Steering Vibration

[dividedhighw]

Wow - good work, Sherlock!!

Cheers,David

[rontek]

- Update

I gave my dealer a call to check on the Steering Rack, and was told it is a National Backorder, and my "name was on the list". That does not sound very promising. It has now been 2 weeks since the order.

Ron

[KJ911TT]

Update - having driven it daily Apr 30/09 through May 8/09, I can report that the vibration is virtually gone. I qualified it because on two separate occasions, I felt the vibration for less than a second, then it vanished. It's not perfect, but I can live with it (assuming it doesn't worsen).

HTH,David

This is my experience as well. After replacing the steering rack, the problem went from happening all the time to very occasional.

Before, I could get it to do it constantly on a turn. Now it just comes and goes in a second (something I too can live with).

- KJ

[kamiguy]

And my vibration is still totally gone!

[aft981]

Been meaning to post regarding this, but the day after I got my car back, I went to Europe for 2 weeks, and just got back at the end of last week.

Anyway, I took my EX in for a service, and I had a few other issues, and mentioned the steering vibration at parking lot speeds. No other questions were asked, and the next day I got my EX back with a new steering rack. The vibration has gone (in the 6 days I've been driving it, it's not happened once, so fingers crossed) and the part number used was as mentioned in a previous post.

[rontek]

ust got a call from the dealer, the rack is IN ! Not bad, two weeks. Have an appointment for Tuesday to get it installed. Will keep you posted with results.

[RHDvancouver]

I have a 92 Skyline GTR which also has ATTESSA AWD system.

I am experiencing the same thing(loud vibration when turning very slowly especially to right). It feels like EARTHQUAKE!

However, in high speed turning (I mean really fast), it steers perfectly without any issues.

Very frustrated.

[cjre1]

DANG man. I didn't think 1992 cars were still around. Time to trade it in for an EX35 Journey.

[KJ911TT]

DANG man. I didn't think 1992 cars were still around. Time to trade it in for an EX35 Journey.

Yeah, but he has a Right Hand Drive Skyline GT-R imported from Japan.

It may be old, but at least it's unique.

- KJ

[cjre1]

Yeah, but he has a Right Hand Drive Skyline GT-R imported from Japan.

It may be old, but at least it's unique.

- KJ

[SteveTheTech]

I do not know if you are being legit or just trying to spam this forum, in either case, if your car is binding while turning you need to finds what bearing are starting to go. It could be anything from axles, wheel bearings or the front final drive.

Although I personally do not like the R32 body style you can't argue with number. R34VspecII FTW.

Lets not jack this thread too much though, although since this has 9000+ views a little off topic banter is a given.

[cjre1]

Steve, Do you know if this vibration is caused by the rack and pinion or the tires, or even the drive system?

[fleiscd]

My dealer told me they cannot get the part and there is no fix.

I called Infiniti Consumer Affairs, AGAIN, and they told me there is no fix. They said it's being worked on. I told them about all the people in this thread who've gotten the fix and they told me one doesn't exist. They then gave me the same ole BS "we are working on the problem and ask you to be patient".

I could not be MORE sorry I bought an Infiniti. The HORRIBLE service I've received from the dealer (not for this issue, several others) along with the complete LACK OF CARING about their customers is mind boggling.

I'm contacting the Connecticut Attorney General because Infiniti is selling products they know are defect and are not fixing those defects.

Anybody want to buy a used EX35?

[cjre1]

My dealer told me they cannot get the part and there is no fix.

I called Infiniti Consumer Affairs, AGAIN, and they told me there is no fix. They said it's being worked on. I told them about all the people in this thread who've gotten the fix and they told me one doesn't exist. They then gave me the same ole BS "we are working on the problem and ask you to be patient".

I could not be MORE sorry I bought an Infiniti. The HORRIBLE service I've received from the dealer (not for this issue, several others) along with the complete LACK OF CARING about their customers is mind boggling.

I'm contacting the Connecticut Attorney General because Infiniti is selling products they know are defect and are not fixing those defects.

Anybody want to buy a used EX35?

Fleiscd,

First off, I am sorry that you feel this way. I and others still like/love the EX35. If anyone would be upset with Infiniti, it should be me. You should read my other post. I even have Infiniti customer affairs on my case. I was totally screwed by the dealer. It ok, I always win.

Secondly, I think your dealer is a nut. I think you need to change dealers, like I did. Once someone breaks their trust with me, they are done. I fight for waht is right and I always win, like when I sued Mazda in 2009. I WON and got $25K from them for my new car.

Third, I think that people on these forums report different issues and different fixes for items in the wrong thread, only sometimes. The vibrating can be either steering rack, wheel bearings, the AWD system or even the tires. I have read over 1,000 post at least and came to this conclusion. I even read that some got it fixed with a ECU flash. Basically, take it with a grain of salt and talk to a good dealer.

My dealer that I found is one of the best. They are fixing all my problems at hand and told me that there is a fix for everything, until I see otherwise. So far, so good. Does certain dealers know more than others?? Since they are all independently owned, who knows.

My advice; Don't hate the EX35, hate the people, JK. LOL. No don't do that. Find a good dealer to get your car serviced. I would called Customer affairs about your dealer. I did and I feel good about it. I have the number if you would like it.

Good luck man, whatever you do.

Do you have an AWD?

[fleiscd]

I have AWD. I've posted on this thread and others numerous times.

I'm on my 2nd dealership. I've contacted Infiniti Consumer affairs on at least 4 occasions (about my first Dealership, this issue, and others). For example, I had to fight with my first dealer to replace the fuel pump because they said there was no problem and that all the EX's made the noise at start-up. I explained that they all do because it's a defect and needs to be replaced. After about 2 weeks of fighting with daily calls they finally replaced it.

Nobody at Infiniti gives a $hit. I've been in-contact with the CT Attorney General's office since my first post and have started the process of filing an official complaint so that a lawyer from their office can begin to look into the problem.

[cjre1]

I have AWD. I've posted on this thread and others numerous times.

I'm on my 2nd dealership. I've contacted Infiniti Consumer affairs on at least 4 occasions (about my first Dealership, this issue, and others). For example, I had to fight with my first dealer to replace the fuel pump because they said there was no problem and that all the EX's made the noise at start-up. I explained that they all do because it's a defect and needs to be replaced. After about 2 weeks of fighting with daily calls they finally replaced it.

Nobody at Infiniti gives a $hit. I've been in-contact with the CT Attorney General's office since my first post and have started the process of filing an official complaint so that a lawyer from their office can begin to look into the problem.

WOW!! I really feel bad for you. Just a streak of bad luck. I have never heard of two dealers that are bad. Din't you get a recall letter? When did you buy your EX35? What is the production month and year on it? (You can find this on the drivers side door jam).

Sounds like you have a plan with the CT attorney general. I wish you all the luck man.

To bad you don't live near me, I have a great dealer. When I called them to ask them about the pump, he told me to bring it in and will change it for you. Don't wait for the letter, he stated to me. He gave me a brand new G35 loaner. Man this thing is super fast. Gas mileage sucks!!! but fun to drive.

He is also fixing all my list of concerns, with a new ECU flash and I even got a brand new battery.

[fleiscd]

Manufacture date is 2/08...I purchased it (not a lease sadly) 8/08. I got the letter about the fuel pump last month. I had the fuel pump replaced back in October, 08 (I know there is another recall but the dealer assured me the one I have is correct and I don't need a new one. Of course, I don't trust them, but what can I do). I find out more about my vehicle and recall information from this board then I do from Infiniti.

If anybody knows the phone number for Infiniti Corporate please let me know (not the Consumer Affairs number, I already have that and know several of the people who work their by their voice [Paula, Michele, Tahalia] because I've talked to them so much...but they are useless).

[cjre1]

Manufacture date is 2/08...I purchased it (not a lease sadly) 8/08. I got the letter about the fuel pump last month. I had the fuel pump replaced back in October, 08 (I know there is another recall but the dealer assured me the one I have is correct and I don't need a new one. Of course, I don't trust them, but what can I do). I find out more about my vehicle and recall information from this board then I do from Infiniti.

If anybody knows the phone number for Infiniti Corporate please let me know (not the Consumer Affairs number, I already have that and know several of the people who work their by their voice [Paula, Michele, Tahalia] because I've talked to them so much...but they are useless).

Fleiscd,

I hear what you are saying. I was on this forum for at least one month before, I got my car. I read all forums for every car that I am interested in before I buy them. Once I buy it, I then sign up to the forum.

A recall is different than a campaign or TSB. The EX only has 4 recalls and two are the same, just got updated. That is not bad for a car. I owned 15 different types of new cars in my life and other brands have way more recalls then Infiniti. The EX is a strong car. It uses parts for the 350ZX, FX and G35.

The recalls that EX's have are: Fuel Pump, Steering wheel telescopic motor, and SRS reprogram (2 about this one).

There are over 43 TSB's, which are not recalls. Usually only 1% or less of the cars are affected with this type of campaign.

The phone number to CA is 1-866-799-1690. Please let me know what happens.

[fleiscd]

I should have never gotten rid of my BWM to buy an Infiniti. I'll regret that decision for a long long long time.

To be fair I do really like my EX. However, if I'm having this kind of problem after owning it for 10 months I have trouble believing it's going to be a car the holds up for a long time. Infiniti CLEARLY doesn't car about it or any of us who own it. Feel free to disagree with me all you want, you know who you are reading this post...but if they did would I still be driving around in a car who's front right tire feels like it's going to fly off when I go around a right hand turn? I doubt any of the REAL Luxury brands (Lexus, BWM, Mercedes) would allow their customer to drive around in a car with this problem. Heck, even Kia wouldn't.

I tried the number you gave but it's just a phone tree and without knowing a 4 digit extension or a name it just bounces you out of the system and hangs up on you. It won't transfer you to a human operator either. Oh well...on-ward and down-ward, it's the Infiniti way.

[cjre1]

Man,

No worries. You can vent. I hear your opinion. I have another number for you. 1-800-627-4437. I just called it and it doesn't ask for an extension.

[cjre1]

I can be believe your story. I had a dealer in CA that did the exact same thing, however, I actually found one delaer that listened to me and is fixing my car as I speak now. I asked him to change the battery and he did, etc. I really believe that overall the Infiniti brand is a solid brand. I owned BMW, Lexus and Acura. All are too expensive and over priced. The insurance is way to high, plus the repairs are killer.

This dealer even flashed the ECU without me telling him. He is going through this car with a fine tooth comb. All talk, until I see the car in action.

Can I ask how fast are you driving around corners to make it feel like your tires will fly off? Mine don't feel like this.

I am hear to listen, so vent man.

[fleiscd]

Thanks, but I've vented enough on this board/thread I'm sure everybody is tired of me, lol.

The speed I'm going (normally under 20 MPH when it happens) doesn't matter. My point is this: Infiniti can't find the problem, still hasn't fixed the problem...so they can tell me all they want it's "not a safety issue" but I wonder what they are basing that assumption on. If they can't find it and/or fix the problem who is to say that one day heading down the highway my wheel won't just fly off? I don't take my kids in the car because of this...call me crazy, but I don't.

I guess somebody has to die in an accident before Infiniti will give a crap. I hope they fix the problem before somebody does.

[SteveTheTech]

If they can't find it and/or fix the problem who is to say that one day heading down the highway my wheel won't just fly off?

I do not often try to speak in a stern tone on this forum but this requires it. It is nothing personal I do not want to see this get carried away.

There is NO possible way that the noise and vibration experienced by the noise associated with the power steering rack assembly experienced on right turns at a low rate of acceleration will cause your wheel to fall off. There is NO compromise to ANY safety feature on the EX, it pertains to a small internal component that reduces line pulsations. If there were ANY risk to you (as an owner and a group) I give you my honest word that I would have told you and not tried to deceive.

Don't be afraid of your EX there are many people both in this forum and countless others who are not that drive their EXs without an issue. I would hate to see an unnecessary panic insue from this. I am with you guys on this I want to get this resolved as soon as possible and the time should be coming any day now I am still waiting on a response from HQ as to an exact date.

[kamiguy]

How is this possible that some of us have had this problem fixed and others are being told that there is no fix or no part?? Sounds like an internal Infiniti communication issue to me. People.. hang in there. We have had our vibration eliminated, it is possible to get it fixed. But someone on the Mother Ship needs to get their act together and spread the info to all dealers in all areas and countries.

[fleiscd]

SteveTheTech...I respectfully disagree with you. No offense, but if you were me how/why would you believe anything coming from anyone at Infiniti based on my experiences so far.

Dealership 1 (George Harte Infiniti - West Haven, CT)-Was told Fuel Pump wasn't a problem because they all make the noise. Had to fight with the dealer to get it replaced. -Didn't bother to call me to tell me they'd need my car for several days when it was in for service because they needed to order a part. I found that out when I arrived to pick it up and was then told it wasn't ready. -Still will not acknowledge steering vibration problem.-On 2 separate occasions never returned phone calls after being informed of a problem with service (one was regarding why I was never told they'd need my car for several days the other is for the issue below when I called after they didn't do what I asked).-Asked to change how door locks worked (lock when car taken out of park instead of locking @ 15 MPH), all they did was disable them completely. Yes, a totally minor issue but when combined with the other problems I've had speaks to a pattern of behavior and lack of caring from the Dealership. Clearly they didn't bother to check to see if they did the work correctly...so if they don't bother to check that how do I know if they bothered to make sure they put enough oil in after an oil change. Once trust is lost it's very difficult to regain and so all service done by them becomes questionable and suspect to me, so I don't go to them anymore.

George Harte Customer "Care" Department-Called them each time I had a problem with the dealership. They told me they'd talk to the Service Manager and advised me to call Infiniti Consumer Affairs. That was the extent of their "Care".

District Sales Manager-Spoke with him after 2 of the above problems. Said he'd look into it and talk to the dealer. Offered me a few free oil changes at the dealership but I refuse to ever take my car to George Harte Infiniti again. Never called me back after stating he would after getting more information from the dealer.

Dealership 2 (Devan Infiniti - Fairfield, CT)-Brought my car in for 7500 mile service. Told them about the steering vibration problem and they told me they would look into it and get back to me (I gave them the part number from this thread and explained other people were getting the fix).-4 weeks later hadn't heard from them so I called to ask about the steering vibration problem and if they could order/get the part. I was told, "we cannot order the part because according to Infiniti Corporate we don't exist. We can order any other part without a problem but cannot order this part because the computer says we do not exist as a dealership." That sounds strange to me.

Infiniti Consumer Affairs-Spoke with them regarding the issues with George Harte Infiniti. Occasionally they would call back but most of the time they told me they'd "look into the issue" and I'd never hear from them again.-Called on Friday, 6/5 to explain that Devan cannot order the part to fix the steering vibration problem asked if they could help get the part. They told me there is no fix and to be patient. I explained and referenced this board that other people have already received the fix. She said she didn't care what other people said or claim to have had done because there is no fix. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she said she'd have one call me by 5pm on Monday. 10am Monday morning, another Consumer Affairs rep called, not a supervisor, to tell me that "there is no fix and Infiniti is working on it and to be patient".

Infiniti Surveys-After ever service I get a letter asking me to fill out a survey regarding my service experience. I fill them out, giving very low scores and detailing the various problems (with Case Numbers from Consumer Affairs) I've had in the comments section and indicate that it's would be ok to contact me. I've never heard from anyone after filling out a survey.

So, based on the above...and believe it or not this is the short version of what's gone on, would you believe anything that Infiniti tells you or think in any way they really care about the problems I've experienced?

...and yes I totally agree reading this back I really do seem like a whiny "Mr. Complainer" type guy...but I'm really not (you better agree with me or I'll call Infiniti Consumer Affairs again, lol ). I'm an easy going guy who has clearly run into a bunch of issues with Infiniti. It started off bad and has seemed to spiral. I really do like my EX, but every time I look at it or drive it I'm reminded of all the issues and it takes away from what I should be doing; which is enjoying driving my great car.

[cjre1]

How is this possible that some of us have had this problem fixed and others are being told that there is no fix or no part?? Sounds like an internal Infiniti communication issue to me. People.. hang in there. We have had our vibration eliminated, it is possible to get it fixed. But someone on the Mother Ship needs to get their act together and spread the info to all dealers in all areas and countries.

Since all dealers are independly owned, then they can do what that want, of course within the guidelines of Infiniti. I actually had coffee this morning with the service manager at the dealer that I now use.

He told me all about how dealers work and how Infiniti set procedures and rules for each dealer, however, outside of that box is a grey area, where the dealer can make their own rules and play a little.

For Example, the upgrade that he gave me, is not in any recall/campaign or TSB at all. He did it to see if my car would be fixed. He says not all software flashes/upgrades work on EX35. He felt bad for me since, I got burned with another dealer, so he really wanted to help me, for future service and for a good survey. He sure deserved it. I will praise him when I get the survey.

After we had coffee, I then proceeded to work. I drove 55 miles and the vibration is completely gone. There is also no lag or hesitation at 40mph, like others have. Another thing to, I noticed that when it shifts, it does not look for a gear like hunting, they call it. I can't even feel the trans shift anymore like I use to. The fuel pump noise is totally gone. My sunroof does not make any wind noise or leak. I am totally happy now with my EX35.

The dealer told me that this software upgrade is not normal and not all cars get it. It takes 6 hours to complete and cost a lot of money. They charge back Infiniti.

[rontek]

OK, had my rack replaced today. Here are the notes on the work order....

Install SOP (Special Order Part) - Steering RackFound malfunction of Power Steering Rack Assy BindingReplaced Power Steering Rack Assy and Set Front Toe

Parts Gear & Linkage - 49001-1BA3B Power Steering Fluid - 999MP-AG000P

What is interesting is the part number from my replacement is different than what others have reported. The others ended in a "1B" mine ends in a "3B". I wonder if the higher number represents a newer revision? No idea. I will know for sure tomorrow when I go to work and park in the garage whether the issue is gone or not. That is where I felt it consistantly when exiting the garage. Its all right turns and it happened every day. Other than that the steering did feel noticeably easier/smoother on the ride home. I will post tomorrow whether it is actually "fixed" or not.

Ron

[cjre1]

OK, had my rack replaced today. Here are the notes on the work order....

Install SOP (Special Order Part) - Steering RackFound malfunction of Power Steering Rack Assy BindingReplaced Power Steering Rack Assy and Set Front Toe

Parts Gear & Linkage - 49001-1BA3B Power Steering Fluid - 999MP-AG000P

What is interesting is the part number from my replacement is different than what others have reported. The others ended in a "1B" mine ends in a "3B". I wonder if the higher number represents a newer revision? No idea. I will know for sure tomorrow when I go to work and park in the garage whether the issue is gone or not. That is where I felt it consistantly when exiting the garage. Its all right turns and it happened every day. Other than that the steering did feel noticeably easier/smoother on the ride home. I will post tomorrow whether it is actually "fixed" or not.

Ron

Ron,

Did you get a recall notice on this? Or did you happen to bring the car in for this issue?

Can you please tell me your build date, located on the drivers side door jam. Thanks.

[cjre1]

Man, sounds bad. Sorry that you went through this. I only had to go through this with one dealer, but at least I didn't let them service my car.

Did you call CA, the number that I gave you?

What happened? Update us, thanks.

[fleiscd]

It is what it is and Infiniti doesn't care

The number you gave me is for Nissan Finance, so it didn't help (but thanks for the number). I'm trying to contact the CEO of Nissan USA Carlos Ghosn; I figured why not try going straight to the top, lol. It has now become a "Quest". Yep, I thought I was just buying a car but instead now have an "adventure" on my hands.

I'm also working with the CT Attorney General's office (they had mentioned there might be grounds for a Class Action lawsuit) and might also contact the Better Business Bureau (while they have no authority would be good to get this on-record so if 5 years down the road the "fix" for this defect causes some other issue I have something documented). Also thinking about contacting a few local newspapers and TV stations. Anything I can do to shine a big bright spotlight on Infiniti and how they and their representatives have treated me (and all of us with the steering vibration problem) will make me happy. No customer should be treated this way.