I have a loaded 2002 Maxima SE with about 115K miles on it. It goes in for regular maintenance so it's running well. I've recently noticed a couple strange sounds. First, when the car is cold and I go to start it, for a brief second I hear and feel something that sounds like it may be loose. My guess is it could be a worn engine mount or loose exhaust system. Second, I've noticed a sound from my front right suspension like either the strut assembly is gone bad or something is loose. The weird thing is both sounds are similar. I took it into Tires Plus and they checked the Strut Assembly, but could not determine if that was the problem or whether it was some sort of problem with the wheel. Anyone experience anything like this as well?

 

What do the sounds sound like, other than something 'sounds loose'?

 

I have a 2000 gxe and have experienced a clunk when driving slow over uneven ground. I don't know if this is the same but I also want to hear some thoughts concerning this.

Thanks,
Jon

 

There are quite a few threads pertaining, probably, to what you're talking about. A lot of people have fixed the "clunk" by replacing the sway bar end links. Do a search for end links and you might find the info you need.

 

how urgent is replacing the sway bar end links and tie bars? my car does get the clunking sound on the front driver's side when going over bumps.

 

I'm probably wrong but I don't think it absolutely has to be replaced immediately. It's more like one of those things that will annoy the crap out of you until you fix it, before it does any real damage.

 

Check your right front bumpstop, they normally crack and flop around giving that loose sound! Or it could be on your swaybar either the frame bushings or the endlinks, just jack it up and visually inspect it!

 

It is your motor mounts. I just had to replace mine. replace the front and rear. The one that are attached to the crossmember runing under your engine. Mounts on last around 75,000 miles depending on how hard you drive the car.

 

tie rod ends possibly