03 maxima se, 145k miles. I'm getting a thumping noise(almost like its a flat tire) when I'm driving. I notice as I drive faster the noise gets louder and heavier feeling. I can feel it more as I accelerate. I really notice it between 60mph and 80mph. It's more harsh around then. It isn't rpm consistent and I start noticing when I drive. Also I don't know if this helps but when I hit bumps, it feels like it's hitting them hard almost like the shocks are terrible. Also when my vehicle is on and in park idling and I turn the wheel left and right I'm hearing a clunk on each side when turning. Anyone have any idea what this is? Front cv axles maybe? Thanks in advance!,

Respectfully,
Antonio

 

Wheel bearings or tie rod ends or ...

 

Bad tires can me mistaken for wheel bearings. If your car sounds like some lifted 4x4 with 30 inch mud tires, it's usually the tires. Bad wheel bearings sound like an airplane taking off, as I learned with my Accord recently. In any case, jack up the front end and start looking for possible loose parts. Run your hand over the tires and check for cupping and irregular wear. When you're in park, are you cranking the wheel all way the left and right? If that's when you hear the clunk, could be you're hitting the stops for the PS rack. If I'm making a tight turn, the stops clunk loudly in my car due to the garbage turning radius.

 

If I just jiggle the wheel left and right I hear the clunking. I'm not turning it all the way and I'll be sure to check out the tires. I just figured it wasn't the because the previous owner said they were newer.

 

If the control arm bushings are totally shot, then this can happen. Take a gander. The rear one will be cracked up and the front one may be squishing pieces out. Swaybar endlinks should only make noise over bumps/turning (although they're likely shot, too, if original). You can feel play in them as well if they're bad. You might as well look at the tie rod ends while you're there. See if there's any play when you turn the wheel and if the boots are cracked.

 

I used to be a mechanic so I'm familiar with the noise that y'all are referring to although I haven't worked on front wheel drive cars often so bare with me. It's not the tires. They're not cupping or choppy. I'm going to have to assume it's something you brought up although I won't know for sure due to my jack being in use for another vehicle. I'll be sure to check tomorrow.

 

I went through something similar on my 03 but along with the thumping (my front struts were new) I got a lot of vibration. Check the motor mounts.
There are 4 of them. Happened at about 125,000 miles.

 

Found out it was my tie rod ends. Shook the driver side and it broke loose it was corroded on there. Went to remove the nut to check and the nut and bolt were spinning in the tie rod. Purchased two new ones and cut the bolts off and replaced them.

 

Interesting. I've never seen any so bad they caused that.

 

Me either until I got pissed that I had to spend $60 for wheel bearings only for me to put them on because I thought that was what the shaking was from for me to only find out it was the tie rod. Runs well now though.

 

I've seen them cause a little vibration at a certain speed, but never a thumping or hard vibration. Oh, well, at least you don't need wheel bearings anymore LOL.

 

As an ase certified mechanic I'm surprised as well