Infiniti G35 Sedan 6-M/T Issues

[kdofkc54]

I am new, having just registered on your website. I am equally new to on-line forums. But, need advice on what to do next in regard to my 2004 G35 Sedan with Sports Pkg and 6-spd M/T. I have been driving Datsun/Nissans exclusively since I bought a 1978 Datsun 280Z 2+2 with 5-speed manual in 1978; and, all vehicles owned since have had manual transmissions. Up until now I would have told you that I would never own anything else. But, I'm about at my breaking point; and, may never buy another Nissan vehicle. I should preface this in saying that I've put 130,000+ miles on every Nissan car I've owned; and, have never had to replace a clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing; that is until 80k miles on my 2004 G35; which was slipping. Now at 90K, I took my car in to my local dealer, complaining of a moaning problem originating from the transmission. The problem only occurs for the first 5-minutes drive time, i.e, when I'm moving; independent of engine temperature. You never hear the noise until the car gets up to 30 mph or faster; and, like I said before disappear after driving the car for the first 5-minutes; then, the car can sit for 4-6 hrs; and, I can drive it and no noise. But, if starting up, after letting the car sit 6 or more hours, the noise is back when I get up to 30 mph or faster. The service dept was reluctant to pull the transmission; and, instead said that my U-Joints were bad; and, told me that the drive shaft would have to replaced because the U-joint are not servicable separately; apparently being integral to the drive shaft. Cost = $800 for the drive shaft + installation (another $700). The service dept then claimed the problem was fixed. But, it's not. I just didn't hear it when I first left the Dealer; and, that's because the car was already at operating temperature when I got there; apparently having been driven right before I got there; so, of course I wouldn't hear the problem when I left; so, it wasn't until the next morning before I realized that the problem was not fixed. I contacted the dealer and lodged my complaint with the service dept; and, was told that they would discuss the problem with the service manager and be back in touch; But, it's now been a week; and, I've heard nothing. Was just wondering if anybody else has had the same problem; and, if so, has anybody have any suggestions what might be the problem? And, have a solution as to how to fix it; otherwise, I may sell the car; and, buy something other than a Nissan. Please advise. Thanks!

[sx moneypit]

I put a link to this in the G35 forum.

Welcome to NICO!





-Ben

[joe603]

The G manual transmissions are not the best IMO...I had problems with my 05 coupe. The clutch would stick to the floor when I went over 5k rpms. Issue with the throw out bearing. Replaced under warranty. The transmission was replaced at 30k miles due to a syncro problem. I had them install a lightweight flywheel and stage 3 clutch....was planning on going FI, but that didn't happen. The car was a pain in the but to drive, and it sounded like a dump truck due to the flywheel not being dual mass. Sold it and bought an auto.