Clunking noise in front end going over bumps

[alfkhp563]

I have a 2001 Xterra with the V6 and when when hitting bumps there is a clunking noise and a vibration. I have checked the lower ball joints and other suspension points and all check ok. Is it possible the motor mounts or transmission mounts are worn? Any other like issues?

[Big-Bird]

I don't want to sound condascending so please don't take offence...I have a question for you on that check.

Did you take the load off the suspension when you assessed that front end (IE Putting a floor jack under the lower control arm and lifting)?

The upper and lower ball joints must have the load relieved in order to properly assess them.

If you did the check this way..then great.

The other culprits to assess are the center link, the idler arm bushings (which can be replaced by the way) and the front sway bar's rubber bushings or connecting links.

Less likely are the broken motor mounts. This would clunk every time you hit the gas or shifted gears...not just going over bumps.

[alfkhp563]

Yes, put the Xterra on a veh lift with a pry bar under each front wheel and the wheel barely touching the ground. Friend has a complete shop, but I hit my head more when it is up in the air then when I crawl under it. Anyway, the sway bar looks in good shape so I will check the other items. Also I did find an electrical connector that sits on the right side of the transmission towards the top that gets wedged between the transmission and the tunnel and causes a thumping under the passengers feet! I have chased the front end thing for 6 months now in hopes something would just break so I could find it!!

[NM50]

Does the vibration continue while driving?

[alfkhp563]

Yes, as long as the road has bumps in it. There is no excessive play in any part of the suspension or steering. I have checked it many times looking for the cause.

[NM50]

Try retorquing the front crossmember.

[Big-Bird]

And check the bolts on both inner CV joints where they bolt to the front differential flanges.

Maybe its one of the rubber mounts on the front differential

This is a weird one if all that stuff checks out

[Desert Rat]

Shock bushings?

These will rattle over time. Particularly the lower bushings on the front shock.

[alfkhp563]

Thanks for all the replies, with work and it being so darn cold out haven't done much yet. The shocks are new and the noise happened before replacing them. Hopefully can look at over the weekend and will update once I retorque all the bolts and tug on the rest! Will update on Sunday or Monday, again thank you for the direction.

[victor_nissan]

I'm new to this forum, when I bought my new nissan frontier in 2001 out of the dealership it was making a similar noise, I took it back for them to resolve the problem, they retorque the bolts on the shocks, but it did not resolve the problem. After taking the truck back to the dealer a 2nd time and 2 days later they found that one of the bolts that holds the cab to the chassis was broken. And whenever I would hit a bump it would make a clunking noise, it was annoying.

They had to lift a side of the cab and pull out the broken bolt. Just for your info, the dealership is not so careful when lifting cabs, they bent the underside of my cab when lifting with jacks.

[alfkhp563]

Thanks for the additional info! Well, I haven't had time to check it out, got some more snow and it was either drive the X or the 300ZX, bet you know which one I chose! Anyway, worked some more OT and am off this weekend, so going to try again! Will update when the day comes to tear into it!

[NM50]

Note if under braking if the noise goes away.The caliper bushings may be worn.Usually happens in Altmas and Maximas.