Noise when chassis flexes

[John R]

I've had my 2008 G37 Sport for a few weeks now and I have a very annoying noise issue. When the chassis flexes (driveways, alleyways, etc.), I get a creaking noise from the headliner just above the driver's side a-pillar. It goes away on a really hot day.

I took it to the dealer and they said they put some felt in there to fix it. I pulled out of their driveway and it creaked. I opened that area up that weekend and if there's additional felt in there, I don't see it (special thanks to Infiniti of Santa Monica).

I've poked around in there on my own and can't seem to fix it. There are a bunch of 10mm bolts up there, so I snugged them all up a little, but that didn't help at all.

Anyone else having creaking issues like this? Are these issues common on these cars? Are the service departments always annoying?

Ideas???

[rn79870]

Welcome to the forums. Sorry you're having problems with your new car. I haven't heard of anyone with such a problem.

I have seen a similar complaint elsewhere about the plastic rubbing against the metal in that area (but it was related to a G35 and ended up being the door panels). You might check to make sure that the plastic doesn't touch the bare metal in that area, and if it does, go get some foam type tape from home depot and start putting in the out of sight areas.

[330badboyg37]

I think i might have got that noise myself earlier today? sounds like gravel hit your windshield?

[J-Owner]

I had the same type of thing with Chassis flexing but my noise was coming from the right rear deck shelf area. ('05 G coupe).

After numerous investigations by both me and the dealer it was determined that a small spot weld had come loose in that area, which caused both the flexing creaking issue and rattling with rubbing against the shelf deck area.

I know it is different areas but if you are having a creaking noise could be kind of along the same lines. I doubt felt will do any good but you might have your dealer check the weld points.

After my dealer finally fixed the problem the creaking/ flexing noise and rattling noise went away and has never come back.

Good luck.

[John R]

Yeah, they told me at the dealership that sometimes these noises are from bad spot welds.

I snooped around in there a fair amount and didn't see any spot welds that looked bad. I'm also somewhat encouraged that it goes away when the weather is hot. I really hope it's just a loose bolt.

As for plastic rubbing on metal, I drove it around a little with the a-pillar trim piece removed and the headliner pulled down in that area and it still happened. Sounds to me like metal on metal. My guess right now is that it's from a moonroof attachment point.

I indicated on my survey from Infiniti that it has this problem and the dealer didn't resolve it. Hopefully that'll light a fire somewhere and get some movement from them on this so that next time I bring it in they will actually try to fix it.

[Modfever]

I just started having the same issue a week ago. Happens when I reverse out of the garage or parking lot...also when turning on a grade when starting out. I just got the Stillen Headers put on, so I was asuming the bolts need tightening after about 500 miles. It's a creaking (metalic creak...like metal bending...) seemingly coming from the front chasis. The spot weld check is something I didn't think of, but is helpful.

[mranderson]

John, try taking it up with Greg Hatzenbeller over at the dealer showroom on SM Blvd and 9th. He should be able to help you get a fire lit.