Nissan Maxima: Front end popping over bumps

Joe wrote:
 

Could be several things. Original struts?

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

Check the strut bearings in the top of the tower. These are what the
strut rotates on and they wear out...

Joe wrote:
 

"Joe" <com> wrote in message
news:7A5Zc.5403$.. 
over 

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 
since 

On 8/31/04 3:54 PM, in article 7A5Zc.5403$Mf.3638@fed1read02, "Joe"
<com> wrote:
 
Check the upper strut mounts.

Front sway bar endlinks. The ball joint part of it is likely shot.
Check the joint for free play.

CW