Hello all...

I'm a newcomer to the site and I currently own a '99 Maxima SE (also had a '97 SE). I'm hoping you guys (and gals) can help me troubleshoot some problems I'm having..

1. There's a strange creaking noise coming from the front-left corner of the car. It only makes this noise when I stop or take off or when I'm parking. It makes this noise when there is a shift in motion at low speeds.

2. My car sometimes starts up really rough then idles really low (500 - 550rpms) once warmed up. I've had the fuel injection sys cleaned, fuel filter replaced and throttle body cleaned. The work was done at a local Jiffy Lube so I don't know how great of a job they might have done.


Anyway, I'd appreciate your thoughts or feedback.

Ab

 

The creaking noise - does it occur with specific actions, i.e. only in motion, or when turning the steering wheel, etc..?? There are soo many reasons why noises like that happen - it could be a loose heat shield, a binding spring, worn strut bearing, CV joint, etc... Without more details, it is hard to diagnose.

As for the idle, the ECU adjusts the idle automatically, and I believe ~550rpm is pretty normal for a 4th gen. If in doubt, you can adjust the idle speed (temporarily, the darned ECU kind of adjusts back to the slower speed) by disconnecting the Throttle Position Sensor and adjusting the idle screw located near the throttle body. You should also spray out the throttle body with TB cleaner, that might fix your idle.

 

My 98Max had this same symptom for several weeks.
Took it to my mechanic(s) they couldn't find the cause. They told me it might be a transmission pinion bearing. So I took it to the dealer who sold me the car. They discovered it was a loose front, driver side wheel. When my KYBs were installed someone didn't torque down the lug nuts.
Now the creaking is gone. Hope this helps.

 

If the creaking is when you turn the car it is probably CV related, if it is when the car bounces over bumps it's probably the strut, mine creaks in the front left end when I go over bumps but only when it's cold outside, and it doesn't last very long, after the car is warmed up it's fine.

As for the idle do all the routine, clean/replace air filter, fuel filter PC valve etc. Check all your vacumm lines that connect to that thin black box (resinator) between the throttle body and MAF, a loose or disconnected hose could cause you to idle low.

 

I recently took my car to the dealership regarding the rough idle and the creaking noise from the front end. They couldn't find anything on the rough idle so I'll just have to wait and see. According to the dealer, the creaking noise is coming from the front left quarter panel which is rubbing against something at the bottem. They seemed to think that the car had been in a minor accident before and that this problem was caused by a poorly installed quarter panel. I almost rung the service writer's neck because this particular dealership was the one that performed my pre-purchase inspection before I bought my car:-(
Anyway, once the weather gets warmer, I'm going to spend some time under the car and try to get rid of this sound....somehow.

 

1)Creaking noise - Check your lower control arm bushings and the sway bar bushings. It could also be a frame bushing thats lose. Does the noise go away on rainy days? If so, then I guarantee it's bushing related.

2)Idle - Clean your throttle body. www.motorvate.ca has instructions.

 

Thanks. I'll follow-up on both of those suggestions.

Ab

 

i had a creek in my 95 that was coming from the strut swivle mount assembly....sounds just like what you are describing.

good luck.