2003 Maxima gas smell and Bearing question

[hassanqadir]

I have a 6 SPD Maxima 2003. Following two issues:

1. I can smell Gas when i turn the car on COLD. At first it was strong, that it appeared to be coming from passenger side in front through the Heating/AC vents...but that disappeared, now it comes from behind the exhaust. Not so much inside the car, but if the door is open you can definately smell it. Again, its only when car is started Cold and not moving. Also, my mileage seems to have dropped alot. NO CHECK ENGINE light !!!! could it be O2 sensors ???

2. I hear some sound/noise randomly over the bumps. how do i tell apart that its bushings, sway bar links, inner tie rods or Indeed Hub Bearings ???

Thanks in Advance.

[MinisterofDOOM]

1:You could have an injector sticking open. That would explain both the fuel smell and decreased fuel milage.

2:Automotive noises are one of those things that's just hard to communicate with simple text. As a general rule in my experience, though:Tie rod links tend to click when they go bad. For instance, you could get out and bounce a corner of the car up and down and you may be able to hear the tie rod links clicking. Not a very loud or deep sound and it's hard to hear in the cabin when driving. Bushings and sway bars (obviously depending on which ones) would "clunk" more.

Just as important as the sound is WHEN the sound happens, though.