So, I just replaced my suspension (again) on Saturday with AGX. Now I get a happy noise in the front when I turn the wheel, so I'm hoping it's in the strut assembly (yay coil wrap time), and not somewhere else. I'll get it up in the air again maybe tomorrow or something.

At the meet yesterday I found that my KNOCK SENSOR has been bad for a while...soooooooooooooooooo...I call up the dealership and the parts guys (I'm friends with them of course), and I'm like...how come Nissan never did a recall on this? And they were like, I don't know, but we've got plenty in stock as a result!!! It sucks. Go replace your knock sensor; it's probably bad. Thanks mucho to Confused (luv ya, Brett ^_^) for helping me check the ECU.

 

Hey Erica, did you replace your strut bearings when you did the suspension? I havent done that and now have the same slight creaking noise when turning the wheel when the car is stopped sound. I'll replace/relube mine when I get a chance. I'm kicking myself I didnt do it when I had the strut assembly apart...

As for the knock sensor- how did you determine the KS was bad? Resistance test? Or did you pull the code? I'm still trying to figure out if mine is bad or not.

 

I noticed a slight clunk/pop sound when turning the steering at low or no speed. Is that the same sound you are hearing? It seemed to make this sound when approaching the extremes of the steering travel.

It went away after about two weeks. I did wrap the springs as you and others had instructed. I don't believe that sound came from the spring coils though. If you don't see anything wrong with the install, and have wrapped up the spring coils, you might consider letting it be for a few days.

 

03 04 Knock Sensor code. Brett helped me read it.

THe creaking scares me. The fronts are sooo different fron the backs; I replaced the dust covers, but I didn't coil wrap. I'm going to take them apart this coming week and do that I think. Already bought the KS; it's a recall that nissan never actually acknowledged.

I'll try the install tomorrow.

 

Where did you learn of the recall? Mine is bad (code 03 04) on my '97 SE. My '96 GXE (RIP) had the code, too. Just a guess, but it could explain why I'm getting bad gas mileage. Leads me to believe that Nissan screwed this one up. But they got the rest of the car right. Where can I research the recall? I doubt my local dealer will be excited about sharing that fact with me, and they want $139 just for the sensor. Thanks for any help.

 

I said it's NOT a recall, but it should have been. Apparently it goes bad on like...every 4th gen. It's just that no one notices the drop in power and inability to shift in an auto.

 

http://www.skippynet.com/maxima/knocksensor.htm

NOW I remember why I bought my car. You have to replace this thing; it's expensive, but worth it. My car is so nice again!!!

 

I put the wire wrap on my front and back springs, but the is a squeak/creak coming from the back when I hit sharp bumps (or go over a speed bump slowly). Is your noise a continuous noise, or does it only happen once per suspension deflection?

 

alphaownz has one that i don't think he installed and he still owes me money for i'll sell it to you for 130 if he still has it. or i'll break his legs.

 

creak from front: when turning wheel at low speeds
squeak in rear: very occasional over big bumps

I'm taking it apart again though. Rears have coil wrap, but not fronts. I plan on wrapping the front and changing the settings on the rear.

 

I cleared my knock sensor code to make sure it was not just a glitch. It did come back up again. I did the resistor check procedure which failed. The local dealer wants $183 for it!!! He also asked if I was sure because he most of the sensors they send out to the local shops come back unused. I wonder if this is just because the local shops are full of idiots.

From what you guys are saying this is a common problem, right? Anyway, Courtesy Nissan's price is $131.26 +shipping.

Can anyone confirm gas mileage problems because of the knock sensor?

 

im getting ****ty gas mileage too atm, and i too have pulled the code....97maximase also was getting bad gas mileage, and he changed his knock sensor, and was getting bad gas.....ive searched alot, and that is one of the symptons of it

 

Where can I get this wire wrap I heard radio shack but they dont carry it. Home Depot?? And what exactly do I ask for.
Thanks!!

 

Some Home Depot's have it, some dont. You don't have to ask, go to the electrical section where they have audio and video cables and acessories and it should be hanging on the wall there. Its called 1/2 inch spiral wire wrap, I think.

 

Thanks for the reply.. my car is in the shop right now pulling an O2 sensor code and KS.. and I wanted them to check my suspension because of all the noises . I think I will try this this weekend. Thanks!!

 

Coil wrap: found at Lowes, Home Deopt, Radio Shack, to name a few. It's just this coily polyeurethane stuff. Wrap it around the springs to prevent some of the noise.

I did find my gas mileage was kind of off with the KS being bad; it makes sense, given the retarded timing and therefore running a bit rich and using more fuel than necessary.