Steering Vibration

[rontek]

Yes, I most notice it when I am going out of parking garages and circleing down the ramp. (Turning Right). I never noticed it coming in, and now I feel a little better that I am not the only one that noticed this unusual experience.

Ron

[rontek]

If its the AWD system, then why only when turning right?

[AWGD8]

I`m 100% sure, some of you experience a different vibration than others.

You guys mixed the vibration issue with the other Vibration issue.

I know it, bec. I experienced both.

1st Vibration Issue:

As I go down in circle in a 5 story parking structure (turning my wheel to the right). It fells something is dragging right on the front wheel. Mostly I could hear it or feel it coming from the left front wheel.

2nd Vibration Issue:Accelarating after or during turn. This is a lot noticeable, since you could hear it very well. like a sound of an ABS pumping the brake on a slippery snow covered road.

2nd Vibration seems to be a stability control working, bec. this is the same sound my 08 RAV4 V6 sounded when the VSC is working, except my Rav4 has a light that tells you the system is currently working or applying it.

[fleiscd]

I had the exact same problem, only during right turns at low speeds (like when I'm in a parking lot).

I was able to reproduce the problem with a service guy from my dealership in the car. They ordered a part (which took 2 weeks to come in, I believe they called it a "housing"...I don't have the invoice in-front of me but if people want more specifics let me know) and I had it replaced yesterday. Since then I haven't heard the noise/felt it.

I'm in the USA, Connecticut. I have a EX35 Journey with 17" tires.

[dividedhighw]

Awesome - yes, please post any details found on your service invoice! Even if this doesn't solve the issue for everyone, it's useful to know that it could address this symptom in some situations.

Cheers,David

[kamiguy]

Spoke to my dealer today and he mentioned that with the onset of cooler weather here in this part of Canada, and elsewhere too, obviously, there have been a number of calls about this matter. They say it's in the power steering cooling system. There is a fix in the works and at first it was thought it was in the power steering housing but that was not the case. He explained it as similar to a water hammer in your water pipes at home. Are the warm weather dwellers getting this vibration too?

[KJ911TT]

Spoke to my dealer today and he mentioned that with the onset of cooler weather here in this part of Canada, and elsewhere too, obviously, there have been a number of calls about this matter. They say it's in the power steering cooling system. There is a fix in the works and at first it was thought it was in the power steering housing but that was not the case. He explained it as similar to a water hammer in your water pipes at home. Are the warm weather dwellers getting this vibration too?

Power steering problem seems quite likely. When I picked up the car, it was about 20deg. C weather and I still experienced it. That being said, it has seemed to get worse as the weather got colder.

I think you might be onto something!

- KJ

[fleiscd]

Here's the info:

Internal Noise in P/S RackReplaced Power Steering Rack & Pinion Assy

Misc-Steering System - K0001

Parts:Gear & Linkage-Power-49001-1BA1APower Steering Fluid-999MP-AG000P

ExpensesV0R/CSC Handling-600

[kamiguy]

Thanks for the info. Keep us posted if it's gone away for good?? Hope it has

[nemo1]

Hello all. I own a 2008 M35x (AWD) and have experienced the same problem. Kind of a grind/moan/vibration when making slow right turns. No consistency other than it only makes it on right turns or in reverse but only to the right.

I have had the car in at least 8 times since 3/08. the lastest diagnosis from Infiniti Tech support is that this is a normal noise/feeling resulting from the power assist operating to bring the car back to center. This makes no sense to me since the noise happens during the turn and not necessarily coming out of the turn. I have found many M35 owners who do not have the same problem

The regional Infiniti rep is supposed to look into this problem and resolve it for me today. For the price paid for an Infiniti, the cars should not do this. the creak on my car is very loud and noticeable if standing next to the car.\

will keep you posted.

[dividedhighw]

Thanks, nemo1 ... lookin' forward to your report.

Cheers,David

[nemo1]

No further information was provided today. Will keep you posted.

[KJ911TT]

My dealer thinks the sound is coming from the power steering rack. They called "Techline" and ordered a new rack.

It is on back order, but when it comes in, they will replace it for me.

If that fixes it, they said that they may issue a TSB.

- KJ

[nemo1]

Just curious if that fixed the problem. My m35x is back in today for the same problem. Techline has indicated that they have opened an investigation (whatever that means) but they have no suggested fix nor can they identify what the problem is.

I hope to speak with the Infinity Regional Rep tomorrow.

[Brgro11]

Thanks for the info. I am barely a week into owning an EX35 AWD when I can feel this vibration noise when turning to the right. It wasn't there the first day. It is a shuddering noise almost like the one you hear when passing over strips on the road when approaching a toll booth. It is only hapenning when wheels are turned to the right (forward or reverse) and is only coming from the left front wheel. I hear it more during wet weather. It is very annoying and I think as I mentioned it is getting worse and I can feel the vibration at times when driving straight down the road as well. It makes the ride very uncomfortable and bumpy. I am planning to report it to the dealership tomorrow, but upon casual inquiry Friday, was told about this complicated AWD system and how normal this vibration is, but I don't buy it. I have had other AWDs and none made this kind of annoying noise. I also have a collegue with an EX35 AWD and he is not aware of this noise. I have only 350 miles on the car and hate the idea of leaving it in the shop this early. Needless to say I am very disappointed with Infiniti not to address this issue in an expedited manner given there are so many complaints about this. Please keep us posted about the progress with your car since I have this feeling that I would end up having a 'cannot duplicate' or 'normal operating condition' diagnosis for the car tomorrow.

[dividedhighw]

Welcome to NICO, Brgro11!

We have a very active and vocal membership here so rest assured you're connected to the resource most likely to have fast and accurate information on virtually any EX-related issue! Meanwhile, if you get any info on this problem yourself, it would be much-appreciated if you could post for the rest of us!!

Cheers,David

[Newbie88]

My dealer thinks the sound is coming from the power steering rack. They called "Techline" and ordered a new rack.

It is on back order, but when it comes in, they will replace it for me.

If that fixes it, they said that they may issue a TSB.

- KJ

Just brought my car in for the same issue and got exactly the same response. They also mentioned that a tsb or notification was released.

[KJ911TT]

My car is at the dealer today to have the new steering rack installed.

Also, they got someone from Infiniti Canada to come and record the sound for analysis.

The dealer lent me another EX35 but the loaner does NOT have the same steering vibration and the steering wheel feels noticeably heavier as well (I found my EX's steering to be REALLY light compared to every other car I've owned).

I think the light steering and steering vibration are related.

Anyway, I hope the dealer can solve this problem and I will keep you guys posted when I get my car back later today.

- KJ

[KJ911TT]

The dealer replaced the Rack & Pinion Steering Gear and Assembly.

The problem is gone now. Mystery solved!

- KJ

[dividedhighw]

Thanks so much for the update, KJ, and Merry Christmas!!

Cheers,David

[fleiscd]

I'm having the same problem again.

I had the "Power Steering Rack & Pinion Assy" replaced about a month ago and the problem is back. It was ok for a few weeks, but it's back now.

I made an appt with my dealer and we'll see what comes of it.

[fleiscd]

So I just got back from my dealership. I couldn't reproduce the noise so they said there is nothing they can do. My dealership sucks.

Anybody have any suggestions on what to do next?

[yellowsun75]

I just had my very first maintenance service at the dealer that I purchased my EX35 AWD from.

I also had the same vibration problem when I turn to right at low speed, and after reading all the helpful information on this forum, I mentioned it to the service rep and asked him to see if it really is due to PS rack and pinion assy.

.....well, hours later, I got a call from him saying he could not reproduce the noice, but had talked to techline. He said this issue is already known within techline, but no repair instruction or suggestion has been officially made; therefore, they CANNOT fix it for me!!!

They asked me to periodically contact them to see if the repair instruction has been issued officially!!!

What? That means I just need to live with this strong noise until further notice?? They said since it's not an official replacement notice, they cannot simply change the PS rack and pinion assy like others did!!!

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

[KJ911TT]

I just had my very first maintenance service at the dealer that I purchased my EX35 AWD from.

I also had the same vibration problem when I turn to right at low speed, and after reading all the helpful information on this forum, I mentioned it to the service rep and asked him to see if it really is due to PS rack and pinion assy.

.....well, hours later, I got a call from him saying he could not reproduce the noice, but had talked to techline. He said this issue is already known within techline, but no repair instruction or suggestion has been officially made; therefore, they CANNOT fix it for me!!!

They asked me to periodically contact them to see if the repair instruction has been issued officially!!!

What? That means I just need to live with this strong noise until further notice?? They said since it's not an official replacement notice, they cannot simply change the PS rack and pinion assy like others did!!!

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

I took the tech for a ride and reproduced it multiple times for him. The first the it happened, he acknowledged it right away and then Infiniti fixed it.

Maybe you need to offer them a ride with you and get them to admit it while it's happening so they can't turn a blind eye?

- KJ

[ksp205]

An update -- I had my car taken in. The dealer installed a new steering rack. Problem solved.

[fleiscd]

I had mine replaced too and within a few weeks the noise was back.

I hope you have better results.

[EX35_bernard]

The dealer lent me another EX35 but the loaner does NOT have the same steering vibration and the steering wheel feels noticeably heavier as well (I found my EX's steering to be REALLY light compared to every other car I've owned).

I think the light steering and steering vibration are related.

- KJ

Glad to hear your progress on this KJ.So is the steering feel heavier now that they fixed the vibration?

[yellowsun75]

I took the tech for a ride and reproduced it multiple times for him. The first the it happened, he acknowledged it right away and then Infiniti fixed it.

Maybe you need to offer them a ride with you and get them to admit it while it's happening so they can't turn a blind eye?

- KJ

Well, although I didn't get the chance to reproduce, they already acknowledged that TechLine is aware of this problem. However, they're still working on the solutions, and unless they provide the official repair instruction, my dealer won't fix it!!!

[KJ911TT]

Glad to hear your progress on this KJ.So is the steering feel heavier now that they fixed the vibration?

Yes, the steering feels heavier, but still not as heavy as the loaner EX I had!

- KJ

[SHB001]

Is it possible that this vibration issue's been fixed in later production EXs? Mine's been manufactured in 02/08, AWD Journey and I felt this shuddering once and from then on it is mildly beginning to exhibit this symptom after almost one month and 1k miles. I know of another one, manufactured also in Feb. 08 that constantly does it and is very noticeable. Anyone with more recent manufacturing dates with this issue?