So I reinstalled the VIAS system in the Maxima and decided to take it out to the track to see how it ran. About 2 or 3 of the passes, I took off and got TERRIBLE wheel hop to the point where the dashboard was shaking, the windshield wipers came on, etc.

Now I've got the dreaded popping sound. It doesn't make any clicking noises when turning the wheel, but I noticed that if I drive in 1st gear around 15mph and tap the gas, it makes a popping sound that comes from the front passenger side (the one that was hopping badly). Also, when the wheel is straight, letting out of the clutch and accelerating normally(like from an ordinary stop sign or something), that pop is there too. It seems like if I put a "load" on the drivetrain it pops loudly.

So I'm thinking that is either a bad motor mount or I screwed up the axle boot leading into the transmission housing. What do you think?

 

Sounds suspension related, not drivetrain. The hop could have dislodged the spring maybe and its turned catty-wombas? I don't know... without hearing it.

 

Yes, this also happens when I'm driving in 1st gear and I hit a speed bump on that side of the car. To me it doesn't sound like its coming from the wheel area, but from more so in nearer to the engine.

 

In the future upon getting wheel hop, let off immediately and learn how to launch without wheel hopping. You can I promise!

There are many things you could have cracked/broke doing that, just try to do a close visual inspection and go from there. Moral of the story here is don't stay in it when wheel hopping starts.

 

From the description, I am betting the Lower Control Arm/Ball-joint busted...

 

Yeah met up with a few friends at a cruise in tonight. I think its one of the mounts, more specifically the trans mount.

I've never really inspected either one of my Maximas due to my short time with both, where are the mount locations in these? I can see the top mount on the passenger side and I'm assuming their like little Hondas with the mount on the rear towards the firewall and at least one transmission mount.

It sounds as if something keeps hitting the firewall under the load application to the drivetrain.

 

Really do a visual inspection. You will surely recognize the motor mounts if you know what you are looking for. There are 4 of them.

 

Got that visual inspection done today. Changed the oil while I was at it.


Yes I was correct with my initial assumption just from driving it. The trans mount is busted. Does anyone have any recommendations for motor/trans mounts and/or inserts that I can buy?

I love surprising people at the tracks, but I don't want this whole thing happening again.