Strange clunk and/or rattle from rear passenger side of Pathfinder?

[CJD91]

Just as the title states I'm experiencing a rattle/clunk combo sound coming from the rear passenger side of my pathy. I check most of the basics, nothing obvious. Def does not sound like a head shield.

Any ideas?

[fueler]

vague description of the problem but ill throw some guesses ur way does it sound like your hatch is banging against the body? the rubber stoppers on the hatch tend to disappear, at least for me, causing an annoying rattle/banging

does it sound like something under the car, like the suspension?

maybe try having a friend ride in the hatch, with the rear window open, and locate the source of the sound......

[CJD91]

Thanks a lot fueler, I know the description is vague but it's because I can't really pinpoint where the sound is coming from and what it sound like.

I opened the hatch tonight and drove around the block, still clunked/rattled. It's definitely a combination clunk-rattle sound. I'm pretty sure it's coming from under the car, it's somewhat muted so I don't think it's interior.

My sister was in the back today and she pointed the rear passenger wheel well when I asked her to pinpoint where she thought it was coming from.

This my sound strange but it doesn't seem like the suspension for a few reasons:

1) The rattle/clunk isn't in sync with suspension movement.

2) It rattles/clunks more going over numerous small bumps than one big bump. The rattle/clunk increases when the bump tries to make the car move side to side.

Bare with me, I'm just as stumped as you are. I'm almost ready to pay for me dealer to diagnose it.

[Mariach]

I had this EXACT problem.

3 months, multiple garage trips.

Cause? The chain holding the spare tyre came loose and was flailing.

[fueler]

yup my thoughts exactly - either the chain is flailing, or even maybe the whole spare tire is loose and bumping around....

[SnowSurfLax]

Man, just get under there and remove that bish! I removed the entire assembly. When I need to carry a flat, I throw it on the roof and strap it down.

[CJD91]

I'll remove the spare and lowering apparatis this afternoon, I hope to jebus it's the problem. I hate being stumped like this.

[tbsbiker2]

also check your exhaust...in particular from the first muffler back..I had a similar clunking and turned out that my tail pipe and muffler had separated over the rear axle. CHEAP fix just have a muffer shop reweld it if thats the case...also check the exhaust hangers and make sure they are all doing their job.

Peter T.

2001 SE

[CJD91]

Checked everything this afternoon. Completely remove spare tire and lowering mechanism. Checked for play in the suspension. Checked interior panels and whatnot.

Still persists. I've never been so stumped on anything.

I've checked everything I can think of.

If anyone has any suggestions or help I would be extremely grateful.

If it helps, the problem cannot be reproduced by pushing on the suspension or rocking the truck back and forth.

[pathfinder9035]

rock your car back and forth. If you hear the clunking than it is the supension. Crap a pillar and just rock it.

Most likely your links.

[CJD91]

rock your car back and forth. If you hear the clunking than it is the supension. Crap a pillar and just rock it.

Most likely your links.

I don't intend to be rude, but did you read the thread at all?

I really appreciate your input, but as we've/I've already ruled out, it's not the links.

[CJD91]

Another thing: I check the exhaust, and related hanger and mounts. Everything is tight and rattle free.

[Mariach]

Did you maybe knock loose one of the inne wheel well liners?

is something rolling around in the storage bin in the trunk under the carpet?

other than , i'm stumped!

[CJD91]

I'll double check the inner wheel well. Mud flaps are tight though.

It sound like a very loose rattle. Dissimilar from end links going bad.

Think golf ball stuck in a frame rail.

[CJD91]

I'll double check the inner wheel well. Mud flaps are tight though.

It sound like a very loose rattle. Dissimilar from end links going bad.

Think golf ball stuck in a frame rail.

I think I give up.

[BoostTed]

Do you have a tow hitch?

[CJD91]

No sir.

[BoostTed]

For whats its

No sir.

worth I have a clunking sound from my rear passenger a well. Its the muffler tip hitting my tow hitch, only when its warm because Im guessing the rubber exhaust hanger expands with heat.

[CJD91]

I wish it was that obvious.

[vink]

I have a similar problem with my Sentra - It is driving me crazy! I hear a rattle like a coffee can filled with nuts and bolts every time I go over a bump - When I go over a bump with the brake peddle depressed, there is no rattle! This leads me to believe that I have an aftermarket caliper / brake kit on the rear wheel that does not suit the car properly and bangs against the backing plate when going over bumps.

[bmlawless]

Over the years, I have discovered a great way to find noises. Get a rubber mallet and start banging around in the area that you are having problems. Eventually you should be able to narrow it down and figure it out.

So far I have been able to find a paper clip in the feater blower on my pickup, a broken plastic piece in the cabin air intake on my truck, a loose conduit mount under the hood of my QX4, a loose antenna mount on my boat, and a piece of bad flashing around a vent pipe in my house.

[vancity]

Check ur exhaust mounts one of mine is cracked off at the frame n i get a rattle vibration sound

[Fisherdude]

yeah check all the compartments in the back and in the front for anything that could be rollin around. other than that im stumped

[CJD91]

I've checked everything...I'm probably going to have the dealer fix it sooner or later.

[69bird]

I have the exact same problem with 2001 Pathfinder. It's driving me crazy. Sounds like a golf ball rattling on the frame. More noise, or so it seems, on little bumps and slow speed. I have gone through everything no luck yet. It does seem to be getting slightly worse. Any other thoughts or ideas really appreciated.

[CJD91]

ahhhhh it's driving me crazy too

[nissanjdm]

subscribed.

I just noticed a loud shuddering sound from the rear/underneath of my pathy as well. It occurs when I let up off the gas coasting to a stop.

[jkg263]

Check the rear shock bolts at the top and bottom. I had to tighten the top to clear the rattle and one shock had slid off the grommet on the bottom.

[JeyNyce]

Hey Guys, Are you still having that problem? I have it too and it's coming from the driver side. I'm going to check it out tomorrow at a garage near my job. Once I know what's going on with my truck I'll report back and maybe that can help you out.

[CJD91]

Definitely let us know what they find!