67,000 Miles on 2003 G35 - I've been dealing with the creak, squeak in the front end for at least 30k. After extensive research, here's what I learned:

If you can change a tire, you can replace the compression rods.

Jason sent me all the parts I needed - and yes I thought I could reuse the bolt stop - don't mess with it, just get it all new and done right (mad props to Jason)

I started on the Right side, turned the steering wheel full left. Remove wheel. Find nut on steering knuckle, use 19mm socket to remove nut. (folks in salty areas, I hate it for you, use penetrating oil) The rod connects to the frame at the other end - a deep 19mm socket is needed for this side. A bracket supports the rod - 2 bolts, remove them with 14mm socket.

A few light hits will drop the arm down. Install new rod. Getting the rod to seat is tricky. Turn the wheels straight and it will drop in place. Tighten and retorque. All done in 60 minutes max assuming no rusted, frozen bolts. (pressure wash the underside of your car every month to prevent this)

NOW FOR THE FLAME!!!!!!!

A significant portion of G owners are really a bunch of pansies. They complain about every little peep from their one and only prized possession. Then, they take it all out on the dealer when the car doesn't drive like it did brand new. Give me a break.

Extensive modifications to the suspension look cool and handle well, but don't hold up over time. Mods stress the OEM parts and cause premature failure. Don't complain when your 20" rims trash your ball joints or make your compression rods squeak. Oh yeah, parts wear out - when they do, fix them -don't take it out on the manufacturer.

Real race cars are trashed after one race - great performance comes at a price, so expect wear and tear on your baby. I drive the crap out my car, everyday, everywhere - I also make a conscious decision to properly maintain and enhance endurance as needed, for safety's sake.

Yes, the Infinity brakes were bad - whine or resolve? Fix it for good with slotted rotors and the Hawk pads - almost as easy as the compression rods...

 

 

What kind of squeeks was the car making? My car makes squeeks while back out of the drive way and i have no idea what it is. I don't have to move the steering wheel for it to squeek...could it still be the compession rods?

-Sean

 

Pictures and part numbers and price would be helpful.

 

THANK YOU OP! Glad you are happier with your car now! Enjoy it!


See this post for the rod info and pricing to forum members!

https://g35driver.com/forums/showpos...3&postcount=26

 

The squeaking / creaking will occur whenever when the wheel(s) travels up and down. The compression rod's purpose is to control the caster angle throughout the range of suspension movement. Caster angle defines "turn in" or how aggressively the tires bite into a turn. Neutral Caster prevents tires from excess wear on the outer or inner treads.

Driveways, speedbumps, and rapid stopping will produce the squeak / creak. As the wheel and steering knuckle are pushed upwards by entering a driveway, all parts connected to the steering knuckle go into motion - the use of ball joints make this possible.

The compression arm connects the frame of the car to the steering knuckle. The frame end is isloated with a very stiff rubber bushing. The knuckle end contains a ball joint that seats directly into the steering knuckle.

Ball joints become loose over time. The internal ball joint wear produces additional movement against the rubber boot. The ball joint itself is contained by a rubber boot to hold in the grease - rubber boots wear out over time. The rubber becomes hard and sometimes so hard it will develop a shine.

The hard rubber boot builds up friction during movement which results in a squeak / creak. Since the Compression Arm is directly connected to the frame of the car and the steering components - the entire front end creaks and squeaks like an old wooden floor anytime the wheels move up or down.

I heard the creak / squeak everytime - entering / exiting driveways, driving slowly across dips in the parking lot, speedbumps, coming to a complete stop. What I didn't realize was how much creaking was created while traveling down the road - turn the radio up, right? Now I leave the radio off and enjoy the growl of the engine (peace and quiet).

The good news is: if you have a squeak and you haven't replaced both Compression Rods - that's your problem. All G35 owners will need the rods replaced by warranty or DIY after 20k - 40k miles - or when the sound begins.

Call Jason@Riverside Infiniti when you've had enough.
https://g35driver.com/forums/showpos...3&postcount=26

Aggressive driving, speedbumps, hitting uneven pavement, potholes, salty, sandy, and extreme cold are catalysts / accelerators which contribute to the rubber boot hardening and ball joint wear. If none of these driving conditions exist in your area, you must already be in heaven - my suggestion: Don't Leave !

Regarding Pictures - How about you guys post pics and I'll provide the guided tour....

Needed Pics:

inside of the steering knuckle facing towards the front of the car

from underneath the car right behind the wheel housing - brace fastened by 3 bolts (you can see one arm of the brace when looking into the rear of the wheelwell)

The new part is pictured here:
https://g35driver.com/forums/showpos...3&postcount=26

When I get around to it I'll post pics...I still have the worn out rods....

 

This maybe a stupid question but can you not just replace the bushing and ball joint? or is the actual compression rod failing?

 

i guess its my compression rods..b/c everytime i go over uneven surfaces on the road i hear squeaking coming from the front..but my dealership said the sound isnt the compresion rods lol...god dam stealerships dont give a fudge about my car =[

 

The bushings and ball joints are not sold on their own.

It will also cost more to perform the labor of removing the arts, then pressing out and in the bushings, and then putting the car back together, more down time, more labor....

 

Jason at Riverside also hooked me up nicely with the compression rods and the bolt stoppers. Took me about an hour myself to do the labor as it was very straightforward. Squeaking and creaking completely went away and I was so happy. I'm sure the old compression rods got the way it did due to the inferior design of the old bushings (less material) as well as the abuse I put it under from multiple auto-X and HPDE sessions.

I'm glad to hear more reports of this problem being resolved from other owners.

 

i have a squeaking sound coming from the front passenger side of my car when i go over bumps..sometimes sounds like loose change jinglin..could this be a compression rod problem? thanks! i just dont rly know what sound to listen for..

 

im kinda having the same problem with my coupe. i dont really get a "creaking" or "squeeling" noise... its more of a "thump" if that makes any sense could this still be my issue??