steering wheel shimmy (2006 Infiniti M35)

[jonroq]

2006 M35 - bought used, Nov 2006six months ago had the dealer remediate a shimmy problem encountered while embarking on a 3000 mie trip. Since I couldn't cancel or delay the trip, I had to drive at 60mph or less for the entire trip. After returning, the dealer "fixed' the problem".... Actually, the problem was diminished to a point that I felt it was tolerable, so left it alone. Haven't driven the car over 40-50 mph since. (until) Two weeks ago, I left for Texas and there was a slight tremor at 60, but very little at 65-80, so things went well. Coming home ( Now in Kansas and 2500 miles later), the tremor in the steering wheel is getting untolerable and I'm getting very anxious about continuing at a decent pace again.. I don't know how many of you could drive at or less but it's pretty embarrasing and damned boring, not to mention the encountered stabs by other drivers at "getting you out of the way". I'm really fed up with this "luxury car".... Any suggestions?
Modified by jonroq at 8:15 PM 5/25/2007

[AZhitman]

hi Jon!

I'd say your FIRST order of business is to pester the CRAP out of the dealer (or go to a different one) until the issue is resolved.

I'd also get an opinion from a reputable tire shop.

It's likely (in order of likelihood):

1) Bad tire2) Bad balance3) Bent rim4) Brake rotor warped5) Improperly torqued lugs

[jonroq]

.... thanks for the direction, but there's not much I can do 1400 miles from home...

[lswaidz]

Try to find a nationally accredited repair shop (Car-X, NTB, etc...) and have them look at it. Most of those shops can diagnose problems in less than an hour and their pricing and very competitive. Good luck.

[Q45tech]

200 Infiniti dealers nationwide are happy to take your money for services rendered.

Tires, wheels, brakes are wear items and thus subject to constant owner paid maintenance.

[Popsickle]

I have the same problem on my '06 M45 sport, discount tire and an infiniti dealership said its a broken belt inside the tire. Thank God I sold my boat w/a profit (almost cut my right leg off with it grr) so I'm getting new rotors, brake pads, rims, tires and exhaust. This better fix the problem since I'm having Crest Infiniti install everything (ask for Mat, great service department. North Texas area). I hope this helps. D.

[jonroq]

Ahh, Finally got back on the Internet.... About a week ago, I went to Jim Miller Nissan in Cedar Rapids, IA... Great place and Service with a smile. I'd lost a weight on the left front, probably due to the 'corn field' roads in Houston, TX. They have a GSP9700 balancer and the car rides like it's on a cloud, now. Smooth sailing again..... Big smile here!!!!

[szh]

Excellent!!! A large percentage of the time with vibration - even when braking - the cause is a tire problem of some sort. Usually balance, unless it is old and/or some internal belt has broken (which usually means that it can't hold a good balance for more than 1k or 2k miles).

Z