When I am driving slowly and my wheels are straight I am getting a rattle or clunking noise over small bumps from what appears to be the drivers side front suspension or brakes. It is difficult to tell where the noise is coming from.

I have inspected the front end a couple of times and cannot find anything loose. Shaking the wheel, strut or brake caliper does not cause any noise and I do not feel any loosness.

The sway bar links have been replaced a couple of years ago and they appear to be fine. The struts, mounts and bearings were replaced three years ago.

The only thing I found that may be out of the ordinary is the engine mount toward the firewall appears to be deteriorated. I'm not sure what a bad engine mount looks like and if it could cause this noise. I do not feel any engine vibration at any time.

My passenger axle boot has been broken for at least a month so my axle may be shot but the noise does not seem to be coming from there.

It's a 98SE with 105K miles. I'll probably take the car to the shop tomorrow but any ideas/suggestions as to a possible cause is appreciated.

 

I had what sounds like the same problem. I too could not find anything loose in the front end suspension or brakes wise. It turned out it was the strut mounts, they had long since failed. Sounds kinda like someone is hitting something with a rubber mallet?

 

Thanks but my mounts are relatively new and the sound appears to be coming from lower and more in front of the vehicle. It's also a more metallic sound. That being said I bought the mounts at autozone so I can get new one easily, I'll change the strut bearing also.

I'm starting to think that the balljoint is a possibility it's just that those usually start creaking when they go bad. If anyone can tell me how to check the ball joint and how it responds when worn let me know.

Edit: I checked and the ball joint boot is fine and my steering and handling appear to be normal.

 

im hearing the same thing from my 99 but cant figure it out either

 

When/if I find out what it is I'll let everyone know.

Could a passenger side axle make the noise I described?

 

Ball Joints? Then check the brake dust shield, then make sure your brake lines are secure in their holders. All have been sources of my random clunks/noises.

 

This may sound strange but this is what I found when I had this same sound coming from my rear end... My mechanic went through every possible part he could think of and found nothing... it took me searching to find that my brake hardware kit was no longer any good. The fronts have them also. there is no way too check them because it seems fine when just looking at them but if you drive on a bumpy road and tap your brakes and the sound goes away then it's your hardware kit.

They are a $10 fix... you can purchase them at Autozone, Pepboys, Advance Auto or your local auto store. What the hardware kit does is hold the pads snug not allowing them to move around. When they no longer do the job the pads bounce around making a rattling sound like something is really loose and about to come apart. Even though they won't it's just really a annoying sound.

Bad Tie rods will make a thumping sound not a rattling sound, Ball joints will squeak and clunk, wheel bearing will hum or grind, sway bar link or bushings and shock mounts will thump.

 

I've had a slight metallic noise while going over small bumps for several months and can't fix it either. A few months ago I replaced the struts, mounts, springs, LCAs, sway bar links, outer tie rods, front calipers and they are all securely tightened.
The only thing I haven't checked is the left drive shaft. I replaced both drive shafts almost a year ago. It could be the left shaft is not tightly mounted onto the bracket.
When I check my brakes and change oil next weekend I'll inspect that transaxle.

 

Went for a test drive this morning found that noise was not present if the brake was lightly depressed. Went home and took the brakes apart found out that the brake pad had seperated from the rusted metal backing and was bouncing around. POS Autozone Duralast pads. This also explains the slight grinding noise I would ocassionally hear at low speeds. Thanks to everyone for the fast response and the good suggestions to help me find my problem. Maxima.org is the best forum around.

 

Great you've found the problem!!!! here, here to the ORG!

 

I hope this is my problem because I can feel a vibration when the little bumps are hit through my auto shifter ****. Its scary and the car creaks around corners at high speeds.

 

Sounds like you have a more serious problem than loose brake pads. Other than being noisy my car did not display any other symptoms.

 

I have the same noise in my car I had replace shocks, springs, lca, sway link, outer tie rods, inner rods, and the axle. I had all that replaced and like a week later I had that noise. I dont see nothing loose but it driving me crazy. I also get a thumping noise while im driving trying to figure out what it can be cuz it sucks. Who ever might think it can be let me know

 

Im having this noise again. I thought it was the passenger caliper bushing and bolt. It was replaced and the noise went away for a week, then today I had the noise again. Man this is Nerve racking and annoying.
If anyone discover this issue please post it.

 

Why not replace the bolts on both calipers at the same time ,its not like its a 500 dollar fix... besides whats nicer than some shiny new parts lol
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Sounds like you need to get a brake hardware kit..