2003 Maxima SE (auto trans)(all stock) I am trying to diagnose a creaking noise in the front end. i've been told by my brake guy that it is strut-related. Also said it could be corrosion induced by excessive salt/gravel use this time of year in Ohio. It only happens going forward and only when i am nearing a stop (let's say 1-2 seconds before the final rolling stop). No other noises while driving or turning. Searched multiple strut threads but did not find anything quite similar. Request some ideas to check for...

 

Can you duplicate the noise when parked? Does it sound like a squeaking whenever you compress the spring (press down over it)? I have 2 issues with my front suspension: It rattles like crazy on uneven surfaces and the spring or some other part squeaks when the suspension compresses. I'm planning on getting new front OEM mounts when the weather is a bit warmer.

 

I have not been able to duplicate the noise when parked. When i push down on each of the front fenders, the strut responds as it should with no noise. i am leaning toward corrosion in the strut mount although the car has been garaged from day one...

 

note salt deposits lying in bottom of spring area:




I first thought there was a crack but it is the drain area:

 

^ That looks about normal IMHO (but I'm no suspension expert)... I need to take a video of my suspension squeaking so I can be sure it's really the mounts.

 

If you can see cracking in your strut mount then that's it. I have a creaking noise and that is the cause of my problems. Started happening around 70-75k for me.

 

ref: The Law
Are you still on the original strut mounts even though you replaced the stock struts with coilovers? Am i missing something in your post; i don't see any cracks but i haven't had the strut removed to better check the mount. Seems i would want to have NEW strut mounts on-hand before i did that. Any knowledge of KYB SM5409 strut mount with bearing?

 

Yes, I am still on original strut mounts. I have a new pair sitting in my room right now waiting to be installed once I get my coilovers rebuilt.

 

I heard maxima OEM struts suck. is this correct? can someone confirm??

 

Is the creaking sort a squeaking. I get sound sometimes. It happens when I'm exiting the parking garage at work. There is a steep downward grade and I leave the car in 1st and let it engine brake as well as pedal brake. When I get to where the steep grade flattens out and there is a turn, I hear the sound. The car effectively jerks since it's in first. I wonder if that's what you're observing.


Who did you hear this from? They are underdampened for the spring rates IMO.