M35x Rack and Pinion Issue Fixed

[takashi13]

I have been reading posts about the noise and clicking sound on the rack and pinion and decided to do more research because I had the same issue. My friend/mechanic have been looking, listening and feeling for what the issue is. I took it to the Infinite Dealership and came out with a quote over $2000 for rack and pinion. I end up ordering one and was refunded my money because the were not in stock. Called Jorgen and the lady told me should could not sell me one because of the defect. So today my friend/mechanic figures out the rack seems to be loose from the frame on the right side. He tightens the two bolts that connect the rack to the frame and just like that the noise is gone. My steering feels more tighter and responsive. $2000 dollar problem ended up being $40. Hope this helps.

[sergio1987]

I wish it would be that easy... Can you post some pictures of what exactly your friend tightened?! I'm not saying it is not possible, but sounds WAYYYYYYY too good to be true. Keep on making those right turns for a few more days and than tell us if it is really fixed. Don't forget the pics

[takashi13]

The groan is still there during slow right turns. But the clicking and clunking noise from the rack and pinion when you turn the wheel left and right is gone. The handling is much better and tighter. The groan might be something that is defective and Infinite should recall this issue. The clicking noise and vibration was my main issue, I can live with the groan on couple of right turns. Sorry no pics. But it is an easy find. The bolts are right under the rack connecting it to the frame. The bolts have nuts connected to them (11mm). Make sure those are not loose. Being loose on one side can cause clicking, noise and vibration. After they were tighten I could feel a big difference in steering wheel and the clicking went away. I have Bridgestone potenza grid 245/45 18". They have been wearing pretty well and handle well (especially how I drive). I get them rotated regularly and have a lifetime alignment, which I need to use because after tightening the right side it kinda pulls to the right now. So the groan is still there, but after tightening the rack to the frame reduced noise and vibration. I called infinite but they seem to careless about it. Hopefully we can get them to to an official recall. Because spending big money or getting it done under warranty has not solved the issue. This forum is a great help. Thanks to all that contribute.

[DS2009m35x]

2009 M35X w 103k. Had dealer flush PS fluid at 90k.
Groan appeared with cold exactly as others have said.

Here's info i found from another related chain here.

The new part numbers are
-M35x- 49001-EH11B
ITB09-030 addresses all M35xs that were built before 4/03/2009 and EX35s built before 4/7/2009 so that pretty much covers everyone.
http://x.infinitihelp.com/forum/local_l ... Jb4xlAA4aA
2006-2009 INFINITI M35, 2008-2009 EX35; STEERING RACK GROAN NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT
A groan or similar noise at low vehicle speeds when centering the vehicle steering after a right turn.
• The noise is more likely to occur when the vehicle is cold.
• A slight vibration may be felt in the steering wheel.

Took it to dealer yesterday. They confirmed its a leaking PS rack. I also told them about tramlining. They said that would be related. Again a common with these cars as has been mentioned many tiems (BTW, I just put on new Pirelli P7 All Season and it made a 90% improvement with tramlining).
I asked about the failure mode if I let it go and they said it would get progressively worse with time (of course) but could give no timeline.
Cost was $2480, but because I've had all service (impeccable) done at this dealer as did the original owner, they try to help. He cam back with $2120 plus tax. this includes everything related to replacing the rack including alignment, etc. 1 yr warranty. I asked about the hoses, belt, pump. He said they were fine for now, but again no guarantees. He said they only install the new rack PN.
I'm thinking I'll do it due to the strong maintenance and overall reliability of the car in general. I'd like to hear any thoughts esp. regarding any follow-on pump-related longevity experience, etc.
Thanks as always and Merry XMAS.