Steering Shimmy

[bearpath]

I know there have been past threads on this, but I belive there are several of us with a steering shimmy that have not located the proper fix. If this could be posted and a new thread started it may be helpful to all.

I have an FX35 that has had steering shimmy issues since purchased. It often was made tolerable with repeated balancing but the issue continues to worsen.

The steering wheel shimmys up to 1 inch of play at any speed above 50 MPH. It is intermittantly very bad (same roads, same temps, same tire pressure, etc) but can be bad one day and minimal the next.

I have the 20" chrome wheels. I'm on a 3rd set of tires, and a brand new pair of factory wheels. The problem continues. So I do not believe it can be a wheel tire combo or it would be changed slightly from wheel/tire package to the next.

I have had the front end aligned several times. I've had a new steering rack installed. I'm on my 2nd set of wheels and 3rd set of tires.

I'm now noticing a shimmy when braking mildly at highway speeds. Again... this is a significant shimmy. Not minor.

It takes the joy out of riding this otherwise great vehicle. I find myself driving other cars because it is so darn annoying.

Does ANYone have insight to this issue?? Don't rehash the old posts. I've used the Hunter Road-Force balancing, etc. etc.

I'm wondering if bad rotors, torque settings, bad wheel bearings, etc. could cause this kind of issue. HELP!!

-It is not flat-spotting

[Infinitiexpert]

Most definitely, have any one at the dealer tried to look into that? If you keep having the same problem, even with new tires, balance and alignment, the obvious next step is inspecting the wheel bearings, strut mounting or any other parts of the suspension that can make your FX shimmy.

If your dealer can’t fix the problem you should try another dealer, until it gets fix. They have no excuses, they have to fix it or call some one to fix it. You should also call Infiniti Consumer Affair 1-800-662-6200 and demand to have your FX repair. You should be enjoying your FX and not going trough all this hassle.

[DGFX35]

Several points to consider: I assume you have all the previous attempts documented (receipts, RO copies, ETC.). If you've been dealing with the same dealer, they should have your story on file. If you've been shopping in different stores, your receipts provide the best record. Start with the dealership service manager. Take him for a drive so he can see and feel your problem, not just have it described to him. Maybe the front end tech as well. Infiniti technical assistance may be the first step for them, considering what you have already done. If it was warped rotors, you would feel a little pulsing in the pedal on light brake application, so probably not that. If you've been complaining about this since it was new, and it has never been resolved, they should still cover it under warranty. With tire and wheel purchases, you have demonstrated YOUR willingness to spend money to fix it. That should be a motivator for them to spend a little more Infiniti money. But I don't think "demand" is the tone to take. No offense to anyone, but you have to remember that the guy at the dealership you're speaking with did not build your car. He is there to help you resolve your problem. Polite, calm explanation with the right wording to accurately express your frustration without offending or pissing the service manager off is the key to making a new ally. He wants to fix your car. He wants a good survey from you. If you have exhausted the resources at that dealer, then try a different one, with the same approach. Usually Customer Assistance Center is some phone jockey in another country that will do nothing but call the dealer to see what's up, pissing everybody off in the process, because they know nothing about your concern. Use them as a very last resort. Remember, they can't fix your car for you. The tech and service dept at the dealer where your car is will be the ones to fix it. They need to call technical assistance to help them determine your problem. If this is something that other vehicles experience, TA will be the top of the pyramid for experience with the problem. Just remember that the more aggressive you are with the people that you want to help you, the less willing they will be to do anything other than get you out of their store.
Post up on your progress, in case mine starts doing it.

[GotNucci]

I'm having the same problem with my 04 FX45. Everyone keeps telling me it's cupping in my tires. I have rotated the tires and the sound/feel stays in the front right. I am reluctant to purchase new tires, because the tires that are on my car only have 9k on them. $1000 is a lot of money to drop, when I feel it's not the problem. I have mentioned the wheel bearing and the response was "Those never go on that car". I have noticed that the sound and feel is much more evident when turning. Do you guys think it's the tires??

[IlovemyFX]

If it was a dealership telling you that the wheel bearings never go, then go to another dealership. I haven't had mine go but have read about numerous wheel bearing replacements.

Get the wheel bearing inspected and see.

[nick tsonev]

I used to have this steering shimmer on mine FX35 also (at speeds>65mph), but it was fixed completely when i replaced the steering rack.
So check yours, if you haven`t.

[Joelinnh]

Originally Posted by nick tsonev

I used to have this steering shimmer on mine FX35 also (at speeds>65mph), but it was fixed completely when i replaced the steering rack.
So check yours, if you haven`t.

When you say steering rack do you mean the rack and pinion complete unit? Do this replacement require the dealer to change???

[nick tsonev]

yes, complete rack and pinion set, changed by the dealer (but purchased on ebay). here is a pic of it:
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Niki/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

[CPV35]

Wow dealer bought off FleBay and not factory OEM....or you bought and they installed.

My .02: CVC joints in those dust boots (looking at above pix). Upper ball joint(s) worn/sloppy, wheel bearings like FX said (I've heard/read those going bad myself). A-Arm bushings. Thinks that it....

[nick tsonev]

haha, of course i bought on e-bay and then went to the dealer to have it installed. And of course they offered me to put an OEM rack which would have cost me around $1500.... guess what i chose :) this dealer are really nice guys and also i guess i am lucky to have them very close to where i live ...