Thread: Suspension Noise

More and more, I'm noticing suspension noise whenever I go over the smallest defect in the road. This is not the "front passenger side" problem already mentioned in other posts. This is a booming or dull type noise, maybe amplified by the floor. It seems to come more from the rear....I never had this problem with previous Maximas and Altimas.

I wonder whether anyone has encountered the same noise and if there is some kind of fix for this. I'd hoped that this level of automobile would have better isolation for riding over pavement breaks.

Stan

Since winter just passed, did this happen only while car was cold, or it's happening regardless of temperatures?

It might be rear subframe too, hopefully it's not though.

I've only had the car for a month or so. It's an 06 built in March/05. If I had to describe it better, it would not be metallic in sound, more like a drum beat every time I go over a break or bump in the road. Maybe I'll just get used to it, because there doesn't appear to be a TSB describing this. I will ask the service department to check it out when I go in for my next visit.

Based on that early build date (and up through April '06) you have "the clunk." Concensus on other forums seems to be that those vehicles with that audible symptom have slightly undertorqued strut hardware on the passenger side which allows juuuust enough movement that the suspension hardware sometimes contacts the body (clunk)...

To me, my Azera sounds more like loose suspension parts or rattle but not a clunk.

I am beginning to consider changing my rims to 16" and the tires to 235/60R16. According to the charts, this will give me nearly the same circumference so as to keep the computer and speedometer accurate. I hope the additional rubber between the wheel and road will soften the bumps. With a Good Year Comfort Tread, I might get a really quiet ride too.
Then on to the battle of the suspension rattles.

Originally Posted by Grayfox

To me, my Azera sounds more like loose suspension parts or rattle but not a clunk.

YES. Mine (early 2006) usually has the clunk but sometimes the rattle. I think of it as sounding like I'm rolling down the road with my tool box in the trunk. Sometimes the tools "clunk" and sometimes they "rattle" ... depends on how small the potholes are and how smooth the road is. The ride is pretty rough too. I think its poor cheap shocks. This is all definitely a pretty BIG letdown on an otherwise nice car.

I spoke with a Hyundai District Parts and Service Manager. He heard the clunk and felt the rough ride, but he had no solutions. I'll probably sell this car fairly soon unless someone can find a fix for this. I think this guy might have the answer:

Gamle-ged
Moderator sez:

" Based on that early build date (and up through April '06) you have "the clunk." Concensus on other forums seems to be that those vehicles with that audible symptom have slightly undertorqued strut hardware on the passenger side which allows juuuust enough movement that the suspension hardware sometimes contacts the body (clunk)..."

Welcome to the forum! Concensus does seem to be that either tightening the strut hardware (or sometimes, replacing it) resolves the "clunk" for most owners who have tried it. I never did have a problem (my "build date" was after the mostly affected "clunk" period) and I'm quite satisfied with the handling.

I DID put it all to the test a couple of months back at night when I ran over a wheel assembly lying on the interstate, while I was doing about 75 mph. THEN I had some noise in my suspension, but it was just a flapping piece of wheel-well trim (one piece totally gone, one ripped and loose). $185 later, and after a couple dozen miles of test driving, it all seemed (and 2000 miles later, still is) as good as it had been before the encounter. THAT put my suspension to a test I hope never to put it to again...

I am very happy to report that one of the local dealers finally fixed my suspension noises. I took it several times to one dealer who tightened bolts, etc. but never solved the problem. The other dealer with no hesitation agreed to replace both front shocks or struts as they are now called. My '06 Azera built on Dec 19, 2005 sounds like a normal car now. The car has about 6,500 miles. I think the answer to our suspension noise is convincing the dealer to order the parts and install them on warranty as they did for me.

I have read many entries on other Bulletin Boards about the front suspensions of our Azeras sounding loose. Some refer to it as a clunk, I called it a rattle. In brief, it sounded like the car had 200,000 miles on it since new. After taking it to one dealer on two occasions, they tightened bolts and never improved it. Another local dealer changed the front shocks or struts and the car is much improved going over small bumps. There is no official recall on the parts but enough bitching seems to be the answer plus the concerned dealer who changes the parts under warranty. My 06 now has about 6,500 miles on it.