I took my Versa in for the 15K mileage service today and asked the dealer to check on a couple of noises. Most troubling was the slight thunk I was hearing on slow right turns, especially in parking lots. It was first thing this morning, so I decided to wait for the car.
Two hours later, they came back to me with a loaner. They were going to further track down the problem.
I just got a call back, and they have to replace the steering column! Crazy, but thankfully it's under warranty. Whew.
Is this a problem anyone else has experienced or just one of those fluke things?
Weird Repair
Re: Weird Repair (CopyChief)
Never heard of that happening... But i guess my repair was a little weird as well. They had to replace pretty much my whole front suspension. And there is still a problem.
Re: Weird Repair (CodeRed)
Ugh. That's not encouraging! Sorry to hear you've had such problems... and good to see you still like the car despite of the hassles. I'm hoping this is not the beginning of a string of new hassles with my car.
Ah well, at least I get to drive an Altima for a couple of days.
Ah well, at least I get to drive an Altima for a couple of days.
Re: (versa2nr)
I noticed this lately too (17,000 miles). Is this something that definately needs looked at or just a fix for an annoying sound?
Re: (faction)
I don't know if this was a potential safety issue or if it was just a "noise." I will ask once I talk to the dealership again, but I imagine since they're replacing such a considerable part it was, indeed, a bigger problem that just a little thunk.
I talked to them yesterday and they're still waiting for the part to come in. From what I've read on this board in the delays getting parts, I'm getting worried that I'll be in this Altima for a little while. I hope not. Honestly I know it's supposed to be a nicer car, but I don't like it all that much.
Anyway, if it were me and I had a car still under warranty (which, of course I do, thank heavens -- I can't imagine what it costs to have the steering column replaced) I'd get every little unexplainable creak checked out. Especially in something as critical as the steering. So call your dealer!
Faction and Versa2: If you can (and, I guess, if you want...) report back to this thread with whatever you find out at your dealer. It'll be interesting to see if these problems are related.
I talked to them yesterday and they're still waiting for the part to come in. From what I've read on this board in the delays getting parts, I'm getting worried that I'll be in this Altima for a little while. I hope not. Honestly I know it's supposed to be a nicer car, but I don't like it all that much.
Anyway, if it were me and I had a car still under warranty (which, of course I do, thank heavens -- I can't imagine what it costs to have the steering column replaced) I'd get every little unexplainable creak checked out. Especially in something as critical as the steering. So call your dealer!
Faction and Versa2: If you can (and, I guess, if you want...) report back to this thread with whatever you find out at your dealer. It'll be interesting to see if these problems are related.
Re: Weird Repair (CopyChief)
I got the car back late yesterday. It actually does drive much better, and the thunk has been eliminated. So if you're getting the right-turn thunking noise, it's worth having your dealer attach the "chassis ears" and track down the source of the noise.
I'm impressed with the service I received and that they found the source of the problem so quickly.
I did ask the service manager if this was a safety threat, and he didn't have a clear answer. Obviously there was something wrong, though. I'd hate to know how much this repair would have cost if it was out of warranty.
As I drove the car off the lot, I felt like it was new again. And even after driving the theoretically upgraded Altima for a few days, I realized how much I missed my Versa! Guess big, theoretically luxury cars just aren't for me!
I'm impressed with the service I received and that they found the source of the problem so quickly.
I did ask the service manager if this was a safety threat, and he didn't have a clear answer. Obviously there was something wrong, though. I'd hate to know how much this repair would have cost if it was out of warranty.
As I drove the car off the lot, I felt like it was new again. And even after driving the theoretically upgraded Altima for a few days, I realized how much I missed my Versa! Guess big, theoretically luxury cars just aren't for me!
Re: Weird Repair (CopyChief)
What did they repair? It might be listed under your Invoice. You did get an Invoice after the Warranty repair?CopyChief wrote:I got the car back late yesterday. It actually does drive much better, and the thunk has been eliminated. So if you're getting the right-turn thunking noise, it's worth having your dealer attach the "chassis ears" and track down the source of the noise.
I'm impressed with the service I received and that they found the source of the problem so quickly...SNIP
Modified by vpnavy at 6:23 AM 8/29/2007
Re: Weird Repair (vpnavy)
Here's the transcript from the invoice:Feels like something in column may be causing vibration and noise. Noise is only turning right. Replaced electronic steering column and drove. Did not feel vibration or thump again.
Still seems strange but they did fix the noise and steering seems more... I don't know, "solid." That's the best way I can think to describe it.
Still seems strange but they did fix the noise and steering seems more... I don't know, "solid." That's the best way I can think to describe it.
Re: Weird Repair (CopyChief)
Interesting...CopyChief wrote:Here's the transcript from the invoice:Feels like something in column may be causing vibration and noise. Noise is only turning right. Replaced electronic steering column and drove. Did not feel vibration or thump again.
Still seems strange but they did fix the noise and steering seems more... I don't know, "solid." That's the best way I can think to describe it.