steel bobbling sound please HELP!!

[Diderich]

Originally Posted by nitely

Signs of leak stain around the bushing, ball joint boot, struts. Shaking your wheels while its up on jack stand can also tell you if you have issues with your outer tie rod end and ball joint. You can save some $ on inspection by checking for yourself. However, you need some basic stuff like jack, jack stand, or ramp to raise the car up for easier inspection. Youtube has lots of how to check for videos that you can learn from for just the basic visual inspection. You can also download the service manual if you are up to learning these things. Good luck.

Thanks. I hadn't thought to check you tube. I hate going under the car hoping that I'll see something. It helps to know what I'm looking for and what is supposed to jiggle and what ain't from people who have seen it.

I appreciate you not assuming I'm a total noob. I have jack stands, air tools, a rolling tool box full of wrenches, a welder. I think I can handle it...what I don't have is time to dick around under the car scratching my head. thanks.

[Mrorida]

I'm thinking bobbling sound might be upper shock tower plate worn out or bad. What u guys think??

[Halwg]

Worn strut bearings.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by Mrorida

I'm thinking bobbling sound might be upper shock tower plate worn out or bad. What u guys think??

I think if that's the case, a visual check will confirm it. You wouldn't be getting a metal-on-metal noise if something wasn't moving...and that should leave marks.

[Mrorida]

well i got the front struts and strut mounts done and that clanking noise is still there. Not sure if the motor mount would b the cause, i know 1 or 2 r bad. not sure what else to check everything looks good underneath.

[Diderich]

Originally Posted by Mrorida

well i got the front struts and strut mounts done and that clanking noise is still there. Not sure if the motor mount would b the cause, i know 1 or 2 r bad. not sure what else to check everything looks good underneath.

ditto. I'm having the same problem. replaced the struts and mounts and still have the noise. I know EXACTLY what you are talking about with the bobble head. I can only hear it when the windows are up and the radio is off.

I put it up on stands and checked everything, no leaks, nothing loose. I even checked the torque on all of the suspension bits and brakes.

Did you check the heat shields like someone else suggested? That's my next stop...

[y2k10slawd]

I am also getting this noise on my 2010. I have to get under there and look, but it is under warranty, so I think I'll just call the dealer and have them look at it. But, I am interested in knowing what it is. Hard to get under there with all this damn snow on the ground.

[Diderich]

Originally Posted by y2k10slawd

I am also getting this noise on my 2010. I have to get under there and look, but it is under warranty, so I think I'll just call the dealer and have them look at it. But, I am interested in knowing what it is. Hard to get under there with all this damn snow on the ground.

when I took it in, they told me it was the struts and strut bearings? bushings? mounts? whatever, i forget what they are called. I turned down their gracious offer to change them for $1000, and did it myself (struts and other top hat doohickey thingy). It did handle bumps a little better (i have 70,000 miles), and did get rid of some of the major clunking over big bumps, but not the rattle.

[Diderich]

Well...my hood was loose since the rubber stoppers were worn out, and the battery wasn't secure...but fixing those things didn't stop the noise...

I'm also getting some funny wear on my sidewalls, so I'm sure now it is suspension, or i have two problems. Since I'm evidently too stupid to figure it out, I'll probably take it in to a specialist suspension place around here. I'll report back...don't hold your breath though, I'm thinking about selling the Maroono (for unrelated financial reasons).

[Diderich]

Ok, consulted with a non idiot on the subject (took a race car buddy (M3 coupe with roll cage, not honda civic with wing) out to lunch). He's 90% sure it's the right swingarm bushing. He can feel it squirmy on right turns when the mass transfer is over there. We looked and he pointed out a slightly ragged looking bushing that I overlooked. It actually doesn't look too bad, but the edges are getting a little torn up.

Since this is pretty common on these cars, I'm guessing he's probably right..

[campy9]

Same boat over here. And yes it does make me crazy cause on good roads I find myself searching for that annoying clunkity clunk. My analogy is a lumber like clunking sound with vibration into the floor boards and steering wheel like on a stage coach. Only happens on snow packed or bumpy roads. Its less after driving for 15 minutes. Is the swing arm you refer to the same as lower control arm? Nissan dealer replaced the stabilizer links and that helped for a couple of weeks but my hunch is its a combination of the struts, strut mounts, stabilizer links and lower control arms. As usual the mechanic reported that everything looks tight. I've only got 24k on my 2010 and its still under warranty. I've got a complaint into Nissan because the dealer has told me that the clunk is normal. I think they realize it could take a lot of parts replacement to get this resolved.

[Diderich]

lower control arm, yes...sorry, I've done a lot more work on motorcycles than cars..

[Mrorida]

Thanks diderick. When I brought it in to nissan to find out noise they said I needed new tires, struts and mounts, and a control arm. I replaced all but control arm so that makes sense. When I pull into my driveway it feels like the wheels or suspension buckles a little. Ill have my mechanic check it out