My front end (driver's side) makes a metalling popping sound when going over
sharp bumps, i.e., seems to happen when the suspension changes direction
quickly, like a bumpy road or a 20 mph speed bump.
I once had a Honda with a bad ball joint that made much the same noise, so I
replaced the ball joint, no luck. Then I replaced the stabilizer links since
those are easy & fairly cheap, also no luck.
Any other ideas?
This is a '96 Maxima, 110k miles.
Thanks,
Joe
JimV - 01 Sep 2004 02:02 GMT
> My front end (driver's side) makes a metalling popping sound when going over
> sharp bumps, i.e., seems to happen when the suspension changes direction
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> Joe
Could be several things. Original struts?
Chris H - 01 Sep 2004 04:30 GMT
I had an 84 Dodge Daytona Turbo that did the same thing. Turned out it was
the rubber strut top mount that had torn and allowed the top of the strut to
hammer inside the strut tower. I'm not sure if your Max has this but it's
worth shot.
Chris
90 & 94 GXE's
john smith - 01 Sep 2004 05:37 GMT
Check the strut bearings in the top of the tower. These are what the
strut rotates on and they wear out...
> My front end (driver's side) makes a metalling popping sound when going over
> sharp bumps, i.e., seems to happen when the suspension changes direction
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> Joe
Bill G - 01 Sep 2004 05:51 GMT
> My front end (driver's side) makes a metalling popping sound when going over
> sharp bumps, i.e., seems to happen when the suspension changes direction
> quickly, like a bumpy road or a 20 mph speed bump.
Sounds like a strut bushing. Open the hood, and look at the top of the
strut at the shaft that pokes up through the center of the tower. If you
need to pop off the dust cap to see it, go ahead. Then push the car up and
down, and see if you see any movement from the strut "shaft". If so, you
probably have a cracked bushing.
A few things if you plan on doing this yourself. First, the suspension has
probably never been taken apart, so you'll find it very difficult to get the
strut off the steering knuckle. Second, you'll need to have an alignment
done after you replace it. Third, if you're going to be in there anyway, go
ahead and replace the strut bearing as well. You'll already be taking the
old one out, and it's a pretty cheap part ($12-ish.
My suggestion is take it to an alignment shop with a good reputation. They
should be able to replace the bushing, bearing, and do the alignment. Mine
didn't cost that much at all, and it's been perfect ever since.
Bill G
'91 SE Auto
168,220 miles
> I once had a Honda with a bad ball joint that made much the same noise, so I
> replaced the ball joint, no luck. Then I replaced the stabilizer links since
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Thanks,
> Joe
E. Meyer - 01 Sep 2004 05:57 GMT
On 8/31/04 3:54 PM, in article 7A5Zc.5403$Mf.3638@fed1read02, "Joe"
<slayte@hotmail.com> wrote:
> My front end (driver's side) makes a metalling popping sound when going over
> sharp bumps, i.e., seems to happen when the suspension changes direction
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> Joe
Check the upper strut mounts.
CW - 01 Sep 2004 14:53 GMT
Front sway bar endlinks. The ball joint part of it is likely shot.
Check the joint for free play.
CW
Joe - 02 Sep 2004 00:18 GMT
A big thank you to all of you who replied, and 1000 points apiece to those
of you who suggested strut mounts/bushings, as that was the cause. Was so
busy looking under the car I neglected to check the mounts up top.
Ed
> My front end (driver's side) makes a metalling popping sound when going
> over sharp bumps, i.e., seems to happen when the suspension changes
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> Joe