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altima 93 troubles with steering/suspension
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ioanmachiman
Novice
Feb 27, 2006, 5:32 PM
Post #1 of 2
(1798 views)
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altima 93 troubles with steering/suspension
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Hi
It looks like i finished one job and started another.
Now i have problems with the driveshaft and the ball joints.
I didn't drive the car for 3 months. When i started to drive it again, in right angle curves, towards the left, the left front of the car made a clicking noise. Only once, not a grinding noise. Also, when i got out from the parking lot, backwards. After a while, the noise disappeared.
i didn't pay too much attention to it but when i have changed the oil, i noticed the right boot of the cv joint was ripped.
So i went to a shop and changed both driveaxels. I was told it wasnt necessary to change the left driveaxel but i thought it would be better because of the noise. (to change the left driveaxel, you have to take out the right driveaxel first). I was told that the right ball joint is worn, and i have to change it too. The mechanic didn't check all the joints but he have seen the grease out of that balljoint.
The mechanic told me that is possible the problem was only on the right side, and somehow the noise was coming from the left.
I am prepared to change both control arms (cant remove the ball joints). I was also wondering about changing the stabilizer bar link to the control arm (also a joint) , and toe rod end joint.
Now, if one of the ball joints is worn i think the other doesn't have long. Also, all the other joint connections.
Actually, i dont know the real condition of the other joints.
Does any of those kinds of joints, fail all of a sudden, for example on the highway? Is this dangerous?
How does a toe rod end joint fails? What happens? Are they reliable for, lets say 20 years, and by exception fail before?
Changing any of the joints leads to a tire alignment (80 bucks).
What do you think about this? Should i change only the right side control arm, should i change both control arms, or should i change the control arms and all the joints (+/- toe rod end ball joint) ?
ty
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 28, 2006, 8:40 AM
Post #2 of 2
(1794 views)
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Re: altima 93 troubles with steering/suspension
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You can check the tie rods by checking for up and down motion - they will twist but NO other motion is good. If they fall off you are in trouble! You don't need to replace good ones, same goes for ball joints. Ball joints are checked by lifting the lower control arm in most cars (I'd have to look) and pry up and down on the wheel - again NO freeplay is good. Any is BAD!
The stabilizer pins don't like rust or pot holes. They shouldn't be expensive and it they look ok they can stay.
I can't speak for all alignment shops but $80 is a touch high for where I live. It should include a total check for worn parts and my place will do them right then and there and finish the alignment. They should even check your tire pressure and condition as that counts too. T
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