NEED HELP FROM EVERYONE...suggestions/advice on car Maintenance

[bantoine2]

Well, I'm approaching 150k on my 94 J30 and I will be having it serviced later this week at the cerritos Infiniti dealership.

I have had all previous serices on my J30 from the dealer...one at 30k 60k, 90k and 120k. Now this one will probably be my most important one because I have some issues to address. From what I understand there are no serivices that replace struts/shocks and suspension parts. Are these things that we must do on our own (preventetive maintenance)?? I am not the most knowledgeable person about cars which is why i need help from you all. I came up with a small list of my serious issues I need to address to the technician. What I want to do is compare everyone's answers to the dealers answers.

1. I've notice high pitched squealing/whisteling sounds coming from the engine at speeds of 60 or higher. I've read somewhere else on the forum that it might become from a loose hose (fuel pump/ whater pump). Is this true or what else could it be??

2. Supsepension- Whenever I go over speed bumps or any small bumps the car squeaks like crazy. Also when i turn the steering wheel it squeaks when making sharp turns. I believe I need my struts replaced and shocks to stop the squeaking..True? As far as when I turn the steering wheel and then it squeaks I'm bewildered....it just started too.

3. What are VTC's, and Boots? Are these supposed to be replaced as well? Are they suspension components?

Only thing I had done to help my suspension components is replace the tension rods replaced in the past because they were cracking.

4. Just today I noticed that one of my rear windows seems to be off track. I have to assist on pulling up the window when pushing the window to make it go up and then it gets on track. If I just roll the window down and then push the button for it to go up it will not go up automatically.

5. As I'm starting my car, when I turn the ignition switch every so often it makes a loud popping sound like a firecracker . Ever since I bought the car at 77k it has always done this. I'd say once every 2 months. Any reason for this. Anyone else experience this.

Other than that I can't complain. Been a very reliable car and it's saved my life a couple of times. I accidentally ran over a 1ft divider on the LAX freeway and it did absolutely no damage to the underbody of my car, just scraped it up. The dealers said I was lucky, I could have ended up with some serious damage (oil leaks) but it's perfect, no probs. Great car and still runs like it's fairly new at 148k.

Any help would be appreciated, thnks everyone.Also please offer any other mainentance suggestions to help keep the longevity of my car going. I think the next step would be to switching to synthetic.

-Bruce

[VimyJ]

Well, I'm approaching 150k on my 94 J30 and I will be having it serviced later this week at the cerritos Infiniti dealership.

I have had all previous serices on my J30 from the dealer...one at 30k 60k, 90k and 120k. Now this one will probably be my most important one because I have some issues to address. From what I understand there are no serivices that replace struts/shocks and suspension parts. Are these things that we must do on our own (preventetive maintenance)?? I am not the most knowledgeable person about cars which is why i need help from you all. I came up with a small list of my serious issues I need to address to the technician. What I want to do is compare everyone's answers to the dealers answers.

1. I've notice high pitched squealing/whisteling sounds coming from the engine at speeds of 60 or higher. I've read somewhere else on the forum that it might become from a loose hose (fuel pump/ whater pump). Is this true or what else could it be??

2. Supsepension- Whenever I go over speed bumps or any small bumps the car squeaks like crazy. Also when i turn the steering wheel it squeaks when making sharp turns. I believe I need my struts replaced and shocks to stop the squeaking..True? As far as when I turn the steering wheel and then it squeaks I'm bewildered....it just started too.

3. What are VTC's, and Boots? Are these supposed to be replaced as well? Are they suspension components?

Only thing I had done to help my suspension components is replace the tension rods replaced in the past because they were cracking.

4. Just today I noticed that one of my rear windows seems to be off track. I have to assist on pulling up the window when pushing the window to make it go up and then it gets on track. If I just roll the window down and then push the button for it to go up it will not go up automatically.

5. As I'm starting my car, when I turn the ignition switch every so often it makes a loud popping sound like a firecracker . Ever since I bought the car at 77k it has always done this. I'd say once every 2 months. Any reason for this. Anyone else experience this.

Other than that I can't complain. Been a very reliable car and it's saved my life a couple of times. I accidentally ran over a 1ft divider on the LAX freeway and it did absolutely no damage to the underbody of my car, just scraped it up. The dealers said I was lucky, I could have ended up with some serious damage (oil leaks) but it's perfect, no probs. Great car and still runs like it's fairly new at 148k.

Any help would be appreciated, thnks everyone.Also please offer any other mainentance suggestions to help keep the longevity of my car going. I think the next step would be to switching to synthetic.

-Bruce

1. More likely bearings on alternator, PS, etc. Does it happen at a certain RPM?

2. Probably various suspension bushings along with struts.

3. VTCs have to do with the variable valve controls. They should be alright if you have kept a clean engine. Boots, I believe, cover the struts. Not crucial.

4. Window regulators. A not an uncommon problem. Relatively easy fix from what I understand although I've never tried to do it myself.

5. Haven't a clue.

Switch to synthetics or blends right away especially in the transmission. Is your transmission original? Had a pan drop and flush? I'm sure more guys will offer suggestions. Do a search on some of the things I mentioned.

[bantoine2]

1. More likely bearings on alternator, PS, etc. Does it happen at a certain RPM?

2. Probably various suspension bushings along with struts.

3. VTCs have to do with the variable valve controls. They should be alright if you have kept a clean engine. Boots, I believe, cover the struts. Not crucial.

4. Window regulators. A not an uncommon problem. Relatively easy fix from what I understand although I've never tried to do it myself.

5. Haven't a clue.

Switch to synthetics or blends right away especially in the transmission. Is your transmission original? Had a pan drop and flush? I'm sure more guys will offer suggestions. Do a search on some of the things I mentioned.

Thanks for the response VimyHigh pitched noise I only notice at speeds of 60 and higher, doesnt happen at certain RPM's. Yes, transmission is all original like everything else. I'm tellin you these cars are bulletproof...If you get them serviced like they should.

[VimyJ]

I am sorry that more members haven't responded to your questions. That's the way it goes around here lately. Try z32.org. They are knowledgable and forthcoming regarding matters concerning the VG30DE.

[Mayhem_J30]

sounds like vimyj hit em on the head. i'm stumped on the fifth one as well. where's the pop coming from? inside could be the speakers popping from bad amps.

[bantoine2]

It's an engine pop. Just as I turn the ignition to start it it makes the sound. What's weird is it happens maybe once every two months.

[Eswift]

number 1: could be just be air going under the hood and howling. used to happen on my old 300zx. check to see if the plastic piece and rubber weather strip are secure on the front of the engine bay (in front of the radiator).

number 5: sounds like your backfiring. a loose connection in the intake system could be the culprit, anywhere from loose hose, to a leaky intake manifold gasket. the whistling might be from the same source, although it would be RPM related if it were. a fuel injector on the way out may also cause these symptoms.