Snow Chain / Cable

[jamesstock]

It's a bit early talking about snow chain / cable. But I like to see anyone has experience w/ snow cable for the EX35? I remember the dealer said 'no snow chain' for the EX35 but 'snow cable' is ok. I've been searching online for snow cables but no luck. I have a RWD hence might need to put in snow cables in winter times. Anyone has info where to buy snow cables?

[Poyzinous]

They were probably referring to the steel mesh cable thats basically like snow chains over the tires. If you haven't driven in the snow, see how your EX behaves with just winter tires installed. Studded if necessary. I know our AWD EX had no issues in the snow, it did great. However, since there was a record 30 inches of snowfall, it was piled pretty high in some places, so I had to shell out $170 for a new lower engine cover when it ripped off and broke.

[EXceptional]

since there was a record 30 inches of snowfall, it was piled pretty high in some places, so I had to shell out $170 for a new lower engine cover when it ripped off and broke.

Do tell more... what exactly happened when it broke off? Did you know it was coming off? Did it make a lot of noise ? Is there any harm in NOT replacing it ? Are there extremities that are in danger if this cover is not replaced... or is it just an AERO thing?

Just curious... that's all.

[Poyzinous]

One of these days I'll throw it on the lift and take a pic and show all its interesting properties, but for educational reading purposes, here goes:
The Lower engine cover broke off at the rear points, not the mount points under the bumper, as it sort of tapers down a bit from about 10 inches of clearance at the front to 7.5 at the front subframe support. Unless there were large rocks in the snow, I guess being packed down from 20 or so inches made it very ice like and solid, hard enough to break fairly strong industrial strength molded plastic that is used for the cover. (Which is probably why its pricey. A $30 chinese made one might break just from the engine revving) Anyway, It caught the right section, ripping off the right rear chunk of the cover at the back of the lower control arm, however, since its held on by about 14 bolts, the rest of the engine cover remained in place and didn't budge. Good job by engineers designing it to bolt into the frame and not some soft part. It also ripped off the smaller, equally expensive transfer case cover that is mounted just past the engine cover. That part was still hanging by one bolt, but since its made of quality plastic and not floppy disc plastic, it was still somewhat erect, and sticking out into the fender housing at the bottom, so one day, when I turned hard right, I heard the tire scrape against something. My experience already gave me the hint of what it was. I just turned around back home, and took out some pliers and a 10mm socket and ratchet and removed the one bolt holding the broken chunk. I didn't replace that one. Only because its tiny and Not as necessary as the engine cover. The transfer case is a little higher up, much less susceptible to damage from bouncing debris or something, but some day I'll replace it. Now, as far as why the engine cover is important, it is. Its primary purposes are for aerodynamic smoothness beneath the car and for obvious protection reasons. Its better to have something smack off the cover than off your oil pan possible getting pierced in the process. If you're driving around at higher speeds and hear a little thunk or clunk now and then, its usually something bouncing off the cover. Since its mounted on its extremities, its going to make an audible sound when something hits it. Its secondary purposes are for soft alignment of the front bumper with the rest of the vehicle's designed geometry. It bolts onto the rear bottom lip of the bumper and keeps a little tension on it. For years, cars went by without lower engine protection. But aside from the mentioned reasons I put down, newer vehicles use them because they are clearly very useful. modern design has engines mounted lower, for better driveline symmetry and lower center of gravity, also they have more aluminum components for less weight compared to steel. I'm sure there are other reasons they are used but my fingers are already tired....

[EXceptional]

Good job on your report !

Me thinks this cover has to come off, to change the Engine Oil... am I correct ?

[Poyzinous]

Not the whole thing, it has an access panel for oil changes.

[jamesstock]

So guys..there's no such thing as 'snow cable' right? I did a search online but there seem to be no such thing. Just 'snow chain' all the time... So what exactly did Infiniti Dealer mean by no 'snow chain' but 'snow cable'...

[EXceptional]

Ya, sorry... back to regular programming already in progress.

7 Seconds on GOOGLE got me this result >>> http://www.autoanything.com/winter-driv ... 1b2166c62d

Introducing...

Pewag Glacier Cable Tire Chains

* Constructed from hardened steel rollers in a traditional ladder design.
* Low-profile to fit Type S (limited clearance) vehicles.



Comes with a nice bag, too.



They have them for both sizes of EX35 Wheels...

225/60/17
225/55/18

$66.43 + Free Shipping, if you live in the USA

[jamesstock]

Exceptional....

That is exactly the type of chains I have been using for my other vehicle. I just not sure what the Infiniti dealer told me do not use 'snow chains' but 'snow cables' are ok. For me, 'chains' seem like the 'metal' type of chains while 'cables' seem more like 'hardened plastic' type of cables. Just confused what the difference is.

[EXceptional]

Types...

Snow chains are available in the recognizable ladder pattern, while snow cables are available in the ladder pattern or a "z" chain pattern. The latter is supposed to offer the best traction due to the zigzag pattern across the length of the snow cable. Both snow chains and snow cables are available in a variety of sizes to fit the different sizes of tires for different cars.

Snow chains are made of large and heavy steel links while snow cables are made of steel aircraft cable encased in alloy traction coils. Both have cross-links that can be replaced when worn out.

Let me tell ya... My Snow Cable listing above, says that it is Type "S"... and the Owners Manual for a 2010 EX35 says the kind to use use is Type "S".... so we have a match.

Have a look in your Owners Manual, what does it say ?

TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure they are the proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use only
SAE Class S chains. Class “S” chains are used
on vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter
traction device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when
recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to
the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid
fully loading your vehicle when using tire
chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed.
Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance may
be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the rear
wheels and not on the front wheels.

[jamesstock]

Awesome..thx Exceptional