Hello,

I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima GXE with 75K miles on it (paid off). I'm the original owner. It's been a great car, but it's started to exhibit a couple of issues and I'm debating whether I should sell it or go ahead and get everything fixed.

Here are the issues I'm experiencing and my thoughts on what the problems might be:

1. Slight clunk sound over some bumps, but not all bumps --- Possibly the motor mounts?
2. Vibration at slow and high speeds in the seats and some slight floating at highway speeds (doesn't feel like shocks that are shot to me though) --- Possibly tire balancing or something more complex like wheel hubs/bearings or suspension components?
3. Brake shudder when braking from higher speeds --- Possibly warped rotors or wheel hubs/bearings and or suspension components?
4. Some exhaust pinging --- I know the one midpipe is in need of replacing as the mounting bracket fell off and I have a clamp on it now, but am wondering if the the catylytic converter might be going

Basically, I'm wondering what you all think a shop might charge to accurately diagnose and fix these issues (best and worst case scenarios), and I want to see if it's worthwhile to put that amount of money into the car.

I'm willing to tackle some of these problems myself, but I don't think I have the knowledge to fully troubleshoot these issues and certainly don't want to just throw parts at the problems.

Thanks for your input and advice.

 

sounds like 1 and 2 can be solved by new suspension components. are you keeping this car stock?

number 3...brake job, which im sure you can handle by yourself.

number 4...exhaust pinging? you mean like you hear it moving around? if thats the case get some more rubber hangers and you should be good.

 

Yes, just keeping car stock. How do I go about troubleshooting suspension components? I'm no mechanic, but have actually changed the shocks on my Miata (with some assistance from others).

For number 4 (exhaust pinging), when I am driving and cross over around 2,000 RPMs, I hear a little pinging sound that goes away as I rev past it.

Thanks!

 

i'm not sure about the exhaust pinging almost sounds like bad gas...do you have a SES light?

as far as suspension components...you might be better searching on the forums, there are many suggestions as to the cause of this. replacing the oem struts, oem strut mounts, etc might be a good start to remedy that problem you have.

 

No one will be able to tell you if you should sell it or repair it.... that's your decision based off of what you want to do and your budget.

However, those issues you reported sound fairly common for a 02 Max with only 75k on it.

Each issue can be fixed for a couple hundred bucks if you need parts and labor.

If you need some more advice ask a shop to give you an estimate and bring that estimate back here and we'll help you out... otherwise we're just shooting in the dark.

 

I had some SES light issues about two years ago and I ended up having to replace two O2 sensors and that resolved the issues. I guess it's not really an engine pinging, more of a metallic rattle sound. I'm pretty sure it's some sort of exhaust related vibration.

Sounds like reasonable advice. I'll ask a shop about getting an estimate. I guess I'm just fearing it might be closer to $2K to take care of all the issues and am not sure if that makes sense financially. Though, it's certainly cheaper than getting a new car, and I'm sure this car would last for quite a bit more time/miles.

Thanks.

 

As long as you like your car and the repair bills aren't more than a new car payment would be, it is probably worth fixing.

 

Fix it and keep it. Repairs and maintenance and normal parts of owning any car. These are cars well worth keeping in running condition.

 

i got a 2001 nissan max, got the p0505 code, replaced iacv, got it relearned. when i first start up my car it either:
1. goes to 1000rpms and dies
2. goes from about 800-400rpms up and down for about 5-10secs then consistently stays at 850 rpms.
3. if i give it gas for about 5 secs after start and let of it will rest at 850rpms
im just wondering if this is a sign of fried ECM or if i shouldnt worry about it

 

Look newb...instead of bumping old a*s threads you need to post in the "I'M NEW HERE AND HAVE A QUESTION THREAD" at the very top.

Christ...