So, It finally happened . 128K miles without ever a real issue.
I was on my way to a meeting at 6am...heard a thunk hit my Tollbooth ***** skidplate (plug for a good product) I look back and I see something tumbling. At first it looked like an idler pulley. My alternator light and brake light went on. Odd! I had no power steering but everything felt normal.

I turn around and parked the G. Got in my economy car and went to the scene all I found was this. Looks like a spacer, maybe for the alternator. I don't know I was In a hurry.
Also, this thing was hot. I could barely pick it up. It was too early to warmed from the sun.





Anyone know what that is?

I have a 2007 G35 Sedan Journey 5AMT. Mostly stock.

Thanks

 

That looks like the spacer for when you do the idler pulley removal mod. I believe it goes between the block and the power steering pump. It's been awhile since I installed mine.

https://www.z1motorsports.com/fan-ac...it-p-5640.html

 

so hopefully, pulley fell off, belt is slipping and causing the alternator to not work...Curious about the brake light.

 

I believe when the alternator is not working Nissan/Infiniti turns the brake light on. I could be wrong about that though. If you have that spacer then you don't have the extra idler pulley. There should be a pulley between the balancer and alternator. It's about 100 bucks at chain stores and 50 bucks on RockAuto. That spacer goes behind the power steering bracket to fill the gap for the idler pulley bracket that was on < 07 models.

 

Thanks for the help.

I got the car on the lift and it was minutes before I found the problem.

Removing the skid plate I get this exactly as shown.

I am really lucky I lost only the spacer and found it.

I am used to idler pulleys squealing for months before failing.
Looks like my bearings just gave up.




Well no parts stores carry the part. So I ordered one from AZ. Ya its not OEM, but I save around $80 and I don't plan on keeping the car forever, also I now know to change the sucker immediately.


This may sound stupid, but I noticed that the tensioner pulley has a little wobble. It does not move axially just wiggles a little. Is this normal?
If it sounds bad when I get everything back together I will go buy a new tensioner.

Thanks again.