levonlynch

Alright so I’m having some issues with my 2011 Maxima SV. Months ago I was constantly hearing a clunking/popping sound when doing sharp turns or driving on steep yards. I found out that I had bad struts and a bad passenger axle from a mechanic I found. I took my car to Nissan first but they didn’t find the issue i was looking for and I’m tired of paying a $50 diagnosis just to find the problem. First i got my passenger axle replaced from Advanced auto parts late August. Then i just got my struts replaced about two weeks ago from a different mechanic. These mechanics I went to were highly recommended to me and I wasn’t about to spend thousands of dollars to have Nissan fix it. Both parts were rusted out and needed to be replaced but it didn’t solve the clunking/popping sound I was hearing. Another thing, when my struts were being replaced, my passenger axle came lose and the mechanic used zip tie to hold it in place. After having those parts replaced, the noise doesn’t happen as much as before when doing sharp turns but it’s happening when I’m on the highly going 60mph and up. I took my car to firestone and they told me that the noise could come from a bad engine mount, control arm, or that so could’ve gotten a bad passenger axle from advanced auto parts.

Bificus99

Yeah add in subframe. Retourque the bolts. Have the shop fix that axle they ziptied as well. Motor mounts are a pain and pricey, I had the front and rear done due to clunking...$$.

levonlynch

I uploaded a clip to get a better understanding of what I’m talking about

levonlynch

I have a bad feeling that the issue is going to be pricey

MaximusN8

I agree here! That doesn't sound like a suspension problem that sounds like something is hitting onto something I would definitely get that axle checked and maybe have the catalytic converter checked as well, if the element inside the converter is broken you can hear a clunking noise especially when your at high speeds.

BronxSleeperMax187

Control arm maybe, and hows that Axle being held by zip ties? You mean Axle boots most likely.....maybe the other Axle is going too. My guess is Axles, cheap after market Struts, Control Arms.

levonlynch

To be honest i don’t know. I just know the passenger axle I had just bought came loose when my passenger strut was being put on and they used zip ties until I get in contact with my other mechanic. I doubt if the struts were cheap I was thinking that the passenger axle was cheap. But who knows, you maybe right. When I finally be able to reach my mechanic I’ll ask him about my control arm because I was considering that as an issue as well once.

levonlynch

I severely hope that it’s the axle and nothing else. Thanks

LtLeary

Ok, the right or passenger axle is held in with two BOLTS. ZIP TIES? Oh heck to the no!! Please go get that checked now! Sounds very dangerous to me.

2011_maxima

I have/had a similar issue & posted on here as well. I replaced 3 of the 5 motor mounts and the lower driver side control arm (due to bushing) all was "diagnosed" by my dealership recommendation. It was difficult but not too hard. Unfortunately I seem to be "re-hearing" the same sound again. per above i wonder if my axles need to be replaced? the 2011 maxima SV has 98k miles.... hhhmmmm ??

levonlynch

Man I am so sorry for that struggle and to have it comeback? And it’s sad how Nissan can’t even identify the problem to their own car.