So I replaced my muffler around march time and just after that I start to hear a thudding sound (which sounds like its coming from the back in the muffler, the gaskets where welded on to connect the mufflers) I get it checked out (not by the guy that installed it, but firestone) and they didn't find anything but also told me that my rack and pinion is leaking on the left side. I bring it to another shop and the rack is dry and they also told me that my front drive shaft "U joint" is starting to go and he said that would explain the thudding sound. But I only hear the thudding sound when I am completely stopped instead of turning, all I do is move up a little bit and sometimes it goes away. Could this really be the front drive shaft still?
Also, I am going to have to replace:
Valve covers (both shops confirmed)
Front cooling fan chip and assembly (its on all the time I think the chip is shot)
Front Drive Shaft
Possibly struts and trying to avoid suspension
Was just wondering how much all this would cost me each the parts and labor to replace, I am just about hitting 160k miles is there anything else I should be on the look out for?
Also, should I worry about my rack and pinion since I just changed it out about 2 years ago I know state inspection is crazy picky about it
Thudding sound and more fixes
Re: Thudding sound and more fixes
Doesn't it suck, that you have to go to 3 shops to get an average mostly-honest diagnosis of the symptoms?
Firestone seems to like "leaky steering racks"
Midas seemed to like "a hole in the flex pipe"
... I hated emissions and safety testing time.
If you can, go to an Infiniti shop. In my experience (based on taking too many cars to one particular dealership over the past year) is that they are pretty fair about the things they diagnose (electronics can be questionable), although their labor rates and parts quotes might be through the roof.
Secondly, they will address the fan module if your VIN falls under the recall. It would be free. If not, you can still buy it reasonably cheap online.
Just call them with VIN handy and ask if your car qualifies for the recalls (airbag, gas pedal, fan module) and how much they would charge for a diagnosis. It might be a little steep, but it pays for itself pretty fast. When you get the printout, you don't have to fix it there. You canshare what you see with us andthen maybe we can be in a better position to advise you.
Otherwise, the default "normal maintenance stuff" to me is what your manual recommends at a certain mileage. "Repair and replace stuff" falls into a different category and varies. I'll let others chime in on their experiences.
Firestone seems to like "leaky steering racks"
Midas seemed to like "a hole in the flex pipe"
... I hated emissions and safety testing time.
If you can, go to an Infiniti shop. In my experience (based on taking too many cars to one particular dealership over the past year) is that they are pretty fair about the things they diagnose (electronics can be questionable), although their labor rates and parts quotes might be through the roof.
Secondly, they will address the fan module if your VIN falls under the recall. It would be free. If not, you can still buy it reasonably cheap online.
Just call them with VIN handy and ask if your car qualifies for the recalls (airbag, gas pedal, fan module) and how much they would charge for a diagnosis. It might be a little steep, but it pays for itself pretty fast. When you get the printout, you don't have to fix it there. You canshare what you see with us andthen maybe we can be in a better position to advise you.
Otherwise, the default "normal maintenance stuff" to me is what your manual recommends at a certain mileage. "Repair and replace stuff" falls into a different category and varies. I'll let others chime in on their experiences.
Re: Thudding sound and more fixes
mac , EbBwoy IS one of the experts here , my 2 cents on the rack is IF still questionable- get power steering fluid changed with exact Factory fill requirement , on that note. Carry on. And if you find 2kmi later ya got a drippety leak that sealer in a blue can can be added by drawing out a few ounces w/turkey baster to add sealer conditioner - it worked well in a buddy's m45 , sorry I forget the name -Blue is they're trademarking.
Re: Thudding sound and more fixes
Turns out I called the Infiniti Dealership where I'm close by too, and they said my car had the late extended warranty until 2013 before I bought the car and had never replaced it. So I guess im buying the module and probably the fan as well, do I need anything else with this set up? I might be changing the radiator hoses too.
I got another opinion from a shop about the drive shaft, he said its lightly worn. But like I said I only hear a thudding sound when I am dead stop at a stop light. I dont know what it could be, has there been an issue with anyones muffler being replaced and this happening?
I got another opinion from a shop about the drive shaft, he said its lightly worn. But like I said I only hear a thudding sound when I am dead stop at a stop light. I dont know what it could be, has there been an issue with anyones muffler being replaced and this happening?