My gf's maxima (2000 GLE with 87k miles) makes two really annoying noises. One is whenever you go over a bump the right side makes a popping sound. Its the same sound which another maxima that I drove in had. This only happens when you are driving over bumps. Is this a common rattling problem? If so any help on that would be nice.

Another one is from the back of the car which sounds as a metal hitting metal sound. My gf spoke to a nissan tech and he said it could be a bracket problem which is a common problem on these cars. This doesnt seem to happen when going over bumps, pretty much going around turns or whenever it feels like it. Can any one confirm and advice on this would also be appreciated.

Help us guys, I have to really put the music on loud or else I am going into a tree because of the annoyance. She will bring the car to the mechanic soon but I just wanted to hear from you guys about these first. Thanks.

 

Bump.......

 

right side rattle sounds like a blown strut to me. i had a blown strut and it would sound as if something was just loose.

rear metal issue. at 87k miles, i'm going to ask are your exhaust hangers up to bar. it could be a number of things. i would get under there and look. examine everything. if it's metal on metal, you'll see something scuffed up. if it's a bad exhaust hanger, your exhaust piping may be hitting something. do you have any aftermarket parts, like a RSB. Adco RSB brackets, if placed in a certain area, bang up against a certain part of our rear passenger-side axle. again, i think your best bet is to simply get under and look for something scuffed or scratched. good luck.

 

The bracket noise was an easy fix but the front noise continues. He said the struts were fine, any one know if the OEM strut mounts are a common problem? Or what is the other suspension part that goes bad causing a thumping sound when going over bumps.

 

I've got a 2000 SE and I think I have the same problem, some kind of rattle coming from the front right side. Haven't checked the strut yet...