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Front end clunking?

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Old 11-30-2007, 05:12 AM
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Front end clunking?

I've got a 2000, with 18's, and Progress springs, and new KYB struts. I've had them on for awhile, and you know how when it's your car, and your used to certain sounds, they don't really "register" with you as a problem. Well everytime someone rides in the car they point it out to me. It happens only when there are any bumps in the road. Coming from the front, it sounds like the struts are loose or something. Well I want to sell the car soon, and I dont want this to be a problem. Hoping you guys can help. Thanks
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Old 12-01-2007, 06:46 PM
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Strut bearings
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Old 12-01-2007, 11:41 PM
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i've got the same noise, I'll have to check that strut bearings thing when I get my springs in.
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Old 12-02-2007, 02:11 AM
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It can be a couple of things:

1. The upper strut mount has the word written "OUT" on it. When the installer putting things back together, they have to make sure the word "OUT" in facing out and be properly lined up with the holes on the bottom of the struts. If this is not in place, the strut bearing will break.

2. When finished putting on the upper strut mount, turn the spindle with your hands and make sure it spins freely(this is the mount with the 3 spindles on it). If it is difficult to spin, then the install is wrong. (the OEM spring has paint marks that help to line up the word "OUT"), but on aftermarket springs there is no paint mark, so use your eyes or a tool to level and line it up.

3. Most people on the board are using spring seal, mostly on the bottom of their spring. If the aftermarket company you are buying the spring from don't carry these rubbers seals, you can get them from any Nissan dealership. The same goes for the rear shocks too.

PS. I can personally tell you guys that I have done this many times and I did it professionally and didn't need a while alignment. i.e. everthing removed and put back toegther the same, except new springs/strut & shocks. ...

Last edited by Deven2kStickMax; 12-02-2007 at 02:16 AM.
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Old 12-02-2007, 04:03 PM
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The very first thing I would check is make sure all your suspension component bolts are tight.

I had a pop sound when I first bought my car. Turns out, it was the upper main strut nut was LOOSE.

So get under your car, make sure everything is torqued properly on the struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, etc.
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Old 12-02-2007, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Aaron92SE
The very first thing I would check is make sure all your suspension component bolts are tight.

I had a pop sound when I first bought my car. Turns out, it was the upper main strut nut was LOOSE.

So get under your car, make sure everything is torqued properly on the struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, etc.
i think he got this prob after the install, so control arms, ball joints, tie rods, etc were not part of the installation. unless i'm wrong, but it never hurt to check. sounds like he got some spring noise or broken strut bearing..
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Old 12-02-2007, 10:30 PM
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I have the same clunking noise everytime I drive through bumps
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Old 12-02-2007, 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by jasonmax
I have the same clunking noise everytime I drive through bumps
What suspension setup are you running?
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Old 12-02-2007, 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Deven2kStickMax
What suspension setup are you running?
Stock
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Old 12-02-2007, 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by jasonmax
Stock
something must be loose just like someone else was saying earlier. you may want to take it to the dealer if you still have warranty or check it out to see where the noise is coming from on a lift.
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Old 12-02-2007, 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Deven2kStickMax
something must be loose just like someone else was saying earlier. you may want to take it to the dealer if you still have warranty or check it out to see where the noise is coming from on a lift.
sadly, mine is out of warranty. But I will keep my eye on it.
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Old 12-07-2007, 09:55 AM
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Could be front sway/stabilizer bar endlinks

Dealer replaced the right endlink for me a few years back under warranty, now the noise is back.

Got the parts this time and will replace this weekend. Here is the part description.
ROD ASSY-CONNECTING,STABILIZER

There was/is a write-up somewhere for the 4th Gen on here but my search isn't working too well.
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Old 12-07-2007, 03:02 PM
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I just finished the suspension in my car after 2 years.... now the rear is making a noise... I'll definetly will check them again to see if they are not aligned
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Old 12-08-2007, 09:07 PM
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Sadly enough I had the same noise and changed the strut mounts and the sound went away. Problem solved... But the front end clunking is the strut mounts, they are faulty mounts which now have been fixed. Trust me thats the issue, cause it got rid of it.
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