I've noticed a strange sound lately on my 2007 SE. When I turn sharply at low speeds (like pulling into a driveway or a parking spot) and am turning left, I'll hear a mechanical "pop" from the right front wheel like something is shifting or knocking into/out of place. To me it's like something is loose, and when you I go into the turn and place the weight of the body roll on that wheel something shifts.

I'm taking the car in anyway for alignment/brakes/oil change, but wanted to see if the wise ones on here had heard/seen this before. Thanks in advance!

 

Well, it might be your axle. I have never had this problem wiht the max but have had this problem wiht other cars. that would be my guess. Gett that looked at ASAP.

ps, how many miles are on that car? if its under 35k then seems soon for it to got out but htown highways are deadly, lol

 

i experience the same problems only when the car is cold and begin to drive it. when i step on the brakes when, a rattling noise starts coming from the right front area like something is loose or grinding. but this disappears after the car has warmed up...

 

Check the top strut mount.

 

It's got about 37k miles on it so far. I'll have the techs look at those pieces -- thanks guys!

 

OMG Please keep us posted on this issue. I'm having the same problem with my front end. Ive been fixing everything I can and this is the only problem we cant figure out. I seem to notice I can repoduce it everytime backing out of my driveway when the car is a little un level it pops then sounds like it pops back.

 

I had it only when turning right. I know it sounds crazy, because they normally don't do this when they go out, but mine was the right front wheel bearing. Easy test, jack up the right front and see if the wheel wiggles. Bearings are a PITA. Both went out at 80K and the right front again at 120K (it didn't make the noise until the second time). Be warned, if your bearings go out, the hub will need to be replaced and they ain't cheap.

 

Funny this came up. I have an 06. Took it to my mechanic and he checked the suspension, tie rods, steering rack, etc. Found nothing. took it to the stealership and they said it was the strut but they wouldn't know for sure unless they replaced and checked it afterward. For $335 a side? No thanks, especially when they don't know for sure if it will fix it. Found nothing on the Nissan bulletins either. Also tried the wheel bearing test. Definitely not that. Checked both sides. Nissan also said it is for sure not the wheel bearing.

 

Any thoughts anyone?

 

It would probably be like chasing the proverbial snake through the grass having mechanics search for the elusive pop.

Unless you have your own hoist, or a way to get under the car and check every little part in the suspension, I would say just put up with the noise until you have some form of detectable failure.

 

Hello friends,

I faced this problem many times.When i first time start the car then it sound something different but after few minutes it started properly. My car mechanic told me that there is a problem in my car engine and also clutch plates are damaged.


Regards,
Olivia


DMV School

 

I have a similar problem. when I am sitting parked with the car running, I can turn the wheel a 1/4 of a turn and then back, kinda quick, but not super quick, I hear a bang. I thought maybe it was an end link or control arm or something, but I haven't been able to jack up the car and get under there an find out what is going on. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

agreed . under semi cold conditions I hear the pop sound when I turn the wheel and backup. Does go away after the car has been driving a few mins. Def something is stiff.

 

I hear a clunk noise from my front right wheel to, every time i hit a small bump. Not sure what it is either.

 

I'm having the same clunking issues too. Struts are brand new KYB's as well, so it's not that. It only happens when the temp. is below 60 degrees. I thought it was the hood latch at first, but that is not it. I honestly have no clue, but strut mount might be the next place to look.

 

I have 115k and Im getting this sound from the right side of the car. I hope someone on here will help in finding the problem. Will take to the shop Saturday for front end check on right side.

 

I have a similar issue when going over speedbumps, small unavoidable parking lot potholes, etc. Sounds like the strut is shifting around in the mount. Havent had a chance to check it yet but this seems pretty logical. Probably need new mounts/bearings.

 

I have the same problem when I go over bumps...I hear this pop sound on the right front. I had it on my previous car (Altima).

 

On my car the noise started about 3 weeks ago, I wanderif it has something to do with the cold weather.

 

If you are hearing a popping noise, then jack up that side of the car so the wheel no longer touches the ground. This will fully extend your strut. Check your strut-boot to make sure it is properly seated and secure.

 

All you guys need to do is do a detailed search in our forum for suspenions problems or suspension noise for our gen. The poping and clicking sounds you all hear are related to the upper strut bearings (right hand side - RHS). That and the bearing and strut mounts need replacing often on our cars. I suspect that when our cars were first designed that the engineers did not take into account the camber/toe-in issues that would eventually develop with their front suspension geometry. Interestingly enough some of us here have had to replace these every spring after lowering the car! I purchased my front kit and plan to do it in the spring after the pot holes are fixed because you have to have an alignment done after the top plates are replaced. Part of the problem is that the struts are loose at the top because the whole assemble gets loose over time. My personal belief is that that it's because the engine in the Maxima is not centered in the engine bay and is closer to the RHS (passenger side) of the car. My next car will be a perfectly balanced car...front & back/side to side. What you guys are hearing is the strut (shock absorber) rod/mount banging from side to side because all the nuts and bolts holding it in to place are a tiny bit loose from being worn out...and the clicking noise is the worn out top plate bearing that alows the spring and strut to turn at the same time.

 

how much would the dealership charge to fix this issue

 

Thanks Xorbit, what you said makes sense..It's freaking cold now, it ay have to wait until the weather warms up.

 

I had the same noise when backing up and going over small bumps. Dealership replaced both struts a couple of times, and even changed the steering rack. Finally figured out that the right front caliper was causing the problem. Since they changed it I have not had the knocking sound. All work was covered under the extended warranty!!

 

The noise you are possibly hearing is your stabilizer links. There is a technical service bulletin that states that you have to change the position of the links you don't have to remove them.

 

Thanks for the info!

Can you get the TSB # for this please? It would help when showing up at the stealership. I have an extended warranty until Dec 2010. I will be showing up in the spring after the pot holes are repaired...usually by the middle of April.

I didn't hear about this....

Just one more fix in a whole line up of front end fixes!

I will also check my brake calipers to make sure they are not loose too.

Ooof so much to check!

 

I had the same problem, dealer changed drivers side strut mount, insulator and strut, and a alignment all under warranty.

 

I have this same exact problem but it happens in summer or winter. It drives me bonkers.

Can some one post the part #'s and where they purchased the Strut Mount setups or Bearings for the DIY'ers?

Thank you....

 

I checked with my stealership service manager here in Montreal and he said that there is no such TSB: Possibly only in the USA although I highly doubt this.

 

Sorry to bring up an old thread. But I am having the same sound coming from the front passenger side. I have a 2007 SL with 26k miles. If the problem is what xorbitman says, do you think the dealer will fix it under warranty even though it the car is lowered with Tein springs?