Goodbar
Well-known member
UPDATE Aug 2021: I've corrected the problem by installing spacers that were part of an earlier TSB that doesn't apply to MY2017. This was DIY and after my warranty expired because my local dealer was so useless that I preferred to diagnose and fix it myself. More details in this post, including before and after photos that show how the strut bearings distort:
https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=31105&sid=3492a086bc1798a614d4d5ad63c89c30&start=30#p609113
— Original Post —
I'm at wits' end trying to get a suspension clunk/bang fixed under warranty on our 2017 Leaf (30 kWh). It typically happens when reversing out of the driveway in the morning, and then not afterward unless the car sits for a few hours. The car is at the dealer we purchased from for the 10th visit since purchase in July 2017 and 5th visit that included a suspension noise. There's only 22k on the clock. This is actually the 3rd front-end noise: They've successfully corrected the axle clicking via a TSB and another clicking noise by fiddling with the brake pads.
It's getting worse over time, and tends to be exacerbated by cold weather. We don't use the e-brake unless parked on a steep hill. I found some other reports that appear to be similar, especially by
@jjeff https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=21377&hilit=clunk&start=10#p452879
and
@jonedney https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=21377&hilit=clunk&start=10#p510595
Anyway, here's my video. It's probably to hard to judge from the audio from my phone, but this is a loud noise. It can be heard inside and outside of the vehicle and felt through the brake pedal and/or steering wheel (can't remember!).
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FzHWtzthzqtACuaE7
As a former shadetree mechanic who has kept various old high-mileage cars going, this sounds like a strut mount or ball joint. I have not tried to diagnose this hands-on because I paid for a warranty with my new car... It seems like whatever's binding is "twanging" the right front spring. The dealer has been able to replicate it, and has seen the above video, but can't track it down and are potentially going to call it "characteristic". I will not accept that, but would be grateful to hear of others who have successfully had this diagnosed and repaired.
Thanks
https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=31105&sid=3492a086bc1798a614d4d5ad63c89c30&start=30#p609113
— Original Post —
I'm at wits' end trying to get a suspension clunk/bang fixed under warranty on our 2017 Leaf (30 kWh). It typically happens when reversing out of the driveway in the morning, and then not afterward unless the car sits for a few hours. The car is at the dealer we purchased from for the 10th visit since purchase in July 2017 and 5th visit that included a suspension noise. There's only 22k on the clock. This is actually the 3rd front-end noise: They've successfully corrected the axle clicking via a TSB and another clicking noise by fiddling with the brake pads.
It's getting worse over time, and tends to be exacerbated by cold weather. We don't use the e-brake unless parked on a steep hill. I found some other reports that appear to be similar, especially by
@jjeff https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=21377&hilit=clunk&start=10#p452879
and
@jonedney https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=21377&hilit=clunk&start=10#p510595
Anyway, here's my video. It's probably to hard to judge from the audio from my phone, but this is a loud noise. It can be heard inside and outside of the vehicle and felt through the brake pedal and/or steering wheel (can't remember!).
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FzHWtzthzqtACuaE7
As a former shadetree mechanic who has kept various old high-mileage cars going, this sounds like a strut mount or ball joint. I have not tried to diagnose this hands-on because I paid for a warranty with my new car... It seems like whatever's binding is "twanging" the right front spring. The dealer has been able to replicate it, and has seen the above video, but can't track it down and are potentially going to call it "characteristic". I will not accept that, but would be grateful to hear of others who have successfully had this diagnosed and repaired.
Thanks