| volster1 |
Hey all,
I have a 04' SE with 130k miles and just now started feeling/hearing a new rattle from the front of the car. I literally just got new tires put on and notice that it's still there. I don't hear/feel it when I am on the interstate as it's only in the "City traffic" or speed that I hear/feel it.
Could it be the shocks/struts?
Is there the possiblity of something being lose?
How can test/know if/when I need to replace my shocks/struts?
Is it something that I just don't know of?
As you can tell with my bone headed questions, mechanically inclined I am not.
Any help would surely be appreciated as I love this vehicle and this it the first thing "wrong" with it.
-joe |
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| njjoe |
Joe-
It could be something as simple as a loose heat shield or as complex as worn CV joints. What you need to do is narrow down the circumstances where you hear the rattle. Forward or reverse? Driving 5, 10, 20,... mph? Driving straight or turning? Driving in gear and/or neutral? Or you can just take it to a reputable mechanic and have him take a look.
-njjoe |
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| volster1 |
Thanks Joe. I hear it both in forward and reverse. I'll check to see if it's the heat sheld. And it ranges from when I start off (like from a stop sign/light) to where I am turning. The speeds that I am able to hear it are from 0 to around 45/50.
Being that I work in a different state, I'm not real sure who I can take it to and I really don't want to take it to the local Nissan dealer (even though I have taken it there for my 100k tune up - good place just expensive). I'll have to talk to some folks at work and see if they know of anyone. Please don't say that it's the joint....I really don't need that. :(
-joe |
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| njjoe |
Joe-
There is no need to go to the Nissan dealer. Your best bet is to ask around and find the local garage with the best reputation.
If it is more of a clicking sound then I would suspect the CV joints, especially considering your mileage.
You can rule out the CV joints by 1) checking the boots for tears and 2) turning the wheel sharply to the right and slowly accelerate and then repeat with the wheel turned hard left. If you hear a clicking sound that is syncronized to the wheel speed then it most likely is your CV joints.
I would also suggest bring a passenger with you and driving with the windows rolled down to see if the both of you can locate the area of the rattle.
Good luck.
-njjoe |
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| BikerJohn |
While you are looking at the CV joints; have a look at your "outer tie rod ends".
They are the "ends" of the steering linkage that connects to the front wheel axle and responsible for the steering. There is a "ball-joint" that connects it to the front axle and that will wear out causing a "clunking" noise over bumps and driveway curbs; especially when turning.
If you have the front end up off the ground; you can grab your wheels and rock the back and forth(as if it's turning left and right). If it is gone; it will knock.
Mine are gone and am waiting on the parts to install. |
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| volster1 |
BikerJohn,
That sounds more of what it is.
Obviously I can't fix it (again idiot here); can anyone/shop fix it? Or should I take it to the Nissan place to fix it? Am I going to damage anything by driving until it gets fixed?
What kind of cost are we talking about?
Thanks so much for the help!!
-joe |
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| BikerJohn |
Hi Joe;
If it is the Outer Tie Rod ends; it can be fixed by any mechanic but the front end will require a wheel alignment afterwards.
The cost of these parts range from $36.00 each to $50.00 depending on where they are sourced.
At my Canadian Nissan Dealership; they wanted $79.00 CDN each. I ordered mine from www.mynissanparts.com for $37.00 each plus shipping.
They should both be replaced soon since they do control your steering and a worn tie rod will wear out your tires sooner also.
Have a mechanic or a chain shop(that can do front end alignment) have a look to asses first if it is the tie rod ends. |
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