Q experts - Where is this noise coming from?

[VIPQ]

Ok guys, for a couple of weeks now whenever I drive over light bumps or uneven roads I began hearing small, sort of a loose metal shaking kind of noise coming from the front area of my car ('97 Q45 80K). Now the noise is becoming more prominent and I have narrowed down the location to somewhere around the upper suspension area (both sides). Did any of you guys have similar problems and what may be the source of it? My suspension itself still feels the same - its just this tiny noise is starting to annoy me and the noise can now be heard at practically any speed, whenever the road isn't quite even. This is certainly not the type of embarassment I wish to prolong while riding on such a classy car. Your expertise are urgently requested.

[PalmerWMD]

Most likely Front Upper links.

It <could> be other things but probably not.

Solution:replace both front upper links.This will also improve your handling/steering.

Fred...

[VIPQ]

Thanks Fred,Is the Front "upper links" the technical term that I should ask for at the dealer (asuming it can only be replaced at the dealer) and would you know the cost to replace them? Thanks again.

[DAEDALUS]

Don't go to a local dealer, they will screw you. Call up one of our sponsors <-------- They specialize in wholesaling parts online and by phone. They'll probably cost about $100 each from one of them. Call up any local dealership and get a quote just to compare. If they don't know what "upper link" is, run.

You are one of the few on this board to own both an Infiniti and a Lexus; care to comment on the good and bad?

[maxnix]

And consider doing it your self. Very easy, with the mounting bolts only requiring something like 100 ft.lbs of torque.

[Q45tech]

97Q don't have upper links, this was the first year for the MacPearson Struts............by now time to replace them [front and rear] and all associated rubber bushings /pads.

[maxnix]

97Q don't have upper links, this was the first year for the MacPearson Struts............by now time to replace them [front and rear] and all associated rubber bushings /pads.

Duhhh..of course not. Must read more carefully.

Start monitoring your shock rebound also.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[VIPQ]

Ok, so assuming there are no upper links in my 97Q, do you think replacing the struts will rid of the noise and can I purchase the surrounding rubber bushings/pads from one of NICO sponsors?

[natsoundup]

I am going to go out on a limb here.....I think your bushings could be worn..... and the gap between the bushing and the metal is contributing to the squeak....

here's part of my reasoning.... I had a shock loosen up on me in the 90Q....it was making a noise like you described.... a couple of turns in the top nut and it was ok....

I think you may have the same problem...only wear.... I think it's time to replace the struts.

[dougs98Q45]

VIPQ- Sorry, didn't see you had a 97 the first time I read. This sounds like it might be what I had: a metallic 'chatterring' from the upper part of front suspension over slightly rippled pavement (not big bumps). I took it in to the dealer under ex. warranty and they replaced the ring of bearings (& rubber) on top of each strut tower & that fixed it. Full story here but lots of unrelated so be warned....

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....22129

[psychic_mechanic]

A little extra torque on the hat bolt may stop the noise. Best part of this repair is that it's free if you do it yourself.

[PalmerWMD]

Oh, yeah a 97...

Fred..:oface

[Q451990]

here's part of my reasoning.... I had a shock loosen up on me in the 90Q....it was making a noise like you described.... a couple of turns in the top nut and it was ok....

Same here... once due to bad bushings, and once after they were all replaced (about 3K miles later). I re-torqued the center nut and they were fine ever since. I describe the noise as the sound of a receiver type trailer hitch rattling around...

Heath

[VIPQ]

Thanks guys for all your inputs - it looks like most of you know the exact problem that I am facing (with the same metal chattering noise). I am going to try to tighten some of the related bolts as advised and see if that'll rid of the problem. I really hope that it does because I know that there aren't much replacement strut/shock choices out there for a '97 Q (I've contacted Southest Autoworks c couple of weeks back and they told me that they no longer had Tokiko Blues for 97-98 Qs). Thanks again guys for all your help- I will post back the results later. By the way do any of you guys know how much it would cost to replace the shocks/struts at the dealer?