P11 Primera Suspension Problems

Anyone out there had problems with the fornt suspension on a P11 Primera??
I've had these knocking noise occur when going over bumps etc.
The garage has had a look, replaced the Anti-roll bar link rods, but cannot find the source.
It's not the CV joint or any other obvious suspension parts.

It can be one of many things: upper suspension arms, shock absorbers, any of the lower suspension link bushings, etc. The one I'd take the closest look at, though, is the lower suspension arm ball joint.

Thanks for replying.
The Garage reckoned it could be the upper link ( everything else was ruled out apparently ), although they can't guarantee this.
Apparently it's 'different' in that there has to be 'play' allowed in the suspension set-up. They had it on the ramps & applied a bump simulated shock. The only thing they noticed was that the rosemary bush on the upper link seemed to feel as though there was some coarse friction.
Any ideas anyone??

It's hard to diagnose a suspension knocking issue over the internet (especially since the shop you use also have a hard time diagnosing it). Have there been any developments? Perhaps take it to another shop for a second opinion.

I will tell you, though, that the front suspension has been giving me most of the grief with this car. I've had to change the upper links (and will have to do that again soon), the stabilizer links, one of the lower ball joints and both CV joints. Scary :)

In the 4 years that i've owned my primera, this is the first real problem i've had.
The garage seem to have isolated it to the upper link but obviously will not guarantee this!!
There was a similar posting on G20.NET and there were suggestions from some geezer in Derbyshire (UK) that the upper link is a common problem with UK primeras.
Might be worth speaking to a Nissan delaer I suppose.

Upper links are indeed a problem, and a pretty annoying one, but I can't say they actually knock much when they need to be replaced - that's what makes me a bit confused. That all said, it certainly wouldn't hurt to change them :)

I've had this car for 5 years now, and for the first 3 years it was just great, after that problems started, but you should know the state of the roads here, 3 years without major issues for a 91 is a great showing!

Another thing to keep in mind is the brand of links you'll be getting. I bought some B-part ones (from the Nissan dealer, actually) as they were literaly 4 tiems cheaper than Nissan ones, and they didn't hold up for 3 months. They were made by some italian company. A friend of mine installed the links made by "555" (Japan) and is very happy with them. Of course genuine Nissan parts are as good an option as any, if you're willing to spend that much for them, of course.

I've noticed recently ( mostly since my missus got a '00 Honda civic) that the ride over real bumpy roads is appauling.
You feel every bump in the road and as for up & over speed humps, you just brace yourself for the ride!!
Doesn't help when I hear all the knocking going on.
Might try and find a decent suspension specialist in Derbyshire or around Nottingham.
Gotta say though that atleast the car handles well unlike the 'P' reg Mondeo that Garage lent me. I feel sorry for Mondeo drivers, there is just no feel in the drive. it would be quite easy to lose it on a corner because you can't feel it losing control!!

Might be worth speaking to a Nissan dealer I suppose.

You a millionaire or somthing ?

It will be the upper wishbone thats jiggered...... A very common fault on the P10 & P11 ..... Nissan will sell you a replacement for £150+ vat+ Fitting, however you can obtain pattern parts for a quarter of the cost IE £25 per side, If I was you I'd buy One for each side (They are handed) & fit them your self ...... If your not keen on fitting them take the bits to a local garage & Pay him No More than 90 Mins Labour for both sides & ASK FOR THE OLD ONES BACK (Stash them for future refurbishment this problem will come back)

PM me if you need help finding the bits ;) ........ Where abouts in Derbyshire are you .......... If you catch me in a good mood I can fit them for you ..... (Fuel cost from Lancashire & a tenner fer a couple O beers) :)

Regards John

this is a very common problem, normally top links, have seen some of the hub to strut bearings fail after monster mileage. here in the uk we can get just the top bush's in a kit form. the kit comes with the bush's 4 per side, grease and new seals. your nissan dealer should be able to get them no problem. there is a technical bulletin for this which lists al the part numbers.
and alot cheaper than replacing the arms.
if you have the noise when drivin on any raod surface, ie, straight flat road, i would replace the top links.

reagrds

The thing is the QH complete arms are cheaper than the Nissan service kit :D