2002 Q45 (F50) Steering Rattle/Judder When Turning LEFT!

[dsbrooks]

This is a weird and disconcerting issue. Looking for some creative diagnostic ides before I approach a dealer and/or independent.

My 2002 Q45 has 79,000 miles on it. It has been a good car: no major problems. I drive it very lightly - only about 1,000 miles per month; non aggressive highway + local roads.

Tires are balanced and properly inflated, although left front is slightly under (31 lbs. vs. 34 lbs) [perhaps the first clue?]

I had the brakes redone (rotors + pads) about a month ago. The shop also fitted a new boot since the old one was torn [second clue?]

Everything has been normal since then until yesterday, when making a LEFT HAND TURN (cornering at 20-30 mph), the steering column shakes/judders and makes a noise as if the suspension is about to tear apart.

No squeals of metal but not normal.

Right hand turns have no effect.

Any suggstions/ideas (aside from topping off the left front tire with a bit of air)?

The

[Infinitiexpert]

How consistent is the noise?

It's possible that what are you feeling the the ABS system acting up. Usually a loose or worn out suspension part is very consistent.

[dsbrooks]

The noise is NOT consistent. At very slow speeds <10 MPH, there is no judder. And changing lanes on the highway, no judder.

Just mid-range (20-40 mph), left turn only.

[twinturboq]

Shot in the dark but happened to me on a previous car: Loose lug nuts or broken lugs.

[dsbrooks]

Sorry for the long lag in response. Turned out to be anti sway bars. Both sides failed. Acutally, a very inexpensive repair -- about $70 each + install labor. Non-Infiniti dealer. Whew!

[IlovemyFX]

Thanks for the update ds. Nice price too. Did they just replace the bushings?