Rear Differential Bushing Leaking

Discussion of Infiniti's amazing (and underrated) sport-luxury crossovers, the EX35 and EX37. For 2014, the EX series will be renamed QX50, in line with Ininfiit's new naming conventions.
sev
Posts: 128
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:36 pm
Car: 2010 Infiniti EX35

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So I noticed a leak on my driveway which I thought was my differential. Got under the car and looks like its the liquid filled mount that's on the rear of the differential where it mates to the subframe.

Anyone had this issue before? Looks like its a big job to fix.. arrrrggghhh


sev
Posts: 128
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:36 pm
Car: 2010 Infiniti EX35

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By the way, I did a ton of research on this, as it seems to be a very very common problem for 350/370Z and G35/G37 drivers.

The rear liquid filled bushing wears out and eventually pops and leaks. Guess what? Nissan is happy to sell you the entire REAR SUBFRAME carrier to fix the problem for one stupid bushing. Yes, you read that right. They dont sell the bushing individually.

Good news is whiteline makes a bushing for G37/370Z's, and it Fits our cars. I picked up the bushings for about 80 bucks on Amazon.

Bad news is it requires the removal of the differential to repair it. If you know what you're doing, you can DIY, or find a Nissan specialist in your area to do the work.

The specialist I spoke to said on auto trans cars and less agressive driving, the bushing likely doesnt need to be replaced. I am going to go ahead do mine, I dont even want the thought of a leaky pinion seal... I got quoted about 350 for labor.

So FYI if anyone sees stuff leaking out the back of their EX, this is what it is.

User avatar
XIS
Posts: 865
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2011 11:00 am
Car: 08 EX35 RWD
17 QX30 Sport
Location: The Desert

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Thanks for the info! Filed that one in the back of my head for the future. :)

jrmotorsports55
Posts: 155
Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2011 12:28 pm
Car: 2011 EX35 AWD Journey (wife's car)

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So, wanted to follow up with you as I just noticed this bushing is leaking on my wife’s car. We’re you able to use the Whiteline part? I have read elsewhere that there were figment issues. Thanks!

sev
Posts: 128
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:36 pm
Car: 2010 Infiniti EX35

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you know. i talked to my mechanic and he said because the car is auto, there will be no problem if i left it as is. I drove it like that 40-50k miles and never had issues. I sold the car last year.

I wouldnt worry about it, but yes the whiteline fits. I bought it but never put it in. I know others have and it worked.

jrmotorsports55
Posts: 155
Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2011 12:28 pm
Car: 2011 EX35 AWD Journey (wife's car)

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Yeah, I did some further research, and confirmed the EX rear subframe is the same part number as the g37. The site I read that there were issues was an FX site, and confirmed the FX uses a different rear subframe. I pulled the trigger and ordered the bushing kit on Amazon.

Dzionassi
Posts: 67
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 8:50 pm
Car: 2017 Infiniti QX50

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you can inject some epoxy in to existing bushing and, or add diff brace. I added diff brace ant it improved handling.

jrmotorsports55
Posts: 155
Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2011 12:28 pm
Car: 2011 EX35 AWD Journey (wife's car)

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Gotcha. I'm just trying to get rid of the leaking bushing, not really doing as a handling mod. I guess it would run out after a while, and I could have filled with something, replacing it will probably be easier/better solution in the long run. Already pulled the trigger anyway, bushing kit should be here in a day or two. Thanks!

sumac0401
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:15 am
Car: Infiniti QX50

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Has anyone replaced their rear subframe bushing for 2016/2017 QX50? Trying to see if the polyurethane bushings from Z1 Motorsports will fit, or the whiteline ones are compatible. Mine started leaking recently at less than 45k miles. Thanks.

sumac0401
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:15 am
Car: Infiniti QX50

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Just a FYI for any 2016/2017 Infiniti QX50 owners....the Whiteline KDT911 Black Bushing Kit for the rear differential/subframe will work. Just put it in my vehicle this week.

sev
Posts: 128
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:36 pm
Car: 2010 Infiniti EX35

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mine was leaking at 49k mi and i has the dealer replace the entire subframe under warranty. i saw their charge back to infiniti and it was 2300 bucks..

glad i was able to stick it to them for designing such a dumb part that fails so easily and requires replacing the entire subframe

sev
Posts: 128
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:36 pm
Car: 2010 Infiniti EX35

Post

i have a spare set of the whiteline bushings i'll never use if anyone needs a set, can sell it quick.

ThomasForelle
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2017 3:45 pm
Car: Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey 2008
6/16/22 == 115,500 miles
Location: MinneSnowta

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8C1A5A67-E8C0-4E71-9FD3-3FA169DE2A13.jpeg
Is this what you’ve been discussing? Should it be replaced? My 2008 EX35 Journey - MN weather takes its evil toll!

sev
Posts: 128
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:36 pm
Car: 2010 Infiniti EX35

Post

yup that’s it

ThomasForelle
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2017 3:45 pm
Car: Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey 2008
6/16/22 == 115,500 miles
Location: MinneSnowta

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A mechanic told me too just to let it go. I guess I didn’t ask what’s the worst that could happen. What is the worst that could happen? I didn’t get a solid quote but he said about 5-6 hours. Then he mentioned umpteen things that could go bad removing so much from an older car - guess what. Letting it ride!

sumac0401
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:15 am
Car: Infiniti QX50

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If you have the time and the tools (and if possible, an extra helping hand), its not bad. It can be done within 3-5 hours depending on how fast/meticulous you are. There are lots of Youtube videos of Infiniti G37 or Nissan 370Z owners replacing this bushing. Like those videos show, you will need to cut/drill the rubber bushing out and cut the bushing metal collar to remove it. At first, I tried pushing it out with those bushing press tools...its impossible. The OEM bushing is both liquid filled and has some sort of plastic housing inside the rubber so it makes trying to push it out in one whole piece to be impossible. Most of the Youtube videos shown does not show them removing the muffler.....I recommend removing it so you will have enough space to use your reciprocating saw to cut out the metal collar.


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