Squeaky noise and clunking when driving?

CRISDAN

MEMBER
2017 NISSAN ALTIMA
2.5L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
108,000 MILES

My car has been making a squeaky noise when I get inside of it as well as when I press the gas. It only seems to make the noise when I’m accelerating. It is still slightly noticeable when my foot is off the gas, and it gets noisy again when braking. Although I am due for a brake change, I know the difference in sound it makes when the clips rub on the rotor, so it is not coming from the brakes. I will add a couple of pictures and some videos of the sound. I added a little w-40 to some parts to try to make the noise go away but it is still apparent.

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7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I watched the video and certainly heard it. Is there anything that changes to volume or pitch of the sound? For example, if you make a turn or hit a dip in the road? You indicated you could hear it when you get in the vehicle which makes me think bushing. If you bounce the front of the vehicle, can you reproduce the sound? Does it change in intensity with speed? Have you checked the stabilizer pins and bushings? Take a look at the attached pic below. I highlighted the stabilizer pin and bushing for one side.

Sorry for so many questions. I'm just trying to get a solid understanding.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Saturday, August 20th, 2022 AT 10:25 PM

CRISDAN

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Thank you for the timely response. To answer your questions, the sound changes in intensity, especially on bumpy roads and bumps. It is also louder when I barely begin to accelerate the car. Also yes, if I bounce the front of the vehicle, it also makes the sound. And yes, I have checked the bushings, what would you recommend?

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Saturday, August 20th, 2022 AT 10:39 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

If the sway bar bushings and stabilizer links are good, then we need to assume it is a shock or ball joint noise.

If possible, have a helper try to determine approximately where the sound comes from when you bounce it. Also, you may want to lift one front wheel at a time about 4 inches off the ground and place a pry bar between the tire and the ground. Pry up and down to see if there is play in a ball joint.

If it's possible, record the sound and upload it for me to hear.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, August 21st, 2022 AT 4:56 PM

CRISDAN

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Is the ball joint and bushing part of the front lower arm on Nissans? My car is already at 100,000+ miles so I think I’ll swap those out. If the noise persists, I will come back to this conversation and hope you can keep helping me.

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Monday, August 22nd, 2022 AT 1:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

The lower ball joint is mounted on the lower control arm and attaches to the steering knuckle. The lower control arm bushings are also on the arm where it mounts to the vehicle.

Please understand that this is a theory based on different things. I don't want you to spend money to be disappointed.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, August 22nd, 2022 AT 9:09 PM

CRISDAN

MEMBER
10 POSTS

It’s okay you’ve been a huge help so far. I would like some tips to replace the lower control arm. For example, where is the best place to buy replacement parts that are affordable but still great quality? Also, a diagram of how to replace it would be nice too. Thank you again and you will be hearing from me again just in case the problem isn’t fixed.

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Monday, August 22nd, 2022 AT 9:15 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

As far as getting replacement parts, I would simply go to a nationally recognized parts store and purchase their brand with a lifetime warranty. Rockauto usually has great prices, but the warranty isn't lifetime. If you decide to get it there, let me know. I can give you my 5% off code.

I attached the directions below that I could find. Before you start this, spray down the bolts with a good penetrating fluid a day in advance so it can work in and make things easier to take apart.

Let me know how this works out for you.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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