Strut blues

[Sagimo]

Hello everyone, I am recent member of this site and in need of assistance. Currently I am having serious difficulties with Nissan Rogue. Last week my both the front struts and shocks came in and went to my friend house to replace them. The back weren't as difficult to replace as I anticipated and then it was time to replace the struts which took a lot longer than expected; even after finishing installing a new problem arose, the infamous clunking noise.

I did research upon research to discover what could have cause it. I discover that it could a spring issue, the bolts and nuts may have not been properly tighten and so forth. It was until yesterday I manage to take it to a Mavis discount auto and soon discover that I install the spring but for some odd reason they have the ability to a bit and also the Monroe strut that I bought are been longer than the original.

Still I was a bit skeptic site the website I bought the parts from I did ensure it was the correct year, correct company, model and series. I know Mavis Discount Auto Tire is well know for the scare tactics. Due to the part being supposedly longer, have cause it to keep hitting the control arm which they informed me that if I was to continue to drive with the clunking noise. It could of have serious damage to the control arm; which I reluctant agree since the strut engine control thingy was literally sitting on top of the control arm.

My intuition telling me that spring might be the originator of issue but unfortunately I am not a mechanic by any means, just a guy who want to learn more how to self service his vehicles. Since getting you vehicles service here in New York can be brutal and finding a trust mechanics shop that is not out for profit is a like a needle in a hay stack at times.

[otto888man]

What are the symptoms? Does it only clunk all the time or
when it hits a bump hard? Did you replaced or remove the
sway bar links? I would suggest to remove one of the links
or bolt that holds one of the link to rule out the sway bar
links. When you push the side of the vehicle does it clunk?
You mentioned that you double checked the part numbers on the parts. What year is the Rogue? Let me know.

[Sagimo]

The clunking noise only occurs when I hit a bump; big or small I will hear it. That is the name of the items the sway bar seem is touching as soon as the vehicle is leveled. Are you suggesting I replace the sway bar?

[Sagimo]

I am bumping this thread since no plausible solution has been proposed as of yet.

[DannyMcD]

Hi,

I'm going to attempt to help you out. for starters, did you also replace the strut mount (the piece that retains the spring to the strut)?

When a strut is noisy it usually comes from the mount and not the strut itself. if you did replace that piece i would move on to the sway bar links, usually attached to the strut, this is a very common issue on caravans, and is known to many people as the "chrysler clap" (not a car STD) where little bumps create a "jiggle jiggle" sound and large bumps create a loud "thump" sound (very technical terms I know) anyway check the linkage arm for a loose connection or a bad joint. from there check your outer tie rods, ball joints, and bushings.

disclaimer - I'm not a Rogue expert, but I know my way around motorized transportation vehicles.

[Sagimo]

I did not replace the strut mount on my Nissan Rogue, only the strut. Next time I will, when I refill my funds. I will buy a new sets of strut mount and sway bar specifically for the Monroe struts; since I already bought Monroe strut for my vehicle. The last time I look under the vehicle there were no noticeable damage that require my attention, it looks like the Nissan Strut assembly is not compatible with after markets items. Also it is almost as if Nissan is forcing me to buy their parts versus aftermarket parts.

[Sagimo]

I am bumping this thread again, I just need to verified is there anything else I should into consideration other thanthe strut mount. would I need to buy the sway as well.

[followingnfront]

You should skip all of this and take it to a Nissan dealer instead of just throwing parts at it.

Also, skip Mavis or any other crap chains... Get it looked at by the right people

[Sagimo]

Worst advice ever; I guess someone haven't seen how much these dealership charged in labor just labor. Last time I went to the dealership the labor itself account for more 69% of the total cost. in other word the dealership I will be using like an emergency credit card, avoid as much as possible.

[followingnfront]

Worst advice ever; I guess someone haven't seen how much these dealership charged in labor just labor. Last time I went to the dealership the labor itself account for more 69% of the total cost. in other word the dealership I will be using like an emergency credit card, avoid as much as possible.

Lol... Worst advice ever? You are asking vague questions expecting specific answers and you are basically trusting a bunch of guys on the internet to tell you what you should spend money on next to see if it eliminates the problem, yet actually going to a place where there are people who are trained to deal with the very vehicle you are having trouble with is stupid and would end up costing you MORE money!

Ha ha ha... Ok Chief. Good luck