Folks:

Got 157K on my 2000. For the past year or so the front end has made noise, when going over bumps, like a low grumbling of loose bolts. Some bushings are clearly going, no doubt; however, what is the best place to look/start so I don't replace everything? I did struts (all 4) about 2 years ago, so I think it's more to do with steering linkage.

Any links or threads how to properly diagnose which linkages are shot?

Thx!

 

This might sound a bit silly and can be something easily overlooked, but check the torque on your lug nuts. I've had mine loosen up just enough to cause a similar noise you described. I discovered this last weekend when I went to put new brakes on my car. I had new tires put on my car earlier this year, and I watched them properly torque down the lugnuts, but I should have checked them, and I didn't.

 

I understand your logic and believe me, I wish that were the problem. I've rotated tires and even had alignments since then and it's still there. To me it is a high enough of a pitch, with clunking, that I'm sure some bushings are gone. Just not sure where to start looking or if this is a common situation with a 13-year-old nissan.

 

It's more than likely your stabilizer links and bushings. These are common wear parts on all vehicles. If the rattles are there going slow (5-10 MPH) and disappear when going over 30MPH, it's a good bet that this is your issue

 

Wow, I think you are spot on. You hear them when going that slow. Now to try to figure out if/how I can replace them.

 

If you can get underneath the car grab a hold of the sway bar links and give them a tug one side at a time. If you have any play or movement then that is what is causing the noise. If you can grab the sway bar around the bushing and tug on that and have any movement then you want to replace those also. it's a fairly easy DIY project if you have some tools and can get the car off the ground.

 

And it looks like I found some nice instructions.

 

I just said this in another thread.

I'd give the endlinks a shot first. They are easy to change.

In reality, everything is likely shot and the best thing to do is replace the lca (which will fix bushing and ball joint) and inner and outer tie rods. If I was going to do any one of those you've really should do them all or you will just have slop. And it is not a fun job.

 

LCA? Can you define that for me? Sorry for being a block head.

 

Lower Control Arm

 

We need a legend some where on here for all the acronyms that people throw around, lol...

 

I replaced my swaybar endlinks about a month ago and it sounds solid now.

 

Sorry, it is the lower control arm. The strut attaches to the steering knuckle. The steering knuckle sits on the ball joint which is attached to the LCA. The end links connect the LCA to stabilizer bar. The outer tie rods also connect to the steering knuckle.

If you've got that many miles, it is common for the bushing on the LCA, the ball joint and the tie rods to be bad. Replacing the LCA replaces the ball joint and bushing.

 

Thanks for the clarification, Max_Gator.

I replaced both sides tonight. Took about 1.5 hours (did a tranny drain at the same time).

Drove NOTICEABLY quiter. I'm no shocked I put up with that rattle for so long. Cost me about $33 bucks. I don't know if it is any safer with these being new but the sound distraction is worth the time and money. Thanks for the recommendation, "billm". That was spot on. Also, thanks Max for the info. I inspected the outer tie rods. The boot is still in good condition. I could move it (rotate it) slightly but it didn't wobble. The ball joint looked ok still. Surprising, really.