Ive noticed that for the last few days, If I take to sharp of a turn left, or turn left too quick, I get a popping sound coming from my left wheel it sounds like. I went to AAP, and he said it could be the half-shaft, or the joints that move with the wheels, I forget what there called. I also noticed that sometimes when I stomp on my accelerator, that the steering wheel turns left a little and when I let off, it goes back to the right. My tires are mysteriously out of allignment, when all my driving is interstate. Im hoping its a simple re-allignment and rotation, but it dosent sound like it.

Has this happened to anyone before, and do you think its safe to drive?

 

Yes it happened to me, turned out to be my front strut bearings. They are located at the top of the strut, not an easy install since you have to remove the entire strut/spring. They run $31.XX a piece shipped from Courtesy Nissan.

See if the sound comes while moving. If it doesn't then you can eliminate the axle from your list. Also in this case, it is 80% likely to be your strut bearing.
-Cyrus

 

The same thing happens to me when i sometimes do sharp turns to the left....I have a feeling it has to do something with the CV but I would like to know too. Oh I noticed that the steering will pull to the left too when under heavy acceleration, I think this is due to the max's differential.

 

Good idea....my noise only occurs when doing slow steep turns like that in parking lots. How much do you think it would cost to get it done and is it really important to do it right away?

 

To have the dealer do it you are probably looking at $150-$200 per side (that is a total guess). It is not crucial, you can wait on it. It will just get slightly harder to turn with time.

However if it is the axle with a ripped CV (in which case you will notice a lot of grease on that side's wheelwell, especially on the inside of the wheel), I recommend you go with Raxles.com. You can have them installed at Merchant's or any shop of the sort. The axle will run you $140 shipped and install will be about $80.
-Cyrus

 

would you need to get a new alignment if you have that problem and they fix it?

 

Yes.
-Cyrus