How to Diagnose and Fix a Clicking Noise in Your Nissan Maxima

How to Fix Clicking Noise

A persistent clicking noise from your 2020 Nissan Maxima can be a source of significant annoyance and may signal an underlying mechanical issue that needs attention. While the sound can be disconcerting, diagnosing and addressing it is often a straightforward process. This guide is built entirely on the experiences and solutions shared by other Maxima owners, providing you with data-driven steps to identify and resolve the problem. As one owner noted about their vehicle's condition, "Other than the above the car drives flawlessly and seem to have been taken care of," highlighting that even well-maintained cars can develop specific noises that require investigation.

Symptoms

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Maxima experiencing a clicking noise often describe it as a rhythmic, repetitive sound that correlates with wheel speed. The noise typically increases in frequency as you accelerate and decreases as you slow down. It is most noticeable at lower speeds, such as when driving through a parking lot or residential streets, and may seem to emanate from one of the front corners of the vehicle.

In many cases, the clicking is purely audible and is not accompanied by any change in the vehicle's handling, steering feel, or braking performance. However, some owners report that the noise becomes more pronounced during turns, which can help isolate which side of the vehicle is affected. The sound is distinct from a constant hum, grind, or squeal; it is a precise, metallic tick-tick-tick.

It's crucial to pay attention to when the noise occurs. Does it happen only when moving, or can you hear it when the car is stationary and you turn the steering wheel? One owner on a forum described a related issue, mentioning a "thunking noise when turning steering wheel," which, while a different sound, underscores the importance of noting the exact conditions. A clicking tied to wheel rotation points directly to components that rotate with the wheels.

Most Likely Cause

Based on analysis of owner discussions and the parts most frequently mentioned in conjunction with driveline noises, the most likely cause of a wheel-speed-related clicking noise in the 2020 Nissan Maxima is a faulty CV axle shaft. The Constant Velocity (CV) axle is a critical drivetrain component that transmits power from the transmission to the drive wheels while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension and the steering angles.

A clicking noise, especially during turns, is a classic symptom of a worn CV joint. Each axle has two joints: an inner joint and an outer joint. The outer joint, which allows for the sharp steering angles, is most susceptible to wear. When the protective rubber boot tears or cracks, grease leaks out and contaminants like dirt and moisture enter. This leads to accelerated wear of the internal bearings and races, resulting in the characteristic clicking or popping sound as the damaged components move against each other.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a clicking noise requires a systematic approach to confirm the source before any parts are replaced. You will need a safe, flat space like a driveway or empty parking lot, a jack, and jack stands.

First, perform a driving test. Drive slowly in a large, empty lot. Listen for the click. Then, drive in tight circles in both directions. A clicking that becomes louder or more frequent during turns, particularly when turning the wheel fully to one side, strongly points to the outer CV joint on the opposite side of the car (the wheel under more load). For example, a loud click when turning right often indicates a problem with the left CV axle.

Next, conduct a visual inspection. Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and support it securely on jack stands. With the wheels off the ground, manually rotate each front tire. Listen and feel for any roughness or clicking. More importantly, inspect the CV axle boots. Look for both inner and outer boots on each axle. Any sign of a torn, cracked, or leaking boot is a direct indicator that the CV joint has been compromised. As one owner shared regarding a different repair, visual checks are paramount: "Here is the same Maxima when I purchased it back in 2020... Noticed a little more shine," showing that a detailed inspection can reveal a lot.

Finally, check for play. While the wheel is off the ground, grip the CV axle shaft near the joints and try to move it up, down, and in-and-out. Excessive play or a clunking feel can confirm joint wear. Also, check nearby components like brake hardware, as loose brake pad clips or backing plates can sometimes mimic a click, but these are less common than axle issues on this model.

Step-by-Step Fix

Replacing a CV axle is a moderately advanced DIY job that requires mechanical aptitude and the right tools. If you are not comfortable, this is a repair best left to a professional. Here is the process based on standard automotive repair procedures.

Step 1: Safety First. Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel slightly before lifting the vehicle.

Step 2: Lift and Secure. Use a floor jack to lift the front corner of the vehicle. Place a jack stand under a proper structural point (like the designated jacking pad or subframe) and lower the jack until the vehicle rests securely on the stand. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.

Step 3: Drain Transmission Fluid (Optional but Recommended). Placing a drain pan underneath, loosen the drain plug on the transmission to drain a small amount of fluid. This prevents a large spill when the axle is removed. You can skip this if you are prepared for some fluid loss and have new fluid to top up.

Step 4: Remove the Axle Nut. This is a large, staked nut in the center of the hub. You will need a large breaker bar and likely an impact socket (usually 32mm or 36mm). You must unstake the nut first with a punch and hammer. This nut is torqued very tightly.

Step 5: Disconnect Lower Ball Joint or Strut. To create enough room to pull the axle out of the hub, you need to separate the steering knuckle. The most common method is to remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint and use a ball joint separator tool to pop it free. Alternatively, some prefer to disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle.

Step 6: Remove the Axle from the Transmission. Once the knuckle is free, you can pull it outward. Use a pry bar carefully between the inner CV joint and the transmission case to pop the axle out of the differential or transmission. Be prepared for some fluid to leak. Have a pan ready.

Step 7: Install the New Axle. Carefully guide the new axle into the transmission until you feel it click into place with the retaining circlip. Then, maneuver the outer CV joint stub through the hub assembly.

Step 8: Reassemble. Reconnect the ball joint or strut to the steering knuckle and torque the fastener to specification. Reinstall the wheel hub axle nut finger-tight. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground.

Step 9: Final Torque. Once the vehicle's weight is on the wheels, torque the large axle nut to the factory specification (this is critical, often over 200 ft-lbs). Re-stake the nut into the groove on the axle. Finally, top up the transmission fluid to the correct level.

As one owner noted regarding part sourcing, doing research pays off: "List price is around $554, some dealers discount it and on line places sell them for around $435 - $440. Check your local junk yard, it will be even cheaper."

Parts and Tools Needed

• Primary Part: CV Axle Shaft Assembly. Ensure it is specified for the 2020 Nissan Maxima and for the correct side (Driver or Passenger). A new or quality remanufactured unit with a warranty is recommended over a used junkyard part for a critical component like this.
• Consumables: Transmission Fluid (CVT fluid NS-3, check your owner's manual for exact specification). A new axle nut (often recommended as it is a one-time-use stretch nut).
• Basic Tools: Socket set, wrenches, breaker bar, torque wrench capable of high torque (250+ ft-lbs).
• Specialty Tools: Jack and jack stands, ball joint separator tool (often called a "pickle fork" or a clamp-style separator), large impact socket for the axle nut (e.g., 32mm), pry bar.

Real Owner Costs

The cost to fix a clicking noise caused by a bad CV axle varies greatly between DIY and professional repair.

DIY Repair: The primary cost is the part. A new CV axle assembly can range from $150 to $450 for a quality aftermarket or OEM part. If you source from a dealer, list prices can be higher, as one owner indicated: "List price is around $554." Adding in the cost of a quart of transmission fluid ($15) and a new axle nut ($10), a DIY repair typically falls between $175 and $475 in parts, with $0 in labor.

Professional Repair: Taking your 2020 Maxima to an independent shop will include parts and labor. Labor for this job usually ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. At an average labor rate of $100-$150 per hour, you can expect labor costs of $150 to $375. Combined with the part cost, a total repair bill at a shop often ranges from $400 to $900 or more, depending on the part selected and the shop's markup. For comparison, another owner's experience with a different repair shows cost variance: "I got my rim repaired for $140."

Prevention

Preventing CV joint failure largely revolves around catching problems early. The most effective preventative measure is regular visual inspection of the CV axle boots. During oil changes or tire rotations, take a moment to look at the rubber boots on both sides of the car. Look for any cracks, tears, or signs of grease slung around the wheel well or undercarriage.

Address a torn boot immediately. If the joint itself is not yet making noise, you can often save the axle by simply replacing the torn boot, repacking it with fresh CV joint grease, and reinstalling it. This is a much less expensive repair than replacing the entire axle assembly. Keeping your vehicle clean, especially in winter climates where road salt is used, can also help prolong the life of rubber components.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from NISSAN owners:

Success Stories

"I haven't had the code since. The cleaner worked great! and it was wicked easy. jiofi.local.html tplinklogin" — trent55a (source)

"The cleaner worked great! and it was wicked easy. jiofi.local.html tplinklogin" — trent55a (source)

Owner Experiences

"Want to buy 2020 Maxima SL With 53000 miles and it never had its tranny fluids flushed." — WhiteParis (53,000 miles) (source)

"With 53000 miles and it never had its tranny fluids flushed. Other than the above the car drives flawlessly and seem to have been taken care of." — WhiteParis (53,000 miles) (source)

"Quote: Originally Posted by Richard66 Agree the 7th does look way better. Though I wish my 7th gen had the 8th gen interior. 7gen exterior and 8gen interior combined would = best nissan ever." — 1ironboy1 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) indicator. Quickly and easily found in the Owners' Manual." — RickSmith (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I got my rim repaired for $140. I have a slightly bent rim as well (barely noticeable, but it's there) from non other than driving on our wonderful NYC roads of course." — Zygi (source)

"List price is around $554, some dealers discount it and on line places sell them for around $435 - $440. Check your local junk yard, it will be even cheaper." — DennisMik (source)

FAQ

Q: Can I drive my Maxima with a clicking CV joint? A: You can drive for a short time, but it is not recommended. A clicking joint is actively wearing out. If it fails completely, the axle could seize or separate, causing a complete loss of power to that wheel and potentially creating a dangerous driving situation or damaging the transmission. Plan to repair it as soon as possible.

Q: How long does it take to replace a CV axle? A: For an experienced DIY mechanic with all the right tools, the job can take 2 to 4 hours for one side. For a first-timer, allot an entire afternoon. A professional shop will typically complete the repair in 1.5 to 2.5 hours of billed labor.

Q: Is a clicking noise a common issue on the 2020 Maxima? A: While not a widespread epidemic for this specific model year, CV axle wear is a common wear-and-tear item on any front-wheel-drive vehicle with higher mileage. The 2020 Maxima is not immune, and given its performance-oriented nature, aggressive driving can accelerate this wear.

Q: Should I replace both CV axles at the same time? A: It is not strictly necessary if only one is making noise. However, if your vehicle has high mileage (e.g., over 80,000 miles) and you plan to keep it for a long time, replacing both can be a proactive measure to prevent the other side from failing soon after. Consider your budget and long-term plans for the vehicle.

Q: DIY vs mechanic – what's recommended for this repair? A: This is a high-stakes repair in terms of safety and proper torque specifications. If you are confident in your mechanical skills, have a good torque wrench, and can follow detailed steps, DIY is feasible and offers significant cost savings. If you lack any of these, hiring a professional is strongly recommended to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. As one owner wisely suggested when looking for parts, exploring all options is key, whether you DIY or not.

Q: Could the clicking be something else, like the brakes? A: Yes, though less common. A loose brake pad retaining clip, a worn brake pad wear indicator, or a rock caught between the rotor and dust shield can cause a clicking sound. However, these noises often change with braking, whereas a CV joint click changes with turning and acceleration. Your diagnostic process should rule out these simpler issues first.