2006 Maxima Rear End Kicks out on bumps

[freaknMaxima]

I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima with approximately 49,000 miles. I had noticed that the rear end was kicking out every time I went over a bump. I took it to my Nissan Stealer and they checked the entire rear end. They checked the bushings, links etc. They told me they could not find anything significant, but the toe was off on the rear end and they did a full 4 wheel alignment. I took the car home and did some more research. I drove it some more and continued to kick out. Really no difference in the alignment. I took it back to them and they checked again. They explained that the only place to start is by replacing the rear shocks. Well, I decided to change them myself, so i went and replaced them with new OEM shocks. They did not seem worn so I replaced them to see if it would help. Took it for a test ride and it continues to kick out.

Would replacing the rear springs fix the problem? Has anyone here had the same problems? I got underneath the car when I replaced the shocks and I did not notice anything cracked, broken or worn. What else can I check? There isn't much else to do, right?

Any feedback, suggestions or theories would be very much appreciated!!!

Thanks
Modified by freaknMaxima at 11:21 PM 11/26/2009

[zgoug]

I have an 06 with 41k miles, have not had this problem. Did you change tires......differenty type/pattern etc. may change how car reacts..only a theroy.

[MaximA32]

Has the rear subframe recall be done?

[AZhitman]

Rear toe is out of whack. Get an alignment.

If the independent shop shows that it WAS out of whack, go back to the dealership and ask them why they did a poor job.

[freaknMaxima]

The alignment was done and supposedly the rear toe was corrected. I checked the recall for my vehicle and they said that my rear subframe is not among the effected in the recall. I am going back this morning to the Dealer to have them look at it again. Let's see what they say this time.

[freaknMaxima]

Thanks for the theory! For ha ha's, the Nissan Dealer could not find anything wrong with the suspension after the third visit so they put on 4 rims with Yokohoma tires from another 2006 nissan that was on there lot. I took it out for a test ride and WOW! the difference was in the tires. My OE Continental Touring Contact Tires are defective/bad. I could not believe it. Well bottom line I need tires. Now the Conti tires are Original Equipment. I have plenty thread on them and after inspecting them I noticed they are cracked. According to Conti OE Warranty they are warrantied for 72 months on a pro rated replacement. I have requested a claim from Conti and hope they will honor the warranty without any BS. I will let you know what happens. Thanks!!!

[zgoug]

Glad you solved problem and it was a simple fix..........ya hope Conti honors their warranty

[AZhitman]

I'm glad you found the problem, but tires alone are unlikely to be the culprit... I stand by my assertion that the rear toe is out of alignment.

On a side note, 72 months (six years) warranty is utter insanity... I don't buy tires with a treadwear warranty (because I buy soft, sticky tires), but tires are pretty much useless after 2-4 years REGARDLESS of the tread (not thread) depth.

If they're cracking, check the manufacture date on the sidewall. If they're original, then they were likely made in 05, which means they're almost 5 years old - They're not "defective"... They're SHOT. They have 50K miles on them. You were due for new tires anyway.

The Yokohamas "felt" better because they're a "REAL" tire, and they weren't all dry-rotted. Look at the treadwear rating... I bet the Contis are a 400+ (hard compound) and the Yokos were under 280.

Keep in mind, the internal construction of a tire deteriorates as fast (if not faster) than the exterior... Especially in CT!

Promise us you won't drive on 5-year-old tires anymore.

[freaknMaxima]

You are correct about the tires! They were shot. The older the tire the more they feel like rocks. Now for those who have Continental Tires with dry rot / cracking. Continental has a 48 month warranty on for cracking. At the recommendation of Continental, I went to Town Fair Tire (Northeast Tire Chain) and they called Continental who offered to discount me or reimburse me 50% on any 4 new tires. They provided the store with a claim/incident number and I was able to buy 4 new tires for 50% off. The store honored the 50% at the time of purchase and I did not have to wait to get a check in the mail or anything. I ended up buying 4 new Yohohomas Avid H4 out the door with balancing/mounting and road hazard replacement for $347 (my pocket). Cant beat that. These Yokos have a good rating based on what I read. They will be much better than the Continentals.

Oh I also had my front struts replaced to make sure that the issue with kicking out wasnt that. They did a second 4 wheel alignment. so we should be alright. I hope.

Thanks to all who helped with the ideas and solutions. Much appreciated!!

[AZhitman]

NICELY DONE.

Smoking deal on some great tires... What an improvement THAT will be!!!

[lino]

I had the Yohohomas Avid H4S tires on a previous car and I loved how they felt. I always had great luck with Yokos. Like Hitman said they are a softer compound so they'll wear quicker but you'll enjoy the ride much more throughout their life. It's unbelievable how a great tire can transform a car. One of the most important components on a car where a person shouldn't cheap out. Hope you enjoy them!