Help Diagnosing Pop/Thud Noise From Front End

[papawheelie]

Hello all.

I've done a bunch of research, but still resorting to posting a new thread. I am hoping to get a little help diagnosing a pop/clunk/thud sound coming from my front end. I'll do my best to describe...

2006 Murano S FWD, 63,000 miles, first owner, always maintained at the dealer exactly as recommended maintenance suggests.

She has recently developed a noise. I hear/feel a single pop/clunk/thud noise when I accelerate (lightly/moderately) from a dead stop while turning fairly sharp to the left (i.e. pulling out of a driveway).

I've done my best to narrow it down to that one set of criteria. It does not happen when turning right. It is just one single pop/clunk/thud. Not loud, but definitely noticeable. I can also feel it in the floorboard and/or accelerator pedal. I do not feel it in the steering wheel -- only down by my feet. There is no vibration at any speed. It drives/stops/handles perfectly, otherwise. It happens when driving forward only -- not reverse (as far as I've been able to tell).

What do you guys think I should put on my short list of things to check? While I am mechanically inclined, I unfortunately know pretty much nothing about steering and suspension. No experience in those areas.

I have checked front wheels, tires, and looked around for any obvious broken parts within in the front wheel wells.

I recently had the 60k service done at the fancy Nissan dealer/service center down the street, as I usually do. While doing that service, they let me know that I had some worn/broken parts that could all be replaced under my extended warranty. I half-way doubted the need to replace these parts, because she drove absolutely perfectly! But... they were doing it all under my soon-to-be-expired warranty, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to have a few new parts.

I mention this because it seems that I should check these areas first, to be sure that the parts do indeed appear to be new and properly installed. Especially since my noise developed shortly (not immediately) after. Sadly, I don't even know where to look for some of these parts. My noise/issue may not have anything to do with this service at all, but probably worth mentioning. Here is what they did, along with the 60k service...

"Tech found during inspection that both lower control arm bushing are broke. Rpl both transverse links/spndls/bshng. Rt & left lower control arm bushing split causing fluid leak, ck & replace rt & left control arm/transverse links."

"Tech found during inspection that right side top engine mount is broke. Rpl right insulator/brkt/actuator. Rt top engine mount split, causing fluid leak. Ck & replace rt top engine mount."

"Tech found during inspection that front cradle mount is broke. Rpl front mount insulator/brkt/acuato. Front engine mount/cradle mount split leaking fluid. Ck & replace front engine mount/actuator."

"Tech found during inspection that both right and left axle seals are leaking. Rpl diff side oil seal - both sides. Rt & left trans axle seals split causing CVT leak. Ck & replace rt & left trans axle seals."

"Tech found during inspection that the oil cooler is leaking. Rpl oil cooler ass'y. Oil cooler o ring split causing oil leak at front of engine. Ck & replace oil cooler o ring."

From a few things that the service manager was saying, I did get the impression that most/all of these parts were not really in bad shape -- just normal cracks in seals and rubber, etc, from usual driving/weather conditions. I think they made it sound worse in the invoice description, for the sake of the Auto Nation warranty. Just my guess. It got them paid, after all.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. As mentioned, I know little to nothing about this particular stuff. I'm not real eager to take it back to the dealer because I just don't like/trust them, plus I don't have another 5 hours to spend in their "lounge". I will if I have to, of course. But, if it turns out to be something easy, I'd rather fix it myself.

I do normally perform all of my own maintenance, but have had service/warranty agreements on this Murano since I bought her in 2005, so have been spoiled, and have no experience working on her. Those agreements have just about expired, though, so I'm about to begin doing all my own work on my Murano.

Thank you for reading, and helping.

Duane

[nitely]

If you still have that warranty, I would go back to them and have them ride with you and show them the thud you are complaining about. Thats if you can always make it sound. That way they wont tell you the famous "cannot duplicate the problem" line. Use that extended warranty to the max.

All those repairs are actually pretty common: LCA, motor mounts, axle seals, oil cooler gasket. Except for the motor mounts I have replaced all of them also in my 04.

Its possible they missed tightening one of the lca bolts or the motor mount bolts. Could be the struts upper bearing, loose heat shield, hard to say. Maybe the outer tie rod end--but they should have seen that and the cv joint.

Take it back and have them check over their work. But if you have a floor jack and jack stand. Try to do it inspect it yourself and crawl under you MO before going back. You can post pix here and we can try to see whats up. Good luck.

[papawheelie]

Hi nitely. Thanks for your reply.

It is good to know that those are common parts to be replaced, at least. Thanks for that.

Yes, I can replicate the problem each and every time. I spent some time in an empty parking lot this afternoon doing a bunch of trials.

And, yes, you are correct that I should take full advantage of my warranty while it lasts. No sense in spending my own money and time (except for sitting in their lounge) while it's under warranty. I just have difficulty trusting others with my stuff -- I hate going to dealers. hahaha. Anyway, the warranty is good good through December this year, so I'll let them do their thing.

Take care.