.

 

sounds like a bad motor mount...

 

I'll have to take a look at the motor mounts and see what kind of shape they are in.

Thanks,

matt

 

...first.

 

check your lower ball joints too.