So I've been thing with a sort of clunking/metal on metal/creaking noise with the front right of my car for a while now. The issue seem to happen while going straight, and seem consistent with the speed of the car. When accelerating it goes away, but under slight throttle or no throttle it comes back. So far I've replaced the front brakes (definitely not this as the noise still existed, but I had bad rotors anyway). The next item I replaced was the passenger axle. One thing I noticed is the axle nut was really loose (I could turn it by hand). The clunking noise went away, but the creaking was still there. The creaking soon turned to a really bad vibration and it turned out the wheel bearing was bad. I had a new one pressed in. What was interesting is the vibration creaking went away, but now the clunking/popping is back, and now even happens when moving very slowly(again going straight ahead...doesn't seem to make it as much turning...but it does it)...but will not happen while accelerating. Now it seems the creaking noise is happening as well this morning. I'm curious if the axle nut is torqued down enough...so I need to check into that. Has anyone had a wheel bearing go back in less than 2 weeks? I'm hoping this is mainly the axle this time. Probably going to call up raxles and get one from them.

S

 

You said you got the bearing replaced, but what about the hub? Did they inspect the hub?

 

how about the endlinks? checked those?

 

Endlinks look good, and there isn't anything loose or worn. Hub has not been replaced...though while it's being pressed, I'm sure they would of spot any problems (like the bearing race spinning on the hub).

 

Was talking to Marty at raxles. Too bad he really doesn't have anything right now or the 5.5 gen passenger side. I'm almost tempted to take this down to a shop and have them check it out.

S

 

Check the bolt that holds the PS line or whatever thats bolted on the shock tower under the hood there, mine was hitting my strut mount and making a ton of noise, just toss some washers under it and i was good. if it still does it i would recommend replaceing the struts. also check LCA bushings.

 

So I took it in to a local shop here. Had the guys test drive it, they experience the symptoms. However just like me they couldn't find the issue. All the bushings look good, everything is nice and tight. They even went and made measurements and saw no issue. There were 3 different guys looking at it. The only thing that seem to be out of the ordinary was the lower control arm. While things measure fine, the control arm seems to have a slight bow to it and the axle seems like it might be at a slightly odd angle.

The lower ball joint boot is cracked from when the when mastercater7 was helping me pull the spindle and will need to be replaced...so it maybe an opportunistic time to replace the control arm.

Prof: I'll take a look, though the noise and vibration seems speed related.

S

 

I have a similar issue, perhaps? I have a 2002 Maxima SE with 6 spd manual, completely stock. Over the past month when dropping the clutch I feel and hear a thump that seems to originate from the front right wheel. It happens in every gear and has become more noticable as time goes on. Judging from the many posts I have been reading it sounds like a transmission or clutch problem, or perhaps the front passenger axle. I plan on bringing it into the shop on Monday but figured I would drop a line in here to see if anyone has experience with this issue.

 

Did you replace the wheel bearing only?

I just got done putting in a new wheel bearing and had to replace the hub too (bout $120) because once the bearing broke, it damaged the hub so much so it wouldnt fit right into the knuckle.

Just a guess though.

 

from a stop gas it hard, does the clunk noise come up? if so check your motor mounts. I had a clunk noise on my passenger side, changed end links, strut mounts, LTB bushings, and finally motor mounts. all fixed now, just more vibration in the cabin.. I

 

Id replace that axle.

 

whether I gas it lightly or get on it hard, the clunk is still there.

 

maybe try the strut mounts or motor mounts

 

The most probable cause is that right side engine mount! Take a large screwdriver or prybar and lift under that mount, you'll hear that noise! Sounds almost like a bad strut mount, but it not. These engines are so dam close to everything if a mount does fail it quick starts interfering/contacting other items rather quickly. Check all the others while you're @ it dude...GL!

 

Well, turns out it was the axle, which in turn upset the control arm, which in turn was causing the transmission to shift funny. All in all, I am happy that it wasn't the tranny. Thanks for all the input!