Just about every 5 post on this site is about the clunking noise heard in most Maximas when traveling at low speeds and turning into a driveway or over a speedbump. However, some never clarify where they heard the sound coming from when turning a specific way, so I thought I would waste some more of my companies time and tell you this. When I turn my car to the LEFT I hear the noise in the front RIGHT of the vehicle. Some say this noise is caused by the turn stop. However, doesn't the turn stop hit the metal plate on the side which you are turning? So if I am turning left, only the turn stop on the left side hits the plate, correct? Thanks.

 

I recently had a problem very similar to the one you describe. After a few "fixes" of tightening and such, they finally replaced the driver's side strut. When I pulled out, it sounded fine... When I pulled into my driveway, it clunked again.

Long story short, it turned out to be the sway bar end links. The nut had to be cut off one side with a torch so it wasn't like this was a "do it yourself" kind of thing unless you have access to these tools and know how to use them and what you're looking at.

That may be your problem, too. I had thought it may have been the top hat on the strut, the strut itself, a motor mount, maybe even a tie rod but this solved the problem. 1 week of waiting for the part and 15 minutes of work later, no more clunk.

And the turn stop may be hitting on the right or left or both. I'm not sure how the maxima is setup in that regard. But that could be your problem, too.

Good luck!

 

where did u get the part and how much was cost and labor?

 

The part was directly from Nissan. I don't know if you can find it aftermarket or not but I wouldn't think it would hurt to try. Labor for removal and installation as well as the part was under warranty so I can't give you an exact price. However, were I to venture a guess I'd say it would be a 2 hour job for removal and installation. The part CAN'T be too expensive given what it really is.

Good luck again!

 

I have the same clunking but I suspect it's coming from my almost blown Koni adjustables. Once I get them replaced I will let you guys know if it solved the problem.

 

Yea, I thought struts, too at first. But it turned out to be the end links. From the sound and location, its the first thing you'll think of. Maybe mine was just a freak!

 

Do you have the part number for the end link part? Mine might very well have the same problem.