solid "clunk/knock" front suspension
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 34
From: Oregon
solid "clunk/knock" front suspension
Hey folks, I was hoping someone might be able too help with a problem I'm having?
When I drive slowly and hit a hole or high spot in the road, if it's the right side or the left I hear and slightly feel a clunk/knock... I changed the front sway- bar links with no luck or change in the problem. I imagine it could be the rubber holding the sway-bar being weak but, I felt maybe I could get a positive answer here. Any help with this will be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks!
DaDeuce
When I drive slowly and hit a hole or high spot in the road, if it's the right side or the left I hear and slightly feel a clunk/knock... I changed the front sway- bar links with no luck or change in the problem. I imagine it could be the rubber holding the sway-bar being weak but, I felt maybe I could get a positive answer here. Any help with this will be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks!
DaDeuce
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 34
From: Oregon
I'll check into both of these suggestions, one thing. I installed new struts on both sides along with new axles, the boots on the axels were torn and one strut was bad. I was lazy and purchase preloaded spring struts so I won't need to do that check.
Thanks a bunch!
Thanks a bunch!
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 276
A riding-over-bump clunk is almost guaranteed the sway bar bushings, very easy to replace. then there is the passenger mount ( would make more of a jerk/thud) or the subframe ( always overlooked). you can bypass the subframe bushings with metal washers for less sloppy handling (both the subframe holding the engine and the main subframe that holds the suspension.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,215
hey.
there are many things that can click and knock.
from my experience if you feel and hear the knock it's probably going to
be a control arm bushing. you can test this by jacking it up jerking the wheel left/right.
should be completely solid, and if it moves around then, there you go.
i just did this today but it's been like that for months because i didn't want to get an alignment.
i'll post pics if u need.
if it gets worse you'll feel some crazy torque steer going into 2nd and a loud chirp/thunk.
there are many things that can click and knock.
from my experience if you feel and hear the knock it's probably going to
be a control arm bushing. you can test this by jacking it up jerking the wheel left/right.
should be completely solid, and if it moves around then, there you go.
i just did this today but it's been like that for months because i didn't want to get an alignment.
i'll post pics if u need.
if it gets worse you'll feel some crazy torque steer going into 2nd and a loud chirp/thunk.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 34
From: Oregon
Hey Maxima crew, I installed the sway-bar bushings today, I ordered them with the links but didn't get them on when I did them. (The sway-bar links) well, it did help! But, it still has the clunk on the passenger front. So good and bad news 
... I did the side too side wheel test and it is solid as a rock, both driver and passenger sides. I'm gonna checkout the motor mount tomorrow and do some more checking on the passenger side.
Just want too keep you
who gave me your suggestions
informed!
... I did the side too side wheel test and it is solid as a rock, both driver and passenger sides. I'm gonna checkout the motor mount tomorrow and do some more checking on the passenger side. Just want too keep you
who gave me your suggestions
informed!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 34
From: Oregon
Hey y’all, I have not had a chance to work on the Maxima, on Saturday my cousin passed away..Pretty much been having family over go’n to dinner and such. I have changed gears on projects because actually the Maxima is running awesome! And I’m actually being “picky” about the clunk, if it was having a steering problem it would be more of an issue but, like I wrote above it’s running and steering awesome! So, I’ll get back to you about the mysterious “clunk”... I have a 1987 Fiero GT fastback and the top end has been apart for service, I have all the parts now and need to quit coming up with excuses and (Get’er done��) lol... Thanks for all your help ✌��
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 34
From: Oregon
My BAD!!
Well... I can not tell a lie. Sometimes if ya just STOP and wait, it’s gonna workout. I figured My studs are of no use at least for now. So I took the Maxima in to have them swapped back and figured I’d might as well have it aligned to. I explained the Clunk/Knock too the alingment Guy... When he was done he explained on the passenger side the stabilizer link was NOT completely tightened... OShip!! I was feel’n kinda, well you know... So. Thanks for your messages.. I’ll be fading away now 😂
DaDeuce✌🏻
DaDeuce✌🏻
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jremignanti
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
44
Dec 14, 2006 06:46 PM
SDB318
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
11
Sep 4, 2004 07:18 AM
Maximam
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
11
Nov 8, 2003 11:48 AM