2001 QX4 120k major service question

[01-QX4]

First of all I want to introduce myself as a 2001 Infiniti QX4 owner. I may be a newbie here but not to car forums. I'm also registered on the infinitihelp.com forum, but I find getting answers there are slow coming which is why I decide to register here instead. I hope to learn more from resident veterans here.

I'm at the point where I currently need a 120k service which is probably a major service. I was wondering what the cost is (dealership) and what consist of a 120K mileage service. I also noticed that one of the (3) drive belts is cracked. They appear to be the original ones because it has the Nissan stamp still on them. Would this be part of the 120k service (replacement of the drive belts)?

Spark plug replacement: I know that it is recommended that the spark plugs be replaced at 105k which will be done. What spark plugs do you recommend, NGK, Denso, etc.?

Along with all I have to do, the 120k service & spark plugs replacement, I also need my F & R brakes serviced. At high speed braking, I noticed that my steering wheel vibrates and shrudders, which indicates that the rotor either needs to be turned or replaced. My 2001 QX4 probably has about 130k miles on the OD and I suspect that it still has the original rotors. At what point do you recommend replacement vs. turning the front rotors? I've been reading about brake replacement and seems like majority of people here recommends factory replacement parts (rotors, pads, shims, etc.) Where can I buy these factory OEM or RECOMMENDED AFTERMARKET brake replacement parts at a reasonable price? I already know the dealership carries them, but their prices are not reasonable. I ran across some aftermarket front brake rotors and pads on ebay located here >>>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories and it looks like there are many seller there selling aftermarket brake parts. My main requirements are that they don't squeal and stop as good or better then the oem brakes & can be bought at a reasonable price.

Any leads or recommendations is greatly appreciated.

[Empty V]

Welcome to NICO! There's a lot of '01 owners here and pretty much all parts crossover from the Pathfinder. I would highly recommend staying away from the dealer with anything that can be bought elsewhere and for any kind of service unless its a free warranty issue. You've got a timing chain which should never need to be replaced. If you have cracked belts I would change those immediately, and I used NGK Platinum plugs which is what's recommended and I believe OEM.

As far as brakes go if you're still on the originals I'd replace the rotors, pads and repack the wheel bearings. You don't have to go OEM as lots of people have used different after market brands. Here's a "How To:" on replacing the rotors, pads and repacking the outer bearings. I should have repacked the inner bearings and will be doing that soon. Replacing your Pads & Rotors I used DBA(Disk Brakes Australia) Rotors, EBC Pads and Beck Arnley Bearings. I know some have used other brands like Brembo and Hawk.

I would also recommend changing the differential fluids (only have a rear if 2WD), transfer case fluid (4WD only) and your transmission fluid (including pan gasket and filter).

I started doing a lot of my own minor service about a year ago and found it to be fun and a great learning experience. A lot of this stuff is extremely easy and can be done with minimal tools. I definitely wouldn't have been able to do anything without the support of our NICO members.

Billy

[Chuck Tribolet]

If you replace the brake pads before they are completely gone, you generallydon't need to do anything with the rotors.

OEM plugs are NGK. I get them from the dealer because them come pregapped.

[01-QX4]

Welcome to NICO! There's a lot of '01 owners here and pretty much all parts crossover from the Pathfinder. I would highly recommend staying away from the dealer with anything that can be bought elsewhere and for any kind of service unless its a free warranty issue. You've got a timing chain which should never need to be replaced. If you have cracked belts I would change those immediately, and I used NGK Platinum plugs which is what's recommended and I believe OEM.

As far as brakes go if you're still on the originals I'd replace the rotors, pads and repack the wheel bearings. You don't have to go OEM as lots of people have used different after market brands. Here's a "How To:" on replacing the rotors, pads and repacking the outer bearings. I should have repacked the inner bearings and will be doing that soon. Replacing your Pads & Rotors I used DBA(Disk Brakes Australia) Rotors, EBC Pads and Beck Arnley Bearings. I know some have used other brands like Brembo and Hawk.

I would also recommend changing the differential fluids (only have a rear if 2WD), transfer case fluid (4WD only) and your transmission fluid (including pan gasket and filter).

I started doing a lot of my own minor service about a year ago and found it to be fun and a great learning experience. A lot of this stuff is extremely easy and can be done with minimal tools. I definitely wouldn't have been able to do anything without the support of our NICO members.

Billy

Thanks for the warm welcome and weath of information. Yes I'm totally aware of the 01+ QX4s having timing chain as oppose to the earlier 96-00 year models having time belts. This was one of the main reasons I looked around and bought a 01+ year model along with more power.

I do have a few questions on the wheel bearings. What did you do interms of the wheeling bearings.....Did you repack or replace them, what is recommended? I see the dealer recommends repacking ONLY THE FRONT wheel bearings, how about the rears?. How is that done (repacking wheel bearings), is it just a matter of adding wheel bearing grease? You've mentioned Beck/Arnley wheel bearings, so I assume you replaced them, right? I googled the wheel bearings for Beck/Arnley and found this place online http://www.rockauto.com/catalo...94843Front Outter (part # 0512683) = $17.17Front Inner (part # 0513936) = $30.26Rear (part # 0514115) = $51.79When you bought your wheel bearings, were they sold in pairs or individually?
Modified by 01-QX4 at 8:53 AM 1/19/2010

[01-QX4]

If you replace the brake pads before they are completely gone, you generallydon't need to do anything with the rotors.

OEM plugs are NGK. I get them from the dealer because them come pregapped.

I have about 20% on the front brake pads left, so they're not totally gone yet. However as I've mentioned previously...when I hit the brakes at high speed to slow down, the vehicle's steering wheel vibrates/pulsates. Don't you think that, that is an inherant problem like the rotors are somewhat warped and needs either turning or replacing?

I didn't know that the OEM spark plugs are NGK, so thanks for letting me know that. I will now buy some NGKs for replacement.