Brand new G37S, wheel balance issue?

[chris01i30]

Picked up my new Limited Edition sedan on Saturday. it was 400 miles from home (long story), so I really got a feel for the car on the way back.

Overall it was fine, but I noticed 2 things:

1. Lots of "buzzing" type vibration through the brake pedal. It happens only sometimes, and its not when you actually press the brakes....if you rest your foot on the side of the pedal you can feel it.

2. Wheel balance type vibration (steering wheel vibrating) at 55 to 65, and then again around 75 to 80.

I *think* this might be tire related, as the Dunlop Sport Maxx tires Infiniti is using have not gotten ANY good reviews anywhere (G forums, Tire Rack, etc). I also wonder if it might be something with the racing-type pedals they put in the car? Ive always been curious if they would transmit more to your foot, instead of a 3/4" thick rubber pedal that could absorb some vibration.

Has anyone had this same experience? I havent called the dealer yet (seriously Ive only had the car for 3 days, already have to call them?) but I will be doing so tomorrow. Just curious if anyone else has had the same findings.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

[cjs37xs]

Congrats on the new car.

Sure hope the dealer will check your new baby out and get it right. If the car had no miles on it when you got it, and you haven't had to make any panic stops this early in ownership, one would hope that it is a wheel issue.

From what you described, it seems like it would be one of the fronts that was improperly balanced at the factory (maybe it was a Friday car...ha..sorry.) Mistakes happen. Hopefully, it is a quick fix. If that doesn't remedy the situation, then I would have them switch the wheels off another one with the same wheels, and see if the problem persists. I can imagine that once the dealer gets their trained techs on it, they will get you fixed up.

[chris01i30]

Thanks for the reply.

I guess having a "limited edition" car might be a pain in this case. They can swap wheels off the 1 limited edition they have in their showroom, but I just cant see that happening very easily! I suppose they could take some off another sedan and see if the issue goes away, then just order up a new set for the car.

Hoping it doesnt get to that though.....maybe it really is just a balance issue.

I checked the tire pressures last night and they are all the same: ~35 psi. I might lower them down to 32, 35 seems a little high especially considering the tires hadnt been driven on in 2 days. If Nissan had a better TPMS system I might be able to see what the pressures are during driving.......would 35 become 40 after getting them warm? Could explain a slightly rough ride and extra road feel.

[RED_DET]

Don't lower the tire pressures. 35 is fine, I run 38 just to get less rolling resistance, less heat build up, which helps with gas mileage and tire life. If you are feeling vibration in steering wheel and feet, one or both front wheels are out of balance. Should be a simple fix of re-balancing the wheels. If it isn't a wheel balance issue, then there is a road force issue with one of the tires. Problem with these new cars is they sit for days, months sometimes which can cause flat spots.

[chris01i30]

Thanks, I wont touch the psi.

I drove the car today and noticed that the brake pedal feel is lessened a lot depending on what you wear on your feet (dumb, huh?) My sneakers make it feel vibraty, my work boots seem to dampen almost all of it.

The vibration at speed is still there though, so Im guessing it still is a wheel balance issue.

Oddly enough, my car didnt sit very long at the plant OR the dealer. Built in 1st week of Nov, got to dealer 1st week of Dec, I bought it 2nd week of Jan. No on test drove it before me though (its a Limited, they wouldnt let it out of the show room), so that might be part of the issue. They test drove before I took delivery, supposedly, Im not quite sure how they didnt feel what I was feeling unless they didnt go on the highway with it.

[chris01i30]

Update:

It wasnt a wheel balance issue, the service tech rebalanced all wheels and still felt the issue. Right now they are thinking its a driveshaft and are making 100% sure before they start ordering parts at random.

Kinda stinks it wasnt an easy fix but at least I still have their loaner car.