Thanks to this Forum

[JReask]

I purchased a used 2002 QX4 about one month ago and wasn't really sure of the reliability when I was investigating it. After reading mostly this forum, I decided to purchase it. With 101K on it and in extremely good condition inside and out I thought $9000 was a good purchase price. Of course the running boards are in bad shape but that's the only thing I could find in poor shape. After reading this forum, the power valve screws had me worried and with the help of the write up here, I was able to check and loctite the screws in. There were two screws that were movable with my fingers, the remainder were tight. Of course, I changed the plugs while I was in there. NGK Platinum. The old plugs were never changed and looked amazingly good for 100K miles. I am getting ready to change the fuel filter using the write up on here as a guide. I will drain and fill the differentials in the fall to get ready for winter. One question I have is whether we should drive our vehicles in 4x4 to keep them lubricated? The 4Runners I have owned are supposed to be driven about ten miles a month in 4 wheel drive to keep the system lubed. Anyway, thanks to all here for the advice and write ups, I couldn't have begun to tackle the power valve screws without some direction.

JR

[Ozzie]

That's the awesome thing about Nico.
There is so much info here, that if you have the patience to search and read, you can find out just about anything, about any Nissan or Infiniti (or Datsun).

I have no experience with the QX4, but it couldn't hurt to follow the same regime as you did with your previous 4runner, and give it a run in 4WD every now and then.

How are you liking the car so far?

[JReask]

To tell you the truth, I used to love the 1998-2002 4Runners. They are so darn reliable and the resale is outrageous. My wife never really cared for the 4Runner ride though as they do sway a little at highway speeds. She loves the QX4 because it really steers tight and provides a super comfortable ride in the front seats. She is the biggest reason we decided on the Infiniti. She is very happy with it.
I am just hoping that the reliability is there like the Toyotas. The QX was a two owner vehicle. The first owner was a corporation that leased the car. The second owner was local and went to the Chicago area to get the truck because it was certified by Infiniti. CPO means something I guess. I have the maintenance records all the way back to the original pre delivery inspection. Nothing major has been replaced. A couple of O2 sensors, the front struts, the seat motor, all under warranty. There were also a couple of TSB's done regarding the steering wheel squeal and perhaps the blower motor. It seems to have been well taken care of.

[Towncivilian]

Steering wheel squeal? My PF's wheel squeals at certain points when turning. It's definitely the steering wheel and not anything else. Do you know the TSB #?

[JReask]

Steering wheel squeal? My PF's wheel squeals at certain points when turning. It's definitely the steering wheel and not anything else. Do you know the TSB #?

Here is what the paperwork says from 2007.
Service bulletin ITB03-005 RPL steering column assy.
48805-4w915, qa1611, zl,32, (1)

I hope this helps you.


JR

[Towncivilian]

I'm having difficulty finding the equivalent for the PF - I did find:

NHTSA Reference
#10001015
TSB Reference
#03007

But I can't find a PDF or anything of the actual TSB. Can anybody find it?

[JReask]

http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b137418/

Could this be it?

2002 Infiniti Qx4 Steering Service Bulletin 137418

[Towncivilian]

Well, that applies to QX4 (I have a Pathfinder) + there's no attached PDF or anything actually detailing any specifics about the TSB.

[JReask]

2001 Nissan Pathfinder Steering Service Bulletin 137398

NHTSA: Action Number: 10001015 Service Bulletin Number: 137398

* Report Date:
Jan 22, 2003
* Component:
Steering
*

Summary: Rubbing/wheezing noise from steering column when turning. *tt



http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b137398/

[JReask]

2002 Nissan Pathfinder Steering Service Bulletin 137399

NHTSA: Action Number: 10001015 Service Bulletin Number: 137399

* Report Date:
Jan 22, 2003
* Component:
Steering
*

Summary: Rubbing/wheezing noise from steering column when turning. *tt


http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b137399/

[asnorton44]

2002 Infiniti Truck QX4 V6-3.5L (VQ35DE)
Vehicle: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering Column - Rubbing/Wheezing Noise on Turns
classification:
ST02-002
Reference:
ITB03-005
Date:
January 22, 2003
NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING
APPLIED VEHICLE:
2001-02 QX4 (JR50)
APPLIED VIN:
2WD vehicles built before JNRDR09X*2W213026
4WD vehicles built before JNRDR09Y*2W261170
APPLIED DATE:
Vehicles built on or before March 25, 2002
IF YOU CONFIRM
An applied vehicle has a squeak, rubbing, or "wheezing" noise coming from the steering column when turning the steering wheel.
NOTE:
This incident may sound like its coming from the spiral cable. However, it is most likely caused by the rubber coupling collar in the steering column
assembly.
ACTION
Replace the steering column assembly with the one specified in the Parts Information section of this bulletin. Refer to the "ST" section of the applicable
Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for the steering column removal and installation instructions.
IMPORTANT:
^ Carefully follow all ESM procedures, notes, and cautions when removing and installing the Steering Column assembly.
^ When installing the Steering Column Assembly onto the Steering Shaft (see Figure 1a), move (tilt) the column assembly up and down firmly
(several times) to help fully engage the end of the Steering Column onto the Steering Shaft.
^ When tightening Bolt "A" (see Figure 1a), make sure the steering column is tilted and locked between the "Neutral" (middle) and "Bottom
(Lower)" position (see Figure lb below).
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line claim using the claims coding table shown.

Steering Column Assembly PART 48805-4W915

TSBs
2002 Infiniti Truck QX4 V6-3.5L (VQ35DE)
Technical Service Bulletins
All Technical Service Bulletins:
Number Date Name
99-037K Oct 07 Electrical - Battery Testing Equipment/Procedures
00-024E Aug 07 Brakes - Judder/Noise/Pedal Feel Diagnostics/Repair
00-005D May 07 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Information
03-051A Apr 07 Lighting - Exterior Lamp Fogging Information
03-012A Feb 07 M/T - Required Oil for Warranty Repairs
99-043B Dec 06 Paint - Swelling/Discoloration Under Paint Guard Film
99-014C Nov 06 Vehicle - Flat Towing Guidelines/Precautions
06-023 Nov 06 Engine - MIL ON/Variable Valve Timing DTC's Set
06-022 Nov 06 Wheels - Chrome Wheel Handling When Mounting Tires
99-036C Mar 06 Starting/Charging System - Test Procedures/Tester
04-001C Feb 06 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Replacement Parts
05-042 Oct 05 Engine Controls - Idle Speed 25 RPM Too High
05-008 Feb 05 Interior - Rubber Floormat Installation Precaution
05-003 Jan 05 Body - Paint Staining Due to 'Tire Dressing'
01-077A Oct 04 Paint - Removal Of Enviornmental Iron Particles
01-033A Oct 04 Restraints - Seat Belts Slow to Retract
04-036 Sep 04 Exhaust System - Leaks/Noise From Front Exhaust Tubes
04-038 Aug 04 Brakes - On-Car Brake Rotor Resurfacing
04-029 Jun 04 4WD System - 4WD Warning Lamp ON Intermittently
04-025 May 04 Body - Window Regulator/Motor Service
00-038C Apr 04 Engine Controls - ECM Replacement Procedures
03-062A Mar 04 Engine/Transmission - Precautions During Replacement
04-007 Feb 04 Cooling System - Leaks/Overheating
03-061A Oct 03 Brakes - Front Brake Judder
99-016B Aug 03 Interior - Seat Belt Latch Plate Retaining Button Gone
03-038A Jun 03 A/C - Blower Only Works on High Speed
03-036 May 03 Cruise Control - Maintenance Tips
03-029 May 03 Drivetrain - Transfer Case Oil Leak
01-033A Apr 03 Entertainment System - Introduction/System Diagnostics
03-008 Feb 03 Body - Roof Rack Whistle Noise
03-009 Feb 03 Engine Controls - MIL ON/O2 Sensor DTC's Set
03-005 Jan 03 Steering Column - Rubbing/Wheezing Noise on Turns
96-008A Jan 03 Engine - Cold Weather Starting Procedures
99-046C Nov 02 Antitheft System - IVIS/NATS Key Registration Procedure
02-020 Apr 02 Radio - Rhythmic RPM Sensitive Noise
02-023 Apr 02 Roof Console Temperature Display - Inaccurate
02-019 Apr 02 Tachometer - Needle on Wrong Side of Stop Pin
02-015 Mar 02 EVAP System - MIL ON/DTC P1491 Stored
02-007A Mar 02 Engine Coolant - Refill Procedure and Tool
02-011 Mar 02 Transfer Case - Clunk Noise Diagnostics
01-068 Nov 01 TCM - Reprogramming Procedure
01-049 Sep 01 Paint - 2002 Paint Codes
01-050 Aug 01 Navigation System - Multiple Malfunctions
01-013A Jul 01 Tools - New Consult-II Diagnostic Card
01-021 May 01 Headlight Connector - Replacement
01-016 Apr 01 Tools - Remote Keyless Entry Tester
01-012 Mar 01 Battery - Maintenance
01-003 Feb 01 Seat Belt - Slow Retraction
98-019A Sep 98 Engine Vacuum System - MIL ON Condition

[Towncivilian]

Thanks for that, but won't I need a PF TSB to show to the dealer (or can I just give them the TSB/NHTSA #?)? And since it's a TSB, not a recall, I'd have to pay to fix it, correct?

[Buzzman]

One question I have is whether we should drive our vehicles in 4x4 to keep them lubricated? The 4Runners I have owned are supposed to be driven about ten miles a month in 4 wheel drive to keep the system lubed.

Just a quick comment about running in 4 wheel hi or lo:
I suggest you don't do this on dry pavement.
It is my understanding that the front wheels are locked in those modes, so when you are cornering, the front wheels are trying to spin at slightly different speeds, which puts a strain on the system.
I'd wait and run 4WD in wet weather at least.
You can however, drive it in Auto mode whenever you like.
Hope that helps.