Chimo

I could use some of your valuable advice guys. At low speeds,around 20 mph or so I hear and feel a knocking from the front end. Any ideas? The car has about 31k on it.

Thanks MCE

 

If you're running aftermarket suspension parts, check those items first for any clearance issues. If springs/shocks aren't stock, you could be riding on your bump stops if the drop is a bit excessive.

 

I just got done with this yesterday. Noise from FE right side going over small bumps it sounded like the strut had about a 1/2" of play in it. Pretty loud and had nothing to do with whether or not the wheel was turned. Bad strut, but it wasn't leaking or loose. Took two dealerships three tries to get it right. I had allready replaced the sway bar end link on the right side(dealers first guess) and the noise remained.

Once they said that it wasn't covered(under warrenty) they said that the strut was bad and $421 to replace. Called Nissan and it was covered so I told then that since they diaginosed it as a strut to replace it.

 

Is there any way to check strut yourself? I don't trust the dealership here since they tried to burn me with O2 sensor replacement. My car has stock susp. so far.

 

I didn't look to hard for it because I figured it would either be covered under warrenty or I'd just replace both with KYB's.

To tell you the truth I'm not even sure what was making the noise in the strut except that it was something inside the strut it self. It wasn't a loose bolt on either end that you could shake the strut and see movement it was internal.

 

Since your ride is a 2000 how is it covered by warranty?
Just curios cause mines a 01.

 

Extended warrenty to 100k. I'm at 78k right now. 15k miles since November.

 

Thanks CJ7 I think I'll be taking out the struts myself to check them. Screw the dealer.

 

I hear you about the dealer. For the $410 they quoted me for a(single) new strut I would rather replace both myself and get better struts. If I hear that another piece isn't covered under warrenty I'll cancel it and repair it as needed.

The struts are easy to do. Two clips(1 ABS 1 brake line) 3 nuts on the top strut mount, and 2 on the lower mount. If you replace the strut yourself get a spring compresser tool from Harbor Freight and go slow.

 

Check your stabilizer bar link. They make a clunking sound as if the front end is falling off. I've been through about three sets already on my 2000.

 

jack-up the car. take one of those rubber head hammers. hit it on diff suspension parts. thats how midas does it. if it is a broken strut or a wheel bearing, you won't hear any noise by hitting it.

 

To check the stabilizer links does the car have to be weighted on tires or just jacked? Everything seems tight when I had it on jacks.

 

Shouldn't matter. But I had a hell of a time getting my link off. Held nut on front, held nut on back and it still spun without comming off! I ended up taking it to a friend who has a shop and he used a flame wrench and it was off in 3 seconds.

 

regarding the front knock noise - I had that and changed my MAF and that fixed the problem.... did through the dealer

 

Try the other swap bar link. I just had both of mine replaced.

 

Just changed the stabilizer links today and everything is golden. Soaked the threads and nuts with Liquid Wrench a couple times and they came off. Use a 14 mm wrench to hold middle section and use a ratchet and 14 mm socket on nuts. There is a left and right side but it does not matter if they are installed up or down.

Thanks for all the help guys, it's priceless.

MCE