Steering Issue

[nadzak]

OK, I know this topic has been beaten over and over, but here is the latest...I posted the following on this forum zer...owner so refer to that link for some background info. Anyways, the dealer claimed the problem was fixed, and I picked up the car. Guess what? Yeap, the problem was still present. I took the car back today, and I asked to take a technician for a ride. We went on the ride and I presented the pulling and nervous steering problems. He witnessed the problem and we went back to the dealership. The car went on the alignment platform for a double take. Came out with -.02 on the rear left wheel, which is insufficient to cause any problems, but nevertheless, the tech aligned it again. Then we went for another ride. Guess what? Yeap, the steering problem is still there. Went back to the dealership. The tech and the service manager set up an appointment for Saturday and a rental car for me. They will actually call the Infiniti engineers to discuss the problem and attempt to fix it. At the same time, they gave me the number to Infiniti Customer Affairs dept. to report the problem. I called and i reported the problem. I also told them that some other Infiniti M owners have similar steering problems and asked if there is any recalls or reports of this type of steering behavior. Here is the disappointing part (i guess disappointing)...They have no recalls, nor do they have any history of steering problem reports!I am surprised that after reading all these different forums and posts on steering issues similar to mine, nobody has actually opened up a claim with Infiniti customer affairs about this. I mean, even if it is an issues, how is Nissan/Infininti suppose to fix it if they are not even aware about it?I just hope they fix my car, because I am really, really dissapointed. My 2006 G35 4 door is a Jewel, and the 2008 M35, which I was soooooo excited to PURCHASE, is a total joke so far!

[83wildcat]

nadzak -

When Infiniti tells you "no do they have any history of steering problem reports!", they may be just referring to 2008 models or RWD vs AWD. They definately should have a lot of reports on 2006 M35X's, I know I have a report in to Infiniti's Consumer Affair's on my 2006 M35X, and my dealer has had at least 10 other customer complaints on the 06's. With that said, I have seen a few postings from some '07 and '08 owners, so its probably not unique to the '06's. The process I went through on my M35X is as follows:

Completed an alignment (looks like you've done this)

Replaced the steering rack (I think that this is only an '06 issue as the design was changed for '07, so this probably wouldn't be an option for you).

Replaced the tires with ContiExtremeContacts, which solved the problem. This may be the next best option for you to try. The dealer should do the tire replacement under warranty.

See "M35X Steering Pull - Suggestions to Fix???" post for additional details on my experience. Good luck.

[lawcdav1]

Hello all,

I have a 2006 m35x with about 43000 miles. Whenever I make slow right turns i notice a grinding or pulling sound. I've taken her in for service and had the steering racks and power steering pumps replaced. Can anyone tell me if this a common problem and if anyone else has dealt with the same issue and gotten fixed? Please help!!

[EXBIMMERBOY]

Recently purchased 06 m35x with 15600 mi. Car performs very well but also notice a very slight pull to the left. Other comments refer to it as "tramlining".This is not unique to the m series as low profile tires and GARBAGE eagle rsa oem tires. I am replacing tires this spring with either Yokos or Conti extremes. Hope this solves problem. If not, then back to dealer with written complaint.

[SteveTheTech]

See "M35X Steering Pull - Suggestions to Fix???" post for additional details on my experience. Good luck.

-Andy- The steering drift and this noise are two competly seperate issues.

I started a thread here to address this and I am going to invest as much time as it takes to get this once and for all. I haven't seen any come into my bay until today, although in talking with my manager he informed me that there were a few regulars that were dealing with this issue.

[M4T5]

Recently purchased 06 m35x with 15600 mi. Car performs very well but also notice a very slight pull to the left. Other comments refer to it as "tramlining".This is not unique to the m series as low profile tires and GARBAGE eagle rsa oem tires. I am replacing tires this spring with either Yokos or Conti extremes. Hope this solves problem. If not, then back to dealer with written complaint.

Does your vehicle SHIFT side to side while driving down the freeway? Or does it have a consistant pull to the left?Answer this: When or how many miles ago did you rotate your tires last? I hope you are rotating them at 7,500mi or LESS. Even 7,500 miles is too long in my opinion. They should be rotated at 6,000mi or less to achieve the best wear results.Anyways, what you are describing is or could be a radial tire pull. Rotate your tires and see if that drift to the left goes away. If it does, it's the tire causing it. It is not a safety concern....just an annoyance. It will be fine on the rear, but when the tires need to be rotated again, you might want to replace that tire, or both to have a matching set.

If the problem is still there after you rotate the tires, then you have an alignment issue. Have a quality alignment performed on your M from a reputable shop. You don't have to have Infiniti perform this, but it's up to you. Alignments should be done or checked every 15,000mi to get the best wear from your tires. It's good preventative maintenance too. A worn part could be noticed at these intervals and prevent more problems from occurring.Report back after you do the rotation and tell me how your M drives.

BTW, make sure your air pressure is accurate and even in all 4 tires. This information sticker is on your driver doors edge. It tells you how much air pressure is recommended to be placed in your tires.

J