I hear a clunking noise when the car is idling, and I turn the wheel to the right & left. I just turn the wheel about a quarter turn in either direction consecutively and I can hear a small clunking sound. Any ideas what may be the culprit here? I really want my ride in top notch condition for the summer. And this doesn't make me feel good about my ride. What could be causing this sound? Just so you know there are no sounds once the car is moving, only while sitting idle and I turn the wheel left/right consecutivley.

CV'S? Wheel bearings? Axle? Any suggestions?

 

The usual test for a bad CV joint is to go to a quiet parking lot and drive the car slowly (3 mph) in tight clockwise circles, and then tight counterclockwise circles. Do this in a forward gear, and also in reverse. A bad joint will usually make distinct rhythmic clicking or snapping sounds. Snap, snap, snap!

 

I was hoping Daniel B. would jump in, I just didn't wanna head the post with your name as if you had to answer. Thanks for answering anyway. (So many post say ATTN: Daniel B.)

So its not the CV, how would I test for bad wheel bearings or bad axle? I am gonna upgrade my suspension this weekend. Install H&R springs and Koni adjustable shocks. Is it possible a suspension related part is making this sound. I heard once about a strut bearing problem could this be similar. I'm puzzled?

Remember is a low clunk. Sounds like its coming from the wheel but I may be wrong. And it only happens when the wheel is changing direction. As the wheel turn right no problem, its when you change direction to the left that the sound is heard. And vice versa.

 

I don't know how an axle can become "bad" other than a damaged CV joint.

Some easy checks you can make...

1) Verify that all wheel lug nuts are tight.

2) Raise the car. If you have a floor jack you can raise the entire front end at once, and test both front wheel bearings. No need for jackstands, as you will not get under the car.

3) Grab the top of the tire (12 o'clock) and push away from yourself and pull toward yourself. Yank it to and fro in this fashion several times. If there is noticeable free play or an audible "clunking" sound, the wheel bearing is probably damaged.

4) Attempt to spin the wheel. If it spins freely but makes ugly sounds the bearing may be damaged. If it won't spin at all the brake may be dragging. This could indicate a sticking caliper.

 

Equip yourself with a 4-foot length of small diameter vacuum hose. Raise the hood. Have an assistant turn the wheel right and left to produce the clunking sound. The motor does not have to be running for this test. You put one end of the hose in your ear and position the other end near the top of the struts. This will help pinpoint the origin of the unwanted sound. It could be coming from the strut mounting bearing or strut mounting insulator.

 

I have the exact same sound for my car. It happens like a quarter turn of the steering wheel in either direction, left or right. It's no big deal for me, and it intermittent anyways.

I've done the cursory inspections like tugging at the wheel, checking the CV boots, etc...and I didn't see anything wrong so I might have it checked out the next time I bring my car in for service (which will be like over 6 months from now).

 

I'm gonna have the strut bearings changed when I upgrade my suspension and I'll be sure to post my findings. I'm confident that it will be the strut bearings.

 

Is it a clunking, or a light clicking noise. I have had the intermittent light (barely audible) clicking noise while turning the steering wheel while stationary and the noise is coming from the strut tower. I would guess it was the bearing, but someone told me that even though the part was cheap, installing it would require taking out the entire strut assembly. I hope yours isn't something more serious.

 

i also get a light light clicking sound... when parked and turning the wheel... or even when moving... if i turn it slowly the clicks are come more slowly... ie click...... click.... click ;-) hehethe click sound is fast... but it comes with longer delays... if i turn the steering wheel fast... then the clicking is less dleayed and i hear it clicking at a higher frequency...

theres been alot of mention and finger pointing towards the strut bearings in this case...

Does this sound about right? Or should i check something else out also? my wheel wells seem none greesed/dark meaning the cv boot's
shouldn't be ripped...

ehh any insight to add is cool... i've read the other posts... probably try out what other had mentionned... but i'm curious at the same time if anyone has a good answer for my scenario...

Thanks

 

I actually still cant find the culprit here. I changed my suspension, and even the strut mount bearings and still the noise is present. I think it may have something to do with my tie-rods. I just crossed 120k miles last night so anything is a good guess by now. Visual inspection revealed that the cv's are in good condition (no cracks or even creases for that matter). And the tie-rod ends look good too. No visual damage, and no noticeable free play when tugged on. But to my understanding there are inner and out tie rods. So I suspect my inner tie-rods are the problem here. Nissan is offering a free month of inspections. I'm gonna check with a local dealer to have an inspection done and see what they can find. You may wanna do the same.

 

hehe i didn't notice but yeah... this was posted a while back... dang... i'm proud i used the search function... ;-) hehe

nissan is offering a free month? for everyone or sumthin? hmm cool.

 

It's your springs you are hearing. I just installed the H&Rs and have the same noise. I've taken the suspension apart 3 times this week to try and stop it. Many on here report the same noise. Try this test to see if you can make them quiet down for a bit. Spray (really soak it) the strut and spring really good with some sort of lubricating fluid. I actually used Black Magic tire shine. Get it all over the spring mounts and into the top rubber mount and bottom where the spring sits on the strut. Now take you car for a ride and make some hard turns to work in the lubricant. See if it quiets things down for the day. Mine did but the noise returned soon after. There are many posts on here regarding this noise after a spring install. Let us know what that test turns up for you.

Good luck !

 

Still have a problem huh? When I first installed my H&R/Tokicos, I had a groaning noise when I moved at low speeds with the wheel turned. Turns out it was a bolt sticking out of the fender and rubbing against the upper spring mount. I took the bolt out from under the hood, installed spacer washers and the noise has been gone for two years. Check your upper spring mounts and see if there are scratches on the top surface. This will unfortunately require removing the strut from the car.

 

I've had them out 3 or 4 times this week alone. No scratches on the mount, I was thinking the same thing. I'm still getting used to the ride of the H&R. Kind of has that tight bounce thing going on. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep them. Maybe the ride changes as time goes on??