Nissan Repair: nissan suspension, 2004 nissan maxima, nissan maxima


Question
QUESTION: I have a 2004 nissan maxima,my question is that the front suspension rattles when i go slowly over bumps,this has been very common in these models according to many owners i've spoken to and said they have change the struts and the problem continues,is there a manufactures defect on the 2004 struts and is there an upgraded strut i can use.

ANSWER: Luis,

It is not the struts but the strut tower bearings.  Have them replaced and the noise will go away...  These are only on the front since the car has to turn on the front wheels and these provide the pivot to allow it.

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QUESTION: When you say the strut tower bearings is it the strut mount?

Answer
Luis,

There is a bearing that the three bolts at the top of the front strut tower hold on.  These have to be removed as well as the mount to get the strut tower bearing off.  Also, not that the strut will need to be removed from the spindle to get it down far enough to get the bearing out from under the tower and off the strut.  That means an alignment when you are done.