Nissan Sentra clunking noise is one of the most common problems that Nissan owners face. Although it is not a major problem, it can be quite annoying and can affect the driving experience.

So, what could be the cause of clunking noise in the Nissan Sentra?

The Nissan Sentra clunking noise can be caused by a number of things, but the most likely culprit is the suspension. The reason is that the suspension is responsible for absorbing all the bumps and vibrations from the road, and when it starts to wear out, it can cause the car to clunk. Other reasons might include faulty bail joints, damaged control arms or sway bar link, poor tie rods, or defective shock absorbers.

Have you been experiencing Nissan Sentra clunking noises recently? If yes, then this article is for you. We are going to discuss the most common causes of this problem and their solutions.

Faulty Ball Joints

Problem: Ball joints are responsible for connecting the wheel hubs to the whole suspension system of the vehicle. Depending on your vehicle type, there must be 1 or 2 ball joints per wheel. They can be either load-bearing or not.  

The failure of ball joints results in clunking noise coming out of the front wheel. This noise gets worse and more frequent gradually. It also results in problems with the steering wheel. 

Solution: You’ll have to take your Sentra to the mechanic for this one. He will lift the car from the ground and shake the front tires.

The mechanic will access the ball joints by removing the wheel and control arm and will replace them with new ones. If needed, he will also lubricate these joints. 

Damaged or Faulty Control Arms

Problem: Control arms of the system tend to wear out over time, even in normal road conditions. But the problem is more common in vehicles put through off-road driving. When the control arms are damaged, the wheels move out of alignment. 

In addition, the control arms are also responsible for connecting the wheels to the steering system. Therefore, if there is any problem with them, it will also result in clunking noises.

Solution: If your car has damaged or faulty control arms, the mechanic will lift the vehicle and see what the issue is. Then if it requires fixation, they will fix it, or if not repairable, the mechanic will replace them with new ones. 

Damaged Sway Bar Link

Problem: The sway bar link is responsible for helping reduce body roll when necessary. It helps prevent vehicles from rolling over when the car takes a sharp turn. 

If the sway bar link gets damaged, it will produce a knocking or clunking noise. This usually happens when your vehicle goes over bumps. Moreover, you might face other problems if your car has a damaged sway bar link.

Solution: If the sway bar link is damaged, the car mechanic will examine the sway bar bushings first. If only the bushings have gone bad, the mechanic will replace them, and if the whole sway bar has gone bad, they will replace it all.  

Poor Tie Rods

Problem: Tie rods are responsible for connecting the steering arm and the car’s steering rack. This connection makes the steering wheel turn in the direction of the vehicle’s tires. 

When the car’s tie rods are damaged or loose, you will hear a clunking sound coming out of your vehicle. Also, if the ends of tie rods are damaged, the steering wheel will start feeling difficult to turn.

Solution: When the tie rod of the suspension system is damaged, you’ll have to take your Nissan Sentra to an expert. In case the ends of tie rods are worn out, the mechanic will replace the tie rods with new ones. Also, they will lubricate the tie rods afterward. 

Defective Shock Absorbers

Problem: Shock absorbers are dampers responsible for absorbing the wheels’ impulses. They make your ride more comfortable and smoother in rougher areas and terrains. But they can be damaged easily under certain circumstances.

If the bushing is cracked or the shock absorbers are broken, the system will start making a clunking noise. Not only that but also your car will start changing directions and will be out of control moving from one side to the other. 

Solution: In the case of bad shock absorbers, you can get them checked by a nearby dealership. If they are beyond repair, the mechanic will suggest a replacement.

The Bottom Line

If you are experiencing clunking noise coming out of your vehicle, you must immediately take your car to a mechanic or an expert. A mechanic will diagnose the root cause of the problem and put forward the solution accordingly. It would help if you did not ignore the Nissan Sentra clunking noise as it can cause serious damage to the vehicle’s suspension system.

FAQs

What causes clunking sound in the front end?

The Nissan Sentra clunking sound coming from the vehicle’s front end is because of faulty or worn-out ball joints. 

Is it safe to drive with clunking noise?

It is not safe to drive with any abnormal activity in your vehicle, including clunking noises. There can be various reasons behind the clunking noise so you should take your car to the mechanic as soon as possible to avoid worsening the issue.

Why do I hear a clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel?

This is because of the damaged or faulty inner tie rod. The damaged inner tie rod will produce a clicking sound when you turn the steering wheel. 

Why does my car vibrate when I go over bumps?

The car vibrates when you go over bumps because of the damaged or faulty control arms. These arms are responsible for holding the wheels in place.