Advice on 2008 EX35 maintenance prioritization

[Demfer]

My vehicle just crossed the 70K mile gap. It seems like only yesterday when I bought it fresh off lease at 14K miles....

To spare you all the long background stories (yes there are many) about my experiences with my local Infiniti dealerships (oh the usual lies and deceptive practices that show a complete lack of ethical behavior...) I refuse to allow them near my vehicle.

As an avid DIYer I typically take care of all the oil / filter changes, breaks/rotors, power steering fluid, belts and other typically doable projects. Unfortunately, I'm at this point in the life of my vehicle where I need to do more and may have actually neglected to complete some important maintenance tasks. According to the official Infiniti maintenance schedule these include some of the following:

1) Replace ATF fluid / ATF flush
2) Replace Differential Oil
3) Engine Coolant/Filter Flush
4) Replace Transfer Case Oil
5) Break fluid.

Now at 70K I am trying to prioritize if anything, the more important items on the list and trying to locate some reputable mechanics/shops to do some of this work. Any advice on what should not wait too much longer? or what will eventually prove detrimental to my vehicle. Has anyone had success completing this type of work on their own or at a party outside of the Infiniti network?

[AWGD8]

I did front and middle transfer case and the rear differential. It is very easy to do just takes a bit of time. I would say that the front transfer case can be scheduled last. This only engage when AWD is enggaged. Basically, when I did change that oil at 60K miles, the oil looks new.

I paid infiniti to do my transmission oil and coolant though. They only removed and replaced 4 quarts of transmission oil. I might do 2 x more, bec. i think there should be at least 12-14 quarts in the Transmission and torque converter...

[NJGuy]

If you're used to DIY maintenance for your vehicles, I don't think you should be afraid to take on any of those little projects individually. I have found that the EX is pretty straightforward to work on from a maintenance perspective. And if you don't have enough time to do everything yourself, any competent mechanic should have no issues taking care of each of those jobs you listed.

If I had to recommend an order of importance for the services, the list would probably go something like this:
1. ATF
2. Brake fluid
3. Rear differential
4. Coolant/anti-freeze
5. Transfer case
6. Front differential
7. Serpentine belt

I've done an ATF drain and fill and changed the transfer case fluid, and posted a thread about it here. I haven't gotten to the brake fluid, differentials, coolant, or serpentine belt yet. An ATF drain and fill only replaces about 1/3 of the fluid. The ATF might also be able to be fully replaced via the cooler line through a fluid exchange (flush) machine. I went with the drain and fill method because according to the factory service manual, you're supposed to use the Nissan Consult III software to check the ATF temp and match the fluid level on the dipstick accordingly.

For the 2008, Infiniti calls for Nissan Matic-S or Matic-J fluid for the transmission. They also call for Matic-J or Matic-D for the transfer case. The general consensus here is to stick with the Nissan fluids, but I personally might try an aftermarket fluid in the transmission next time; I already used one in my transfer case. Infiniti also calls for the Nissan Long Life anti-freeze (or equivalent, which is not specified) for the cooling system. For the two differentials, I've noticed that some Infiniti owners prefer the specialty synthetic lubricants made by the boutique fluid blenders (Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc.). However I believe you can use anything that meets the 80W-90 GL5 gear oil spec in the differential units.

I've put together a list of notes for myself on most of these maintenance items. If you want it, let me know and I'll send it to you via PM.

[Demfer]

Thanks for your input. Serpintine is actually very easy - I do it every 8k or so since it frays easily. Shoot any notes you have over I might tackle the ATF, break fluid, and coolant once I order fluids.

[AWGD8]

Since serpentine belt was mentioned, do you guys have the OEM part number?
My car is almost 70k miles, but I do not see any wear on the belt yet as I normally see on the G35/37 forum.

[Demfer]

11720JK20A-1 Infiniti EX35 Drive Belt, 2008-2012, Serpentine Belt

[AWGD8]

Demfer, thanks man!

[AWGD8]

Since I am due for another Oil change @70k miles, I will be replacing my Serpetine belt too. (Any tips on the serpentine belt?

Once I finish the above procedure, I will clean the throttle bodies again for the second time.( 1st time at 45K miles) Cleaning the throttle bodies smooth out the hesitation from stop light. (Just be careful not to flip the throttle plates open while cleaning). Since removing the throttle bodies will give me access to the spark plug, I might change the spark plugs also. (Any tip on changing these?)

I called the parts dept. and told me that my 2008 EX35 uses a Denso
part# FXE22HR11 spark plug and not the NGK 22401EW61C.

[jrmotorsports55]

I did my belt, as the stock one was shredding. Got one from Auto Zone. Was easy, but you have to come up from underneath with the tray off.

Jason

[Demfer]

Since I am due for another Oil change @70k miles, I will be replacing my Serpetine belt too. (Any tips on the serpentine belt?

Once I finish the above procedure, I will clean the throttle bodies again for the second time.( 1st time at 45K miles) Cleaning the throttle bodies smooth out the hesitation from stop light. (Just be careful not to flip the throttle plates open while cleaning). Since removing the throttle bodies will give me access to the spark plug, I might change the spark plugs also. (Any tip on changing these?)

I called the parts dept. and told me that my 2008 EX35 uses a Denso
part# FXE22HR11 spark plug and not the NGK 22401EW61C.

The belt is easy. You want to disconnect the overflow tube on on your coolant tank and unscrew the single bolt holding the tank and move it to the side. You need a friend to help you, use a breaker bar to detension the auto-torque and remove the old belt (just reference the service manual section on the serpentine belt). Then just replace with the new belt, start at the bottom and wrap the belt ending on the top pully - reset autotorque and you're done. You don't need to jack the car-i do it through the top - a tight squeeze but not terrible unless you have Sasquatch hands

[AWGD8]

I got the spark plugs and the serpentine belt. It seems that my belt still looks good. I think I will keep the new one as spare, but I would like to change the spark plug soon! Anyone changed their plugs?

[AWGD8]

I finally changed my oil again (penzoil Ultra Platinum $27 5q at Walmart) Since the underbody cover is removed, I decided to change the serpentine belt too. My 2 breaker bar 1/2 " will not fit in front of the belt tensioner pulley. The only thing that worked was my torque wrench due to its low profile design (yes, the cheap one from Walmart ) I removed the coolant over flow and also jacked up both the front tires. I had to go underneath the car to turn the belt tensioner pulley while my wife put in an Allen wrench to the pulley tensioner holes (2 of them) so it stays on the loose position, so I can remove the belt. It is pretty easy , but took 5 times to figure out the belt route (looking at the VQ35HR diagram.).





Thanks JR and Demfer for the tips!

[AWGD8]

Under the 2056 number on the belt you can see the two holes on the tensioner pulley. It is a lot easier to line them up and slide an Allen wrench into the holes while removing and replacing the serpentine belt.