Hey there; got a problem I'm trying to diagnose. This is for a 2001 X SE with about 85K miles. No major mods.

At low speeds, when the wheel is turned all the way to the right, there is an occasional popping sound that comes from the left front wheel area. It's only at low speeds, but that's probably because that's the only time when the steering is cranked over all the way. It is not a continuous popping, but, rather, sounds like it coincides with the revolutions of the tire. It happens both backing up and going forward. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!

Sometimes its just the turn stop bolts. They have covers that wear off.

If you grease the stops, most of the time, it solves the problem.

There are of course other potential sources, but I like to start with the free fixes.

:D

My guess is that it sounds like the front CV joints. Is 4WD disengaged?


BTW Welcome to Club X!

Here's a TSB but don't rule out the other suggestions. Also check the ball joints.


http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/Bulletins/Nissan/2006/Images/06056-2.jpg

I thought that TSB was for Second Gen only... ?

Checked again and your right Anthony. Tsb is for second generation X.....oops!

I was assuming it was in 2wd, on road, at full lock/turned...so the turn stop bolts are the cause most of the time...and I'd rather check the free fixes first.

:D

To answer the questions:

In 2wd (4x4 is disengaged)
on level pavement
at full lock/turned

Will check on turn stop bolts and report back. Thanks for the suggestions. Hoping that it's the bolts, not the CV Joint!!

Related to the t-stop bolts as well...the left tire can nibble the steering arm when turn full right if the bolts allow too far a right turn, etc....and that the noise matched tire rev's in frequency.

Look in the well area, look for what the tire might hit/rub on.

You said it was the drivers side the noise came from when the truck was cranked hard right/pass side....so the front of the left tire swings inboard, and can rub on things.

Also, as noises can travel, you can also look at where the REAR of the front Pass tire might hit on a hard right turn too.

Look for a rub mark on the stuff in the well, and/or, on the tire.

You will need to turn as hard right as possible, and then go look, as that will put the tire/steering, etc...about where they'd be when it rubs, and tell you where to guess things might rub.

If we luck out, you will see where the turn stop bolt ends are relative to the stops (Do they reach/are they damaged?), and, also, if you ALSO have rub.

:D

If not, thn we start looking at tie rod ends and sway bars and so forth.

where are these wheel stops located? does anyone have a pic of them. i am having the same noise. like a pop pop, a gear stripping in a kids toy. not the normal cv joint popping noise.

Went and snapped a shot for ya. This is the driver's side, passenger side looks the same.

http://www.anthonydimattia.com/steeringstop.jpg

man looks great...this is the only site so far that i have seen you guys post pics its so helpful

Its just typing a 1,000 words is so much more time consuming...

:D

understandable, i hate to type

:informatiker-big: TJ loves typing...

I hate typing...its just that when I yell really loudly at the screen, you guys can't hear me...so I post pics and/or type.

:D

Great topic, great forum!

My son has an '02 XE and he is getting the popping sounds. Happens when you turn the wheel fully in either direction. Also, it happens when you turn the wheel far to a side, straighten out and then hit the brakes. When I am sitting in the front passenger seat, you can "feel" the sound in your feet.

The vehicle was bought used as a lease turn-in, and it was (is) in very nice condition. I have scheduled the 45k service, but when I mentioned it to the service writer, he already brought up the wheel stops. I have purchased the extended warranty, so I am feeling OK if there is something broken. I just want to be able to speak intelligently to the service person.

Thanks for any assistance!

Here's a TSB but don't rule out the other suggestions. Also check the ball joints.


http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/Bulletins/Nissan/2006/Images/06056-2.jpg

Rusty Nuts, Can I get a link to that tsb? I have a 05 thats popping like mad.

I heard putting grease on the turn stop bolt helps... so I did, but I have a question. Is this a temporary fix and will I need to replace the bolts? Also, the bolt head felt a little stripped and scratched (like if it has been rubbing up against metal) It makes me feel like I should replace it asap =P I'll do what I have to, I'm just glad it isn't a CV joint problem, lol.

I as well have the same problem, and was wondering if i have to replace them.