Common problems with Frontiers

[Whitey12]

I also have nearly the EXACT same situation 2012 Frontier S 4K miles - (same condition) Sounds a bit like a clunk when I am turning left - There is a "slight" dip in our street when turning onto it does it every day - started at about 3K miles

[BOOGY]

Whitey, I think the "dip" you spoke of is somewhat key to the situation. It seems that the wheel needs to "drop" a bit first, then the knock comes when it contacts the "rise" portion of the hole, ridge, or whatever type of shape you are running over.

My dealer is 70 miles away so it is not so simple to get someone to look at it. I hate to make a special trip at this time. I thought sure there would be more people on here with a similar experience if this is inherent in, or because of, the design of the front end.

[gtrplayr1976]

I have a 2008 SE CC ,Auto, 4x4 ,long bed. Almost 90k miles. Recently performed the radiator by pass ,and changed original battery. Replaced tires at around 70k. Still has original brakes. Has the start up noise for a short period. My only concerns lately have been the sudden drop in MPGs ,power, and when in 4WD high I have noticed it's jerky,and kind of clunky when turned hard such as in a parking spot. The wiper washer nozzles have split ,and leak. Otherwise I love my truck.

[2004Frontier]

gtrplayr1976: I have a 1st gen, which has hubs that unlock when you disengage 4wd. I don't know if the 2nd gen is the same, but I assume it is. If so, your front axles are not turning when you are in 2WD, but they are when you are in 4WD, needless to say. The 'jerky and kind of clunky' turning when you are in 4WD may be one of two things:

1. You are on a surface that is not allowing enough slip of the tires and so the drive-line is binding and then releasing when enough force builds up to make the tire suddenly 'jump' to where it wants to be. You should really be on dirt or snow or similar, when using 4WD. Even wet pavement is not a good idea, unless you have a full-time system, because the transfer case doesn't allow slip.

2. You may have a bad CV joint in one (or both) of your front axles. Generally, this is as a result of a torn boot, which allows dirt and moisture in and grease out. Easy enough to check the boots for tears and a spray pattern of grease under the front end from being flung out...

As a general statement: Any time gas mileage and power decrease suddenly and noticeably, you really should have a poke around...

Peace.

[gtrplayr1976]

2004Frontier : All I have is a selector switch in the cab for 4wd H/L/off ? Could very well be what you say. Runs fine normally. Just in tight spots when it makes the noise,and has the jerky motion. I'll check the boots.

Thanks

[jlg2002]

There is a Nissan Service bulletin that deals with clunking in the front end when turning and going over bumps. see NTB 10-072a published 10/6/10. it states the problem may be the stabilizer bar bushings that mounts the bar onto the frame may be defective and to change them.
Frontier V6 PN is:
54613-ZT00A;
I4 PN:
54613-ZT10A

[Lovatoj]

Originally Posted by jlg2002

There is a Nissan Service bulletin that deals with clunking in the front end when turning and going over bumps. see NTB 10-072a published 10/6/10. it states the problem may be the stabilizer bar bushings that mounts the bar onto the frame may be defective and to change them.
Frontier V6 PN is:
54613-ZT00A;
I4 PN:
54613-ZT10A

I think I'm experiencing this issue, especially on really cold mornings when my truck has been parked all night.

[Rabs1755]

Have you checked the body mounts from the frame to the cab? I have a 06 frontier XE with 37xxx miles and I went off roaring pretty hard one day and my truck started making that clunk noise seems to be talked about. Well I took it to the dealer and they said what I was hearing was the cab being loose on the frame. Dealer basically said I drove the cab bolts loose on my truck so I had them tighten em and now it's been fine haven't heard a noise since they were tightened up.

[Lovatoj]

Originally Posted by Rabs1755

Have you checked the body mounts from the frame to the cab? I have a 06 frontier XE with 37xxx miles and I went off roaring pretty hard one day and my truck started making that clunk noise seems to be talked about. Well I took it to the dealer and they said what I was hearing was the cab being loose on the frame. Dealer basically said I drove the cab bolts loose on my truck so I had them tighten em and now it's been fine haven't heard a noise since they were tightened up.

I have not, I get that sound more upfront, it also makes a creaking noise, like cheap aftermarket bushings. Feels rough over small bumps to, sounds like an old 80's american pickup truck.

[Rabs1755]

i would only get the noise when i turned left sounded like my front wheel was gunna come off!! and the rough yea i drove it one day before taking it in like something is f**ked up every single bump dip i felt it. the cab never felt loose while i was driving tho everything was solid feeling no body movement.. but the cab bolts did not make any sence to me i thought they were trying to nickle and dime me but they torqued back to specs and i havent have any weird noises anymore. no noise at all turning left now bump or no bump sounds solid. give em a good cranking or better yet torqued and see if that solves the noise.. i havent heard of this from anyone else that was just my personal problem that made the noise and thats what solved it, might be commom if your hard on your toys easy check off on the list if anything to figuring it out. lettme know if that helps at all im curious to what it is now