Nissan Repair: 1997 Nissan Maxima, whoosh whoosh, nissan maxima

Question
Hi, I am having yet another problem with 1997 Nissan Maxima...been having consistent problems since April, sigh.  I've had my front axles replaced, my fuse for the tail lights replaced,  some EGR solinoid replaced, something on the wheel tightened (don't ask me what at this point). She has 143,000 miles on her. Now I have this loud knock sound that I don't know if it is my wheel or engine.  I had the tires rotated today in hopes that if it was my wheel (which I really thought it was) the guy would see it.  Well, he did see something.  My back tire was completely worn in the middle and on the inside tread.  Got that changed and my drive became smooth again, but the loud knock or loop sound is still 100% there. I say, or loop sound, because it sounds similar to as when you roll something fast over a bumpy surface and/or when you roll something really fast and it starts to pick up the wind as it go round and round. If that makes sense at all, like a whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sound but with a knock--its one sound though. It seems to be coming from the front left side of my car.  The noise starts as I start to accelerate and increases the faster I go. It is really loud.  When I turn left I still hear it, but when I'm veering or turning right, it completely goes away.  Do you know what this could be and if it is something expensive to fix? I hope this makes sense.  Thanks!

Angela

Answer
Hi Angel -

My best guess is that it could be the CV joint. Especially when it makes noise turning one way, but not the other. You can get rebuilt axles for a pretty good price. I would recommend that over replacing just the CV joint, as the net cost is pretty close to each other.

It's gotta be something connected to the movement of the wheels, so look in that area. Wheel covers, loose lug nuts, loose axle nuts, loose brake calipers could be others.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin