annoying suspension noise on 97 pathfinder

papapao0721 · Jan 10th, 2007, 01:26 AM

I have noticed this annoying suspension noise that seems to come from the front passenger side of the truck when i go over small bumps. Not really heard in big ones. It seems to sound like a bushing is out or something where metal to metal touches against each other. I've had my struts replaced already and both my axles also. I tried to find the cause to no avail cause i don't have a lift. I have asked several shops to diagnose the noise to no avail. They do admit to hearing the noise but aren't able to find the cause. Does anyone else have this problem?

kstt · Jan 10th, 2007, 05:41 AM

Check this - it happened to me. There's two metric nuts (don't remember what size) that tighten on studs, to fasten the back of the tranny to the subframe. For whatever reason, mine were loose. It allowed the rear of the trans to "clunk" up and down. But it was very sporadic......would only happen under certain conditions. When I put it in 4WLo, and slap the acellerator on and off, I could REALLY make it clunk. That's how I was finally able to find it, because I'd been looking for the source of the clunk for weeks.

Those mounting nuts aren't hard to get to, but they're a bitch to see. I think they're recessed above a cross-member, but can be accessed through holes in the cross-member.

kstt · Jan 10th, 2007, 05:45 AM

In re-reading your post, it looks like you're pretty sure its coming from the front right. But don't rule out my suggestion - my clunk seemed to come from the right side, as well, but in fact, it was coming from behind the shifter.

papapao0721 · Jan 10th, 2007, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the help... will check that out... i don't need to lift the car do i?

**88pathoffroad** · Jan 10th, 2007, 10:28 AM

Check your heat shields for the exhaust. They like to crack/break loose/rub against each other and make noise.

papapao0721 · Jan 10th, 2007, 10:34 AM

thanks... i already solved that sound a while back... used hose clamps for those things... the sound I here is more of a suspension sound that i can also sort of feel from the streering wheel when i hit a slight imperfection on the road. The bigger bumps are fine. But it seems to be a clunking sound.

kstt · Jan 10th, 2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papapao0721

Thanks for the help... will check that out... i don't need to lift the car do i?

It would sure make it easier to see and manuver, but, no....I'm pretty sure you can do it laying on your back.

kstt · Jan 10th, 2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papapao0721

thanks... i already solved that sound a while back... used hose clamps for those things... the sound I here is more of a suspension sound that i can also sort of feel from the streering wheel when i hit a slight imperfection on the road. The bigger bumps are fine. But it seems to be a clunking sound.

If you're feeling it in the steering, then its likely NOT the trans mount.

papapao0721 · Jan 10th, 2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kstt

If you're feeling it in the steering, then its likely NOT the trans mount.

what do you think it can be? Or is that just too general a question cause there be a hell of a lot of things going on with it.

metro273 · Jan 10th, 2007, 08:54 PM

Check the sway bar links attached to your front struts. We ALWAYS replace these when we replace front struts...

papapao0721 · Jan 10th, 2007, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metro273

Check the sway bar links attached to your front struts. We ALWAYS replace these when we replace front struts...

see now that i didn't know.. and i guess i should have done more research but damn... ok.. i'll check that ... and thanks again to all for your input...