Suspension - Front Spring Buzzing/Rattle Noise

Classification:
FA98-006

Reference:
NTB98-101

Date:
December 1, 1998

1995-98 MAXIMA FRONT SPRING BUZZ/RATTLE NOISE

APPLIED VEHICLE:
1995-98 Maxima (A32)

APPLIED VINS:
Vehicles built before:
JN1CA21A*WT307126 and JN1CA21A*WT405052
JN1CA21D*WT527067 and JN1CA21D*WT614833
JN1CA21A*WM805967 and JN1CA21D*WM919813

APPLIED DATE:
Vehicles built before February 4, 1998

SERVICE INFORMATION:
If a buzzing or rattle noise is heard in the front of an applied 1995-98 Maxima while driving over roads with evenly spaced bumps (such as brick or washboard roads), this may be caused by the front coil spring windings making contact with each other. Replacement front springs and supplemental front spring seat rubbers are available to correct this condition if it should occur.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify the noise exists under the conditions described above.

2. Determine whether the vehicle has automatic or manual transmission. Then determine the correct spring part number to use from the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin.

3. Remove the front strut assemblies. Use the appropriate service manual procedure located in the FA section under FRONT SUSPENSION/Coil Spring and Strut Assembly.

4. Remove the front springs from the strut assemblies. Use the appropriate service manual procedure located in the FA section under FRONT SUSPENSION/Coil Spring and Strut Assembly.

WARNING:
When compressing the spring prior to removal, make sure the spring compressor is used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Figure 1:

5. The replacement springs have upper and lower pre-attached seat rubbers. These should remain in place. Install the additional spring seat rubber with the thicker (2 mm) end of the tube oriented above the lower spring end (see Figure 1).

6. Use the service manual procedures previously noted to install the replacement springs (with attached seat rubbers) onto the strut assemblies.

NOTE:
You can distinguish the top of the spring by round paint marks located on two of the spring windings. One winding will have a single paint mark, with the winding just below it having two paint marks. The spring should be installed with the single paint mark on top (see Figure 1).

7. Replace the front strut assemblies using the previously noted service manual procedures.

Parts Information:

Parts Information





Claims Information