Nissan Repair: Clunking noise from drivers side front wheel area, nissan altima gxe, nissan altima

Question
QUESTION: Hi Calvin,
I own a 1997 Nissan Altima GXE.

For the past year, every time I drive over any type of bump in the road, I hear a clunking noise from the driver's side front wheel area. My mechanic changed the front struts and checked the rest of the suspension system, but the clunking noise is still there.

Can it be a motor mount causing this problem?  If so, how can I verify that a motor mount is at fault?  Where can I find the motor moount(s) on my car?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

ANSWER: Hi Chris -

I do not think it is the motor mount, which is located on the bottom and sides of your engine where it contacts the frame.

have you tried checking the following?

Steering linkage - idler arm, center link, and especially tie rod ends both inner and outer
Steering rack
Tightness of brake caliper
Tightness of front axle (front hub)

My other question is does the sound still come out while you are pressing the brake and hitting a bump?

Please get back to me -
aloha
calvin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Aloha Calvin,

The clunking sound does NOT come out while I am pressing the brake and hitting a bump.

Regards,
Chris

Answer
Hi Chris -

OK, then we can forget about it being the steering linkage, idler arm, rack, etc.

How about checking the other items? Loose caliper bolts, or even loose lug nuts, loose center nut for the axle. Try switching the right wheel with the left and see what happens.

Let me know -
aloha
calvin