I was driving in the rain today on the highway and while driving at about 60mph sometimes the steering wheel would shake gently and felt like my left front tire was skipping or hydroplaning. It felt as if i turned the wheel it wouldn't respond but when it did it would be sudden. It only happened about 3-4 times but one time it felt like I was going to skid when I was turning slightly so I slowed down. What could be the cause? Drives fine in dry weather just noticed this when it rains. 2003 G35 Coupe 126k miles

 

Need tire suspension and alignment information. Got any?

 

Tires are good all around, alignment seems to be good. Went to dealer for some small work(engine air filter and light bulb) they gave me a free multi point inspection. They said that suspension components were torn(steering knuckles, tie rod ends, compression bushings, transverse links) and made me a quote for $3000! I said no thanks. I just got my car 3 months ago and when I took it to my mechanic for pre purchase inspection everything was good. So I thought maybe dealer was just trying to make money off of me or something

 

Tires are good...but what kind are they? There are plenty that are useless in the rain

 

Those components are typical to go bad on these cars. Have them checked by another suspension shop to verify. All of those can be replaced with about $300 worth of parts from Rockauto, a Saturday, and an alignment after.

That said, when my car gets squirrelly in the rain it's due to worn tires. How low is the tread on the tires? Just because they're not bald, doesn't mean they're still good. The wear bars are basically the bare legal minimum, rain/snow performance is usually trash well before they get that low.

 

And also where exactly do you live?

Areas that aren't use to the rain tend to have a lot of dirt on the road and when it does rain. This dirt essentially becomes mud and hinders traction even more.

 

You may have what you consider "Good Tires" but if they're one of those tires with a high UTQG (wear rating) they won't work well in wet weather even if your suspension was new! Anything over 300 is too hard to give you decent traction in weather you're experiencing. Dealerships? Find a independent brake/alignment shop in your area for an opinion on suspension pieces the dealership considers needing replacement. This is the kinda shop that works on suspensions, if they're not very good they won't stay in business!
Good Luck & Enjoy the Ride...Gary

 

I have Dunlop SP Signitures and I live in Dallas Texas

 

^^^Totally agree, maybe your mechanic did not do a thorough suspension check, I would not be surprised if he didn't. If you paid your mechanic for the pre purchase inspection and the second shop you go to has the same findings, try and go after him. I doubt you'll get anywhere with that though.

Take a couple of pictures of your tread and post them, also don't forget to check the tire pressures.

These cars require that you have lots of cash to pay others to do the work for you, or learn how to do the work yourself. Unfortunately if you can't do your own work, be ready to pay, it comes with the Infiniti brand. The minute you drive into a shop they see $$$$$ signs.

 

I'll post some pics soon and I didn't purchase a inspection, it's a mechanic we've been going to for years and they just checked the car out. There's no noise when I turn or anything, just sometimes I get like a knuckle pop when turning. I'll check tire pressures, even though they look good to me.

 

The occasional popping sound you are describing when turning, is indicative of worn or loose suspension parts. Like gary c said, try and find a reputable shop that can do the work without ripping you off. Do you have stock suspension or is the car lowered?

 

Everything is stock on the car. I'll probably get it checked out on Monday. Do you think it's dangerous to drive like this?

 

Without inspecting the suspension system myself, I would have to say yes. To give a different answer would be irresponsible of me. Others might say different, but "What If" they are wrong and you have an accident? IMO, don't take any chances with brake or suspension issues. Don't want to sound negative, but safety first.

 

At 60, it's not unusual to have skipping or sensation of near hydroplaning if there's standing water on the freeway. Sure you weren't hitting spots of standing water?

 

+1

Any standing water on the road can cause reduced traction, which may happen even if you have new tires. My car will sometimes slide/drift on curvy roads (happend last week after a good rain) although my tires are almost new. thank god for VDC...

But it is highly recommended that you get your suspension inspected by a good shop just to be safe. If you don't have any issues driving in dry weather, then its most likely just a normal occurence when driving in wet conditions.

Also, you're supposed to drive slower in the rain for this exact reason. Slow down a bit bro!