Steering Vibration

[rontek]

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.

No Recall. Just complained of the issue. (Low speed vibration)Build date 3/08

[cjre1]

Sorry man. That is the number that I called to get CA. Maybe they changed their number.

Let me know about what the attorney general says and does.

Sounds like a roller coaster. I feel bad for you.

[cjre1]

No recall or TSB on this at all. I will keep researching. Thanks for the info. There were 3445 cars built on 3/08 in three different plants. So I am now wondering what plant had the steering rack that is suspect?

[SteveTheTech]

zer...eased

And then there was TSB!!!

[cjre1]

Thanks.

[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

Well Here's the update. I put my new Steering Rack through the test this afternoon, and I can say the issue (at least for now) is GONE. I actually TRIED to reproduce it by going back to the top floor (6th) of the garage, and drove back down, trying to reproduce it . Before it happened on every turn, now, not at all. It could be psyochological, but the ride and handeling seem better as well. I will not claim that as a fact, but the issue I experienced is definatly corrected.

[fleiscd]

So I called my "new" Dealer as soon as I saw your message Steve (and a BIG THANK YOU). The Service Department said they couldn't find any record of a TSB (I gave them the TSB Number from your post). I gave them the Part Number and the said they'd look into it and call me back. I received a call from them about 5 hours later telling me they are having trouble ordering the part and the Parts Manager went home for the day. They said they'd speak to him in the morning and call me back today (Thursday 6/11). Well...nobody bothered to call me today to update me on the status of my inquiry.

They know I've been waiting for the fix and they also know about all the problems I've had with my previous dealer (when I brought my car in to them for service they asked why I was driving 40 minutes to get to their dealership when George Harte Infiniti [the dealer I had all the problems with] was only 5 minutes from my house). I'm not looking for special treatment, I just want my car fixed.

Honestly, am I doing something wrong? I AM NOT being a jerk when I call them. I'm being nice, polite, friendly...I'm not calling up like an angry guy (which I totally am, rightful so, at this point).

Do I need a secret decoder ring? Is there a password I need or a secret handshake? I CANNOT UNDERSTAND why I am having so many problems. It's unreal to me.

Steve, can you suggest any other courses of action? ANY info would be really helpful at this point.

[SteveTheTech]

I ran into the same exact issue with someone I know from work. This particular car has had three racks and a myriad of other parts thrown at it and then it ended up in my lap. The very nice gentleman who owns this car has been patiently waiting for this fix as well for his M35x. Five minutes before posting that thread I emailed him to let him know and he had an appointment for the next day to get this done. After ordering the part I was informed that the order was canceled by Infinitis inadequate parts distribution system. That is the weakest link in our entire operation, they incur extreme amounts of unneeded paperwork and shipping charges and their infrastructural failures are holding this company back. That is a rant for another thread though, and Gabe (Poyzinous) can attest to that.

~Dan- I'm with you buddy, really though there is nothing we can do to make it happen any faster. Despite the amount of time it has taken for this to come out their supply was not ready for the demand I guess, or somehow they are not able to ship us the part and I personally find that unacceptable. I was really hoping this would be limited to my Parts Distribution Center but alas the fail is everywhere. Keep your spirits up, early reports are positive about this and it should provide final closure to this issue. I re read your above posts, although I really do agree with your position I was just worried that others might see this at some point and take it the wrong way. You have received poor service and there is no excuse for that. It is actions like that that continue to tarnish what is otherwise a great product. In my experiences here there is a balance of Infiniti dealers throughout the US and Canada that provide the type of service you would expect as an Infiniti customer and then there are those who treat you the same as someone who bought a 10k Versa, there is an expectant level of service associated with any highline marque and at some points Infiniti shows their weaknesses in amazing ways. Take my word as a car guy, Infiniti's products usually make up for flawed customer service and the future models will be even better.

~Gabe- It is very nice to see you branching out, I really feel that you can work some magic over here to, you have done some very good things with the G boards.

~Ron- That is great news. Soon everyone will have this and the saga of the steering vibration thread will come to an end. Oh happy times.

[fleiscd]

Thank you Steve, as always, for your quick reply and calming influence. If everybody who worked at Infiniti cared as much as you do I wouldn't be having these problems.

I'll be happy when I don't have to think about this issue anymore. Hopefully before the end of 2009 that'll actually happen, lol.

Connecticut is a pretty small state. Pretty soon I'm going to run out of Infiniti Dealership to go to (or maybe they've all already "black listed", lol).

I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow and hope for the best, wish me luck.

[markmadsen]

Good news.

Infiniti installed a new rack yesterday and the problem appears to be resolved.

Thanks for your help Steve.

[SteveTheTech]

Thank you Steve, as always, for your quick reply and calming influence. If everybody who worked at Infiniti cared as much as you do I wouldn't be having these problems.

I'll be happy when I don't have to think about this issue anymore. Hopefully before the end of 2009 that'll actually happen, lol.

Connecticut is a pretty small state. Pretty soon I'm going to run out of Infiniti Dealership to go to (or maybe they've all already "black listed", lol).

I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow and hope for the best, wish me luck.

Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm glad I could help. I really believe in these cars and try to defend the product (not necessarily, as I am very hard on dealers and poor service). Many new models have initial issues, it's the nature of the product, fortunately in these cars the primary complaints are noises. I am thinking back to the Ford Focus that would loose a wheel bearing at highway speed, I understand that is not at all the same type of vehicle but I hope you see where I am going with that.

Once you get all of the issues resolved you can begin to enjoy your EX and hopefully you will not have to return to the dealer for issues for a long while. There are always going to be horror stories that stick out from everywhere, I am assuming that the competitors all have their issues or employees that completely ruin a consumers experience.

It is a basic part of business that many people do not think about when they walk into work that day. Some people will always see their employment solely as a job and completely lack any passion, they do not understand their bad day or general lack of competence will have significant ripple effects.

Good news.

Infiniti installed a new rack yesterday and the problem appears to be resolved.

Thanks for your help Steve.

That is great to hear. I am really glad that Infiniti kept their word and had the part and a TSB out by summer. Considering the range of this TSB (06-09M35x and almost all AWD EX35s) I think that is pretty quick turnaround. Now they have proved they can get it done they need to improve the how aspect. Currently there is no way for us to raise an issue for further investigation (this is a prime example, as is the 40mph virbration). I will keep you all posted on how that turns out.

[KJ911TT]

I've owned a bunch of cars including various sports cars and my EX35 has had more "annoying" problems than any other car I've owned.

I've had other cars which had bigger problem s, but not a car with so much little annoying stuff. I feel like I bought an EX35 Beta.

At least the problems are mostly resolved now.

- KJ

[cjre1]

I rather have a lot of little annoying things, versus a large issue or issues.

BTW: If you take your car into the dealer have them fix all the things that are annoying you like they did mine.

I had a list of 12 items that bugged me and now they are all fixed, plus some.

I think my service dealer is one of the best, Thanks to GOD!!!

[fleiscd]

I had the rack replaced a few days ago and so far so good (knock on wood).

The steering in my EX is NIGHT AND DAY different. The steering wheel feels, "heavy" now when I turn. It feels more like the steering in the G35, which is nice.

The steering in my EX before the rack was replaced was "soft". I'd noted this in other posts. Now when I steer I can feel resistance and firmness when I go around turns. Pre-rack replacement turning the wheel to go around a corner could be done with one finger, now I have to grip the wheel with my hand. I'm not saying it's bad...just saying the difference from pre-rack replacement to post is amazing.

It's like the difference between swinging a baseball bat on land vs swinging one under-water. You can still do it, but you feel the resistance as you swing (ok, crappy analogy...but I hope that gives you a sense of what I'm trying to convey).

Has anybody elsed notice this difference?

[cjre1]

Thanks for the update big time. The dealer has decided not to replace mine, since my car doesnt fit the vin# range. He did say that if I had any issues with it, he would order the part and change it for me, but the cars that are suspect are the AWD's, not the RWD's.

My vibration was fixed with the ECM and TCM reflashing. I am like the only hear that actually had this flash??? other had the part replaced. Doesn't make sense......

Much more to come.
Modified by cjre1 at 11:57 AM 6/22/2009

[cjre1]

CA and my service dealer called me back this morning about the steering rack.

Here are the facts:

They both stated that the only cars that are affected are the AWD. RWD's have a different type of rack system.

RWD: Will feel like you are floating on air when you turn or drive.

For the AWD's, with the new rack installed, the steering will be tighter/harder/stiffer.

[EX35_bernard]

I rather have a lot of little annoying things, versus a large issue or issues.

BTW: If you take your car into the dealer have them fix all the things that are annoying you like they did mine.

I had a list of 12 items that bugged me and now they are all fixed, plus some.

I think my service dealer is one of the best, Thanks to GOD!!!

KJ did you get all your stuff resolved at our dealership? Still haven't done mine, but planning to get steering done this weekend for 12K maintenance. Haven't noticed if I need fuel pump though as I hear nothing...

[EX35_bernard]

Went to service today, while waiting the lead tech guy came to one of the service reps and overheard our conversation and said he knew about this problem. He also mentioned that an alignment is included. I was relieved in case the problem didnt show up while a service guy was with me.

Long story short it only happened 1 out of maybe 10 right turns we did. I mentioned to the service guy that the lead tech knew about it. So now my part is on order.

[EX35_bernard]

Part came in today, exactly 2 weeks. Wont be able to get it done though till next week. Will update and see how it is.

[mcube3]

Part came in today, exactly 2 weeks. Wont be able to get it done though till next week. Will update and see how it is.

Which dealership did you take yours to? The one at Dixie and 401? Did they mentioned that's a 4 wheel alignment included or just the front?

I am in Markham and took mine to Alta Infiniti. They said a 4 wheel alignment is needed but they only cover the front. They want me to pay for the rear which is $99 + tax.

[EX35_bernard]

Which dealership did you take yours to? The one at Dixie and 401? Did they mentioned that's a 4 wheel alignment included or just the front?

I am in Markham and took mine to Alta Infiniti. They said a 4 wheel alignment is needed but they only cover the front. They want me to pay for the rear which is $99 + tax.

I went to Woodchester Infiniti here in Oakville (closer to my work). Got it done today, got a G37X sedan as a loaner although after 4-5 hours it was done so I returned to pick up my car.

They did an alignment too with no charge to me. Havn't felt the vibration since but don;t notice the heavier steering some have reported after getting it done. Although after driving the G (heavier steering, I think) I might have gotten used to it already.

My wife doesnt know about it being done so I'll let her drive it tomorrow and see if she notices the heavier steering (if any).

Overall I'm happy with this dealer and after my free oil changes at Markham I'm sticking with this one.

[KJ911TT]

KJ did you get all your stuff resolved at our dealership? Still haven't done mine, but planning to get steering done this weekend for 12K maintenance. Haven't noticed if I need fuel pump though as I hear nothing...

Mine went from doing it almost all the time, to only doing it on rare occasions.

I'm ok with it only once in a while. It's kind of like a nice surprise now to remind me of the old days! LOL

- KJ

[ClayCalgary]

I had the rack replaced a few days ago and so far so good (knock on wood).

The steering in my EX is NIGHT AND DAY different. The steering wheel feels, "heavy" now when I turn. It feels more like the steering in the G35, which is nice.

Has anybody elsed notice this difference?

The dealer has just changed mine today. they yanked a new steering rack from a 2009 model fresh from the boat.

I notice the heavy steering difference too which is a welcome change for sure. My steering used to shake and hard to control over slight bumps especially over 80KM/h. Now if only the tire noise would go away it would be perfect.

[stanco4]

Yes, I have had this problem since day 1 and I am not in Canada. The tech can never hear it when I bring it in for service. The loaner EX35 I had did not do it and another family members EX35 doesn't do it. The service advisor said it something in the AWD but why does it not happen on left hand turns? Does everyone who have this problem have the LDS?

[aucerumo]

Hello all. I have 05 Murano. its a front wheel drive. i have this issue that is similar to ex 35. when i make a right slow turn my car does this sharp vibration thing. it also does vibrating the whole car when i let the car stay in Park, turn the wheel all the way to the right then turn it left abit and turn it back to the right. it seems to me when i kinda jerk the steering to the right it would vibrated the whole car. nothing happpend when i turn to the left. power steering rack was replaced. power steering pump was replaced.

[jayinfiniti08]

Does anyone notice a strange vibration when turning right at low speeds?

It's not wheel/tire balance related as the car drives 100% smooth otherwise.

The problem isn't always there, but it happens quite often.

While turning right, I'll feel a vibration in the car and especially in the steering wheel while turning right. It seems to be at its worst when the car is cold and has been sitting for a while.

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks,
KJ


I have the same problem with my '08 g35 I've taken it to 3 different infiniti dealerships and they all say to wait until the condition gets worse I was lucky enough to have them hear the sound when the car was warm but they want to here it constantly. I wanted to know will it get so bad that I will hear and feel it every time I make a right turn when the engine is fully warm?

[AWGD8]

There is a TSB for steering rack... I think the whole steering rack assembly. I had mine replaced 2 years ago. This will fix the vibration on the front suspension while turning right on low speed. It is worse when going down the parking structure.

[jayinfiniti08]

The dealerships I've been to tell me the problem can not be trace. I told them about other people with the same problem that I am experiencing but they say they don't want to throw parts at my car until the are fully sure it will solve the problem. I have also contacted consumer affairs and they also say to wait until it gets worse. I don't understand why I am the only one with this problem in my area. I am at a lost right now...

[TipsyPeanut]

This concern that everyone has a complaint about now has a TSB. It refers to the Electronic Coupling Assembly. If anyone would like to reference it when they take it to the Dealership that TSB number is NTB10-029c. A lot of people are stating that the Dealership claims they cannot trace the problem or they do not know what it is because in fact the dealership technicians do not want to preform the repairs. If you reference this TSB then they basically have to fix it.