Drumming Noise in 1996 Maxima?!

[getgopi]

Hi, I have a 1996 Maxima SE manual with 83K miles on it. Recently, I have been hearing a drumming noise from the undercarriage (I think from the right rear wheel) when I hit 60 MPH or higher. I have maintained the car very well...4 to 5 oil changes a year. I have not had any problems with it. I had to change a portion of the exhaust piping under the car a couple of summers ago plus replace a tie-rod shortly after. Anyone familiar with this drumming noise, please let me know (at times I get the impression I have had a flat tire). Thanks!!

[getgopi]

Ok, that sound has been occurring consistently (and louder still) in the last two days as soon as I hit 60 MPH. Now I have a different problem. I hear a hollow metallic banging noise from the undercarriage whenever I go over even the smallest bumps. I wonder if the new exhaust piping I had welded on by Midas a couple of years ago is "coming off". Also when I accelerated in a tight left turn this morning into my office parking lot, I heard a metallic noise and it felt like something was keeping my right rear wheel from turning. I actually felt the car settle and then being pulled in that direction. I tried another left turn and same problem. However, when I turned without applying gas, the problem did not happen. I haven't had a chance to make a right turn to see if this happens to the left rear wheel as well (had to get into the office). Anyone have any ideas?

[Fuster Cluck]

Yeah man... I think I know what you're talkin about. Whenever I hit a speed bump or anything like that, I get like, a clunking noise. It almost sounds as if something was rolling around in the trunk or somethin. I have no idea what it is...if someone could clue me in, I'd appreciate it greatly..

Thanks guys

[getgopi]

If you hear it in the trunk, perhaps the tools (that come with the spare tire) have gotten loose. Also check the piping under your car. A portion of it may be rusted and ready to fall off (it happened to me a couple of years ago and I heard a clunking noise too). Anyway, I took the car to the dealer today for an oil change and tire rotation. The dealer did not have time to make an in-depth study of the source of the noise. They asked me to come back later. If the problem is in the wheels, I guess they would have noticed something during the tire rotation (like a stuck brake rotor or something). But I am going to drive the car around for a few days and see what happens.

[mnjh94]

exactly the same problems with my 96 se. Happened last few weeks. It's coming from the rear axels. I would think that it would be the suspensions, maybe struts, but you have to check it to the mechanics for sure. When you go over speedbump little faster it tends to bounce the wheels up and down for couple of times. But the pipe from the muffler would be possible. If you knock on the muffler from the middle to the back you'd notice it otherwise. Hope it'll help

[getgopi]

The noise got a little overwhelming last night. So I left the car at the Dealer this morning. They are going to let me know what the problem is. Keep monitoring this thread.

[getgopi]

Ok. The drumming noise was a result of uneven wheel rotation. Apparently I have two really bent rims (and I know how both of them happened). So, at high speeds, the unevenly worn out tires on those rims were causing that noise. The dealer quoted $550 to replace each alloy rim. Anyone think that amount is not reasonable? I am going to do the rims next month. The Dealer also said that the pull I felt when I take a hard left turn is due to torque steer. The funny thing is I never felt that pull before. I wonder if it was something to do with the bent rim on that side.
Right now, I am having all 4 brake units replaced...for a total of around $1100. Apparently they are worn down 90% and the Dealer said they couldn't find a way to reuse the rotors. I think that I replaced the units like 3 years ago (the mechanic then used semi-metallic brakes, whatever that means). I have to check my files to see how much I spent then.
Finally, the Dealer mentioned that my strut mounts are fine but the strut bearings in the front and rear are blown (another $1100 to replace those). He said that they won't get any worse than they are now. I have to ask him for more details when I go pick up my car (I've authorized changing only the brakes for now). Regardless, I am already thinking that perhaps I should wait a few months to replace those (since the car seems to ride fine).

Any thoughts on this post would be very much appreciated!!

[mnjh94]

Mind as well get after market wheels, or get from ebay, if you lucky you can get less then the dealer with tires all 4, I found one around 500 or less for 4 rims and tires. When you said bent the rims, is it outside or inside?
On the brakes, you can get rotor and pads f+r for 100 bux + shipping, with the total of 150 on ebay, add about 300 to installed in ASE mech shops. Good luck. Thanks for the input tho.

[getgopi]

Actually I got the $550 for the wheels wrong. The correct amount is $270 for each wheel. The dealer thinks I can get away with the "slightly-bent" rims for a while. But I am going to be looking at aftermarket wheels anyway as suggested. If I go back, I will ask if the wheels are bent on the inside or outside. I have already taken care of the brakes, which, incidentally, cost me $1125 Regarding the struts, the dealer mentioned I have a fluid leak in that area that needs to be addressed so that the vehicle bouncing over bumps is absorbed properly (and get the original firmer ride back). He has quoted around $1000 (not including labor) to fix the struts issue. He did say he won't charge labor for replacing the wheels if I had the Dealer replace the wheels at the same time the struts are fixed.

[SHIFT_]

My Dad has a 96 and the thing that holds the exhaust came off like 2 weeks ago and he fixed it. It was really annoying.

[stickbella9]

Try Rofren Brake pads for all the Nissan cars. The OEM stuff they use is terrible, lots of noise!!! Rofren pads are tough to find, but if you can get them it will be worth the effort.