2006 M45 Sport Rear Subframe Bushing

[DeepEnd]

Was at the dealer for unrelated service today and they told me that the rear subframe bushing was leaking. Repair quoted was replacement of the entire subframe at a parts + labor price of $1855. They said the the silicon filled bushings were not available as a service part.

I read a couple of posts talking about replacement on the G series with after market solid bushings ( SPL?) but could not find anything for the M. Does anyone have a solution for this or a lead for replacement bushings?

[InfinitiM35S]

This is a common issue with every M it seems. The dealer even acknowledged that it is ridiculous to have to replace the entire sub-frame for this bushing and stated that it is simply poor design. I am surprised that there is not a recall on this issue. Maybe not enough people are complaining to Infiniti about the problem.

[svard75]

Forget about replacing that. The rear suspension member (AKA subframe) costs $750 alone plus the labour of pulling all the suspension components off and then alignment! I have had that problem for a few years now. The only think is it makes a funny sort of squishing noise when driving over certain roads.

[svard75]

I did some further searching and found likely the same forums you found. Lot's of stuff for the G's and Z's and no one knows anything about the M's. Here are two photos to compare the rear subframes. It doesn't look promising and in fact the bushing holes look smaller but that might be the image itself. Anyone care to take the risk of trying the urethane ones from the G35? There's a complete kit sold by JDM for the G35.

M35 subframe assembly


G35 subframe member only

[MBazzY35]

Whats up guys I have a 2006 m35x I was wondering what kind of problems you run into that let you know you have to replace the rear subfame bushings

[svard75]

I hear a very subtle noise. Hard to describe. Almost like something is loose but so subtle and only on certain roads where the suspension really has to work hard. I don't know how many of my bushings are gone but who cares.

You have to be honest with yourself about what you're gonna fix on an older high mileage car. For example, my car may be worth around $5000 now. Would I go replacing the engine on my car? Never. Would I replace the subframe for $2000? Never. You know it's near end of life anyway so the cost of these high repairs doesn't make sense. It may be time for a new car if you're in the same situation.
Just something to think about.

[M35xTO]

^$5k?? How many km's do you have on your car?

[svard75]

200k kms. I'm driving this car into the earth before I buy new heh

[seldomseen]

$1855 for parts and labor really isn't to bad particularly when you factor in the complexity of this job. If your M has been well maintained and doesn't have extremely high mileage, et cetera, paying for the repair may be worth the money. Just do the simple math and determine how much longer you would intend on keeping your M if you make this repair. $1855 is a lot less money than $30k, $35k, $40k, $45k, etc. and the corresponding monthly car notes.

[svard75]

Oh I agree but spending that money just so that a particular noise goes away doesn't make sense to me. Those bushings will continue to function well even with the fluid gone. Let me ask you something. If your heated/cooled seats stop working are you going to fix them? If yes why (be honest about the real reason). I like to have things that work when I want them to work but as I said earlier there is a time when the cost of the repair just doesn't make sense anymore. The main functions that keep you safe still work and keeping my butt warm or cool for a 30 minute commute isn't worth the money. But again I am just offering an opinion based on my circumstances. To each their own