I have a 2001 SE which (naturally) came with the sport suspension. Now I even noticed this in my 2001 GXE (which didn't have the sport suspension). I assume due to the wheel span frmo front to back, along with the tight suspension, everytime I go over a bump that is big enough and a "normal" car would bounce up and down over it, the Max takes it nice and tight (as we'd all want) but then the back THUMPS down as if the suspension doesn't want to "give" enough to let it bounce over it. I chalk that up to its tightness and I never really wanted to do mods on my car (for lack of money and know-how), but is there any suggestion on this? Does everyone's do this? Even with aftermarket springs and struts?

Please let me know.

 

No matter what Nissan wants to call the rear suspension, it is still a live axle is limited wheel travel. The 5th generation Maxima's aren't known for great wheel travel, but thats why they handle so tight. I have a GLE;my rear suspension doesn't thump until I hit a series of ripples, then again its quiet. Sometimes to rear end feels like stepping out of line on potholes but regains its composure. There are aftermarket supplies to increase suspension travel, but the live axle will always thump over bumps.

 

I think that is a characteristic of the linked beam suspension. What gives the maxima its cornering ability is also the same thing that gives it the stiff rear thump. (...i'm referring to the suspension...)

If Nissan were to use an independant rear suspension, I would think it would require additional more expensive equipment (stabilizer bar?) to have the same cornering effect that we enjoy so much now; and it would place the car in a higher price range.

 

The lack of independent rear suspension makes for a rough ride over surfaces that are not smooth. This is perhaps the main reason you feel that the ride is rough. The SE suspension is noticeably stiffer than the GXE or GLE, but they all feel a bit rough at times because of the rear suspension. Aftermarket springs will be even worse in terms of harshness or stiffness.

 

Ive noticed that while riding in 4th gens though.

 

I think 4th gens also have a solid beam rear suspension. In fact, the 5th gen rear suspension is just a tweaked version of the 4th gen's. The 3rd gen had IRS though I believe.

 

I think that may be true on smooth or track conditions, either that or the Nissan PR spin cycle on why they needed to save money. But just riding in a GS400, BMW 3 series w/ sport susp, or even an A41.8t quattro w/ sport suspension the ride quality over bumps is superior to the Maxima.

I'm not dumping on my beloved Maxima as I love the price, handling and performance. I guess it's just a tradeoff that we need to make.

 

Okay... not arguing here, looking for enlightenment. If all this is so, why do car manufacturers still go with IRS for a lot of performance cars? There has to be some benefit other than the public view.

 

A good solid axle will work better than a poor IRS, but ultimately an IRS will be better. A solid axle can work very well indeed - until there are bumps in the road. The Maxima lost it's IRS for cost reasons. Most of the time the handicap is not noticeable, but - hit a bump while the chassis is loaded in a corner and you will really feel that screwy rubber filled transverse link arrangement (A simpler watts link would have been better). Also, solid axles will not match IRS ride quality on bumpy roads - especially on single wheel bumps. The Maxima is pretty good, for a solid axle. It even has some negative camber built in. It's a compromise you can live with when you figure the cost of comparable cars with IRS. (Also one of the reasons I would have bought a Galant V6 instead - if it had a stick).

Dave