Does my car have struts and shocks

2009 NISSAN MAXIMA
45,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL
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STILLHOPING26
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When my car hits a bump it hits like loud. Would that mean I need tie rod ends and control arms?

Can you send me diagram of the location of the motor mounts locations please?
Aug 24, 2018 at 8:27 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Your vehicle does have struts. The noise, however, could be caused by many different things. I did a little research for you and found that there is a technical service bulletin (TSB) related to a squeak or clunk in the rear when hitting bumps. It is related to the rear stabilizer bar bushings. Here is the TSB.

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SUSPENSION - REAR END SQUEAK/CLUNK DRIVING OVER BUMPS
Classification: RA11-001

Reference: NTB11-007

Date: February 3, 2011

2009-2011 MAXIMA; SQUEAK FROM REAR SUSPENSION

APPLIED VEHICLE: 2009-2011 Maxima (A35)

APPLIED VIN and DATE:
Vehicles built be[ore 1N4AA5AP(*)BC 829523 and January 18, 2011

IF YOU CONFIRM:

A squeak, clunk, or rubbing noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when driving over bumps at slow speeds is caused by the rear stabilizer bar bushings.

ACTION:

Replace both rear stabilizer bar bushings (listed in PARTS INFORMATION).

^Refer to the Electronic Service Manual, if needed.

^Before bushings installation, clean the contact areas with Nissan Brake Cleaner or equivalent cleaner.

^When installing, do not use any lubricants.
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If you determine they are the problem, here are the directions for replacement. It's not a hard job. The attached picture correlates with these directions.

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REAR STABILIZER
Removal and Installation

Removal
1. Disconnect the stabilizer bar from connecting rod, using power tools.
2. Remove the stabilizer bar clamps and bushings using power tools.
3. Remove the stabilizer bar.

Installation
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

__________________________________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Aug 25, 2018 at 7:05 PM
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STILLHOPING26
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Thanks, it does help but my noise sounds loud from the front too. So my car uses shocks and struts? Did you have any pictures of the motor mounts location?
Aug 25, 2018 at 9:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Check the same things in the front. There are sway bar bushings there too. As far as the mounts, there are three, front middle, rear. Take a look at the picture I attached. It shows their locations.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
Aug 26, 2018 at 6:03 PM