M35X Steering Complaints

[SteveTheTech]

Steve, if i find out before you do, i will be sure to update you ASAP!!

I bet you a beer that you know before I do. The old saying S flows down hill. We at the dealers and even the training facility guys are nestled at the bottom.

[lawcdav1]

Okay,

So today I called Infiniti Consumer Affairs again to find out a status of my complaint and the wonderful lady informed me that a part is being sent from Japan that would need to be tested here in the U.S. before they begin distribution. Sounded like more B/S but she asked if I would call back around April 5th to see if any changes will be coming about.

I'm already in search of an m35/45 sport.....

[SteveTheTech]

You would be surprised at how things actually work. They're product development division is indeed in the land of the rising sun. I love getting parts directly from the engineers, when nothing at all is in English and they use funny pictures to illustrate things. I tried to find a pic I took a while ago of an anime elephant with tears signifying what we decided was something heavy and fragile.

It's actually a pretty complex procedure to isolate the concern, figure out what can be done to resolve the issue without effecting the operating charachteristics of the vehicle in a noticable way. The part that needs to be resolved is a vital feature of the steering system, so there could be a domino effect if they rush the R&D.

I know you all need this resolved asap but hang tight they are almost there. You guys really want they product to be tested and altered (if needed) before your car gets one.

[kmilbrad94]

What year M's are we speaking about here?

[choochmpls]

will this be fixed as a recall or out of pocket? I still have 6 months left on my warranty and wondered if I need to take it in now to report the problem.

Thoughts?

[pglopes]

Any updates on this?

[InfinitiMe]

I have this issue but only when i'm driving less than like 5-7mph and i'm doing full right or full left. It's like a grinding sound. Have never experienced it any speed higher than that. 2006x here

[szh]

will this be fixed as a recall or out of pocket? I still have 6 months left on my warranty and wondered if I need to take it in now to report the problem.

Thoughts?

I would definitely take it in and log it as a problem, so the record exists.

Z

[SteveTheTech]

I still have no new information although I have been assured by many higher ups that the solution is on the way, although when pressed for an few more details I am getting stonewalled. So it appears that they are unsure or do not want to be held to a date, which I deem as understandable. Trust me the day the bulletin is released you all will be some of the first to know about it.

To all those experiencing this, documentation is key. As with many updated parts there will be a back log forcing the part to go on backorder once a rush like this hits. Hang tight though a solution is on the way.

[Mattinarlington]

A nice lady from Infiniti HQ (calling form a Nashville TN phone number) called me yesterday and told me that the part is on the way to my dealership ( Infiniti of Tysons Corner ). I asked about time frame and she said it should be within a few weeks if not sooner. The follow up to my complaints to Infiniti Customer Service have been well followed up on. I was even given a $300 service credit for my troubles. Woohoo. Hopefully the end of the problem is near.

[SteveTheTech]

That's great News I'm glad to hear that. Please let us know how this goes for you.

If your dealer is getting them soon that means that we should getting them at mine soon too. Being at the dealer it is becoming clear that the consumer actually learns things before we do.

The end is near!

[Mattinarlington]

Great News! I took my car in today to my dealer (Infiniti of Tyson's Corner VA). I was told the redesigned steering rack was being drop shipped tonight and that the car would be worked on Wednesday. An engineer is traveling to the dealership to work on it with the technicians and do some testing. I was asked to bring it a few days before because they want it to have a 2 day cooling period (whatever that means). I park 2 levels underground where I live and always hear the noise because of the low speed tight turns on incline so I'll let everyone know once I test it out myself.

[goM35]

I also have an '06 M35X and had the steering rack replaced last month due to the right turn noise issue. Since then the steering is quiet and functions normally. My question...is my new rack any different than the one you are all waiting to have installed?

Thanks.

[Mattinarlington]

I also have an '06 M35X and had the steering rack replaced last month due to the right turn noise issue. Since then the steering is quiet and functions normally. My question...is my new rack any different than the one you are all waiting to have installed?

Thanks.

I had mine replaced a few times. From what I understand the steering rack that they are putting in my vehicle is the newly designed one. You might want to check with your dealer / Infinity HQ.

[SteveTheTech]

Before you guys all rush to your dealers requesting yours.

I have a quick word about this. The rack that MattinArlington is getting is a final test model, they're ensuring it actually resolves this interesting incident. If it does then the updated rack will get Green lighted and we will have racks for everyone.

The problem with the rack is nothing being out of specification it is a harmonic vibration occurring while certain parameters are met, this makes it very difficult to resolve this issue that is not easily replicable.

I think it should not be much longer but the truth is most of you will still have to wait a little while.

[Mattinarlington]

Before you guys all rush to your dealers requesting yours.

I have a quick word about this. The rack that MattinArlington is getting is a final test model, they're ensuring it actually resolves this interesting incident. If it does then the updated rack will get Green lighted and we will have racks for everyone.

The problem with the rack is nothing being out of specification it is a harmonic vibration occurring while certain parameters are met, this makes it very difficult to resolve this issue that is not easily replicable.

I think it should not be much longer but the truth is most of you will still have to wait a little while.

While I can't speak for everyone having this problem, mine didn't seem to be " difficult to resolve this issue that is not easily replicable ". I consistently had the problem / grinding like noise. As mentioned before I park one or two levels below ground in a tight garage. The problematic noise showed itself every time I would drive up and out of the garage.

I'm happy to say that I got my car back today and all seems to be well, on the surface anyway < fingers crossed>. Supposedly an engineer came from out of state to install / test the vehicle with the technicians. I've tried hard to make it happen again but so far no more noise.

While I appreciate SteveTheTech's words of wisdom and experience, I don't agree with just sitting around until Infiniti gets around to you. I think it's our duty as consumers to speak out, call Infiniti HQ, complain to our dealers, etc. The squeaky wheel gets the "grease" - and hopefully my "grease" will provide smooth and quiet operations for many miles to come.

[SteveTheTech]

While I can't speak for everyone having this problem, mine didn't seem to be " difficult to resolve this issue that is not easily replicable ". I consistently had the problem / grinding like noise.

That is why your case was selected.

While I appreciate SteveTheTech's words of wisdom and experience, I don't agree with just sitting around until Infiniti gets around to you. I think it's our duty as consumers to speak out, call Infiniti HQ, complain to our dealers, etc.

I am not advocating ignoring an issue at all. Actually if you read some of the older posts about this condition, in both this forum and the EX section. I think it was sometime at the end of last year when I posted an official update that established "early summer" as a mass market release date for the updated rack. If (and it should) the final unit works as designed under the exact parameter that caused this noise then the part will be sent to every Infiniti dealer.

If you are not satisfied with the answers you are getting at your dealer by all means follow the proper channels to find an adequate resolution to your situation. I am advising the other owners, who may not be as persistent as you, that a resolution is indeed on the way and they all need to hand tight another month or so.