Please help me - I'm feeling like such a moron!
After years of driving indestructible Toyotas, I got bored with my 4th Camry and bought a J30. I love the car, but I feel like a total moron trying to get the car up to "snuff." I have reconciled myself to the fact that this car is going to take more time and money than a Toyota to keep running.
I know nothing about the local Infiniti dealer, and from reading the various posts it seems like I'd be better off getting the work done at an independent shop or even the Nissan dealer. But I don't know anything about them either! So I really feel like I am at the mercy of various mechanics until I can find a shop I trust.
Sorry to be so wordy - just venting some frustration!
Anyway, today I went back to the tire shop where I bought 2 new Yokohamas and had the car aligned recently. It's still vibrating, so they set me up with the mechanic to get to the root of the problem.
I got a little worried when he told me it was a FWD car. After we got that straightened out, he diagnosed the problem as bad u-joints. They couldn't find the parts from their regular suppliers, and told me if I got the u-joints from the dealer they would install them for me. I figured I would come back to this site, read up on u-joints, and then order them from Joe. (I've learned that much!)
Am I reading the posts correctly that you can't just order the u-joints, you have to order new driveshafts? Is that what I need to do, or should I just run, don't walk from this shop because they don't know Infiniti's? Now I'm wondering if it really is the u-joints.
Obviously, I'm not a car expert. Would I be better off just going to the dealer and hoping for the best, or keep trying independent shops?
I'm used to doing my research and then making (hopefully) intelligent decisions. But I don't think I'm succeeding. Help!
Marianne
Bad U-Joints on a J30?
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Q451990
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I'd get a second opinion for sure... Sounds like the mechanic decided "well if it's not FWD, then it must be some of them there u-joints I've heard about..." not good diagnostics!
I did a quick search for Z specialists in the San Fran area and found this discussion... maybe one of these would be sort of close? If not I'd dive into trying to work with a dealership nearby.
Heath
Quote »Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 22:35:54 -0700 (PDT)From: Peter Jay Salzman Subject: sacramento san/fran area z-car mechanic hello all,
is there anyone from the sacramento or san francisco area who has a mechanic whom they trust and which has a lot of z-car experience?preferably someone who is also a z-car enthusiast, but someone withexperience with these cars is good enough.
From: Ian Kennedy Try New Datsunville in Burlingame or Dando's in Fremont.
From: Saul I trust the two I use. Z Doctor in Richmond does most of my standard repair and maintenance work. They're pricey, but have been working on Zs for 25+ years. Dandos Performance (Andy Craig's place) in Fremont is where I go for some of my performance work. Andy is a Z racer (former national autox champ).
From: Pete, I can definitely help you on this one! The man to see Is Darrell at Darrell's Datsun in San Jose California. He took care of my '73 for 15 years and is the best there is! The telephone No. is: (408) 988-8457. If you call him, please tell him Gary Harris from Tucson send his regards.
From: Mike Whittaker There are a couple in the Bay area I have heard of or used. Scott Performance (San Jose) - Great shop, incredible knowledge of Zs. Don's Nissan & Z specialist (Campbell) - Good shop, Owner operated.Dando's (Fremont?) Haven't used them but some of members have.
From: Andrew The Z Doctor is where I go and that is all they do besides Ford Explorers. These guys really know there stuff but you will be charged. If you want it done right the first time this is the place to go. They are in Richmond and their phone number is 510-237-9645 Ask for Dave or Mark.
From: Dan There used to be a shop in Dublin that only worked on Z's. Was on the main street that parallels I-680, just west of the Hopyard road overpass, on the north side of the road. Seems like the owners name was Tom. It's been at least 10 years since I've been in the area, it may have changed by now.
From: Rod's Discount Datsun Parts Darrell DATSUN repair, 408-988-8457 Out by the San Jose Airport, Call him Monday.
From: William Robertson I used Darrell's Datsun Repair, 320 #D Martin Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050 tele# 408-988-8457, owner Darrell Riley. He repaired my 1970 Z that I had wrecked and did a masterful job on the body and the engine. I realize Santa Clara is a bit of a drive from SF but I found it to be worth it. [/quote]
I did a quick search for Z specialists in the San Fran area and found this discussion... maybe one of these would be sort of close? If not I'd dive into trying to work with a dealership nearby.
Heath
Quote »Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 22:35:54 -0700 (PDT)From: Peter Jay Salzman Subject: sacramento san/fran area z-car mechanic hello all,
is there anyone from the sacramento or san francisco area who has a mechanic whom they trust and which has a lot of z-car experience?preferably someone who is also a z-car enthusiast, but someone withexperience with these cars is good enough.
From: Ian Kennedy Try New Datsunville in Burlingame or Dando's in Fremont.
From: Saul I trust the two I use. Z Doctor in Richmond does most of my standard repair and maintenance work. They're pricey, but have been working on Zs for 25+ years. Dandos Performance (Andy Craig's place) in Fremont is where I go for some of my performance work. Andy is a Z racer (former national autox champ).
From: Pete, I can definitely help you on this one! The man to see Is Darrell at Darrell's Datsun in San Jose California. He took care of my '73 for 15 years and is the best there is! The telephone No. is: (408) 988-8457. If you call him, please tell him Gary Harris from Tucson send his regards.
From: Mike Whittaker There are a couple in the Bay area I have heard of or used. Scott Performance (San Jose) - Great shop, incredible knowledge of Zs. Don's Nissan & Z specialist (Campbell) - Good shop, Owner operated.Dando's (Fremont?) Haven't used them but some of members have.
From: Andrew The Z Doctor is where I go and that is all they do besides Ford Explorers. These guys really know there stuff but you will be charged. If you want it done right the first time this is the place to go. They are in Richmond and their phone number is 510-237-9645 Ask for Dave or Mark.
From: Dan There used to be a shop in Dublin that only worked on Z's. Was on the main street that parallels I-680, just west of the Hopyard road overpass, on the north side of the road. Seems like the owners name was Tom. It's been at least 10 years since I've been in the area, it may have changed by now.
From: Rod's Discount Datsun Parts Darrell DATSUN repair, 408-988-8457 Out by the San Jose Airport, Call him Monday.
From: William Robertson I used Darrell's Datsun Repair, 320 #D Martin Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050 tele# 408-988-8457, owner Darrell Riley. He repaired my 1970 Z that I had wrecked and did a masterful job on the body and the engine. I realize Santa Clara is a bit of a drive from SF but I found it to be worth it. [/quote]
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cweberj30t
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2003 G35
2007 G35X
2011 G37X
Sounds more like tie rods or, hopefully not, steering rack. I would definately take it to a reputable Infiniti/Nissan mechanic and have them diagnose it and then decide to use an independent. Last time I checked, Infiniti never produced a FWD J30. Definately get a second opinion and try not to worry. Infiniti's are reliable if you maintain them.
P.S. Why did you only replace 2 tires? Also, do you have a touring J30 (t)?
P.S. Why did you only replace 2 tires? Also, do you have a touring J30 (t)?
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cweberj30t
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2003 G35
2007 G35X
2011 G37X
Sorry to be so slow to reply...I work in advertising, and this is our busy season!
Thank you for the list of mechanics. San Jose is kind of far (1 1/2 hours plus in heavy traffic) but I may end up there if I can't find anyone closer. I will do more research.
As for the dealer, I haven't had a chance to go talk to him about the vibration problem yet, but I did talk to the service manager earlier because the timing belt has never been replaced in my car (86K) and I think I need to do that soon. He quoted about $400 for that.
I was kind of surprised that he didn't suggest changing the water pump at the same time. I asked him about it, and he said they could do it all for about $800.
So these are my questions about the dealer. Are those prices in the ballpark, and is it odd that they didn't suggest the water pump at the same time? My feeling about the dealer is that it's one of those places that has no vested interest in keeping an older Infiniti running. It's also changed hands (the dealership) three times in the past few years, so I don't have any sense of their quality.
Maybe I should keep looking for a Nissan performance place.
To answer your questions, cweber, it's a regular J30 and not a t. I only replaced two tires because I haven't "bonded" with this car yet, and I don't want to put lots of money into it until I'm sure I'm keeping it.
Which is my other question: I bought this car without doing the proper research. (It was an impulse purchase!) Would I be better off selling it and buying a newer J30 with the newer timing belt and other improvements, or am I just not J30 material? I love the look and drive of the car but I'm scared that I'll be replacing more parts than I bargained for. It appears to have been well maintained, but I know I have to do the timing belt, and I'm worried about the transmission, too.
Thank you for the list of mechanics. San Jose is kind of far (1 1/2 hours plus in heavy traffic) but I may end up there if I can't find anyone closer. I will do more research.
As for the dealer, I haven't had a chance to go talk to him about the vibration problem yet, but I did talk to the service manager earlier because the timing belt has never been replaced in my car (86K) and I think I need to do that soon. He quoted about $400 for that.
I was kind of surprised that he didn't suggest changing the water pump at the same time. I asked him about it, and he said they could do it all for about $800.
So these are my questions about the dealer. Are those prices in the ballpark, and is it odd that they didn't suggest the water pump at the same time? My feeling about the dealer is that it's one of those places that has no vested interest in keeping an older Infiniti running. It's also changed hands (the dealership) three times in the past few years, so I don't have any sense of their quality.
Maybe I should keep looking for a Nissan performance place.
To answer your questions, cweber, it's a regular J30 and not a t. I only replaced two tires because I haven't "bonded" with this car yet, and I don't want to put lots of money into it until I'm sure I'm keeping it.
Which is my other question: I bought this car without doing the proper research. (It was an impulse purchase!) Would I be better off selling it and buying a newer J30 with the newer timing belt and other improvements, or am I just not J30 material? I love the look and drive of the car but I'm scared that I'll be replacing more parts than I bargained for. It appears to have been well maintained, but I know I have to do the timing belt, and I'm worried about the transmission, too.
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cweberj30t
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2003 G35
2007 G35X
2011 G37X
If you do the timing belt, do the water pump, thermostat, and accessory belts at the same time. I just had mine done at 80k and it was around 1000 for everything. As far as the quotes you got, those are "dealer" prices. You will pay less using an independent, but they might not be experienced with the J30. Nissan 300z had the same engine and any 300 shop would be able to do the work for a lot less. Have them replace the timing belt tensioner as well. I could move mine with my hands. You might have to spend some money to get your car back to working order, but they are reliable cars. I would find out for sure what is wrong with the suspension from the dealer. Hope it works out for you.
Get the coolant hoses replaced at the same time. Do a search on some of these terms and you will get a wealth of info.
Describe your vibration in more depth. Is the vibration RPM related or speed related? It is present at all times? Your could rotate the tires to see if it changes the vibration. Is the vibration in the steering wheel? There are sometimes problems with the drive shaft but even these fixes are relatively cheap. Do a google on 300zx or Z32 and look for club sites to find 300zx independent shops.
These are very reliable cars but get on the timing belt ASAP. Failure could wreck the engine for all intents and purposes.
Describe your vibration in more depth. Is the vibration RPM related or speed related? It is present at all times? Your could rotate the tires to see if it changes the vibration. Is the vibration in the steering wheel? There are sometimes problems with the drive shaft but even these fixes are relatively cheap. Do a google on 300zx or Z32 and look for club sites to find 300zx independent shops.
These are very reliable cars but get on the timing belt ASAP. Failure could wreck the engine for all intents and purposes.
We had a member named Juiceman who was bedeviled by a vibration problem. Changed all sorts of thing but refused to believe his el cheapo S rated tires could have been the problem. He did a lot of different things and never did get it completely solved(at least according to him).
I had a vibration problem for a while that I thought had to be drive shaft related. I needed tires so I got new ones and, viola, no more vibration. Smooth as glass.
I had a vibration problem for a while that I thought had to be drive shaft related. I needed tires so I got new ones and, viola, no more vibration. Smooth as glass.
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Q45tech
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1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
The trick to sorting out vibration problems is to first check all the wheels to make sure they are in spec [after 4-5 years you will always find a bad wheel] then fit some Michelin MXV4 or H4/V4 Pilots.
Once it's smooth enough, then you measure the various vibration frequencies to determine the other things to change.
http://www.vibratesoftware.com...d.htm
the technology has been around for 20 years to quickly and inexpensively measure the vibration, unfortunaterly the dealerships have lagged due to training required.
http://www.vibratesoftware.com...n.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...64478
Once it's smooth enough, then you measure the various vibration frequencies to determine the other things to change.
http://www.vibratesoftware.com...d.htm
the technology has been around for 20 years to quickly and inexpensively measure the vibration, unfortunaterly the dealerships have lagged due to training required.
http://www.vibratesoftware.com...n.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...64478