I know this post is super old but I'd figure id add in my experience. I have had the exact same issues as you. I have brought the car to three different dealers to look into it. All said the ticking/squeaking sound was the AC compressor. They all said is it functioning properly, but the noise is noted and sent to infinity in case it progressively worsens after my warranty is up.

The burning rubber sensation I have only experienced in the snow and ice. I first attributed it to my AWD system, however my brother-in-law has the g35 (same year) and gets the same smell. I figure there are only two other items that are active in snow and ice: VDC and ABS. I think its the VDC. After 2 years it hasn't caused any issues.

 

i got the smell coming but (i know its bad to say) out of sight out of mind! lol.. i have 80k on my 05x..

 

Yeah I think it has to do with the AC compressor clutch or something. All my belts were inspected and everything was within spec when I went to the dealer.

If you hear anything from Infiniti or the dealer let us know!

 

i myself have started getting used to it, but its somewhat embarassing when you have people in the car and they are asking if my car is on fire. I just tell them its the car in front of me or the rubber floor mats is what you smell

 

I notice my smell comes after driving for a while with the temp around 70-75 ish. When i run the heat in AUTO, i turn the A/C off, so i get the burning smell with the compressor off. I'm trying to determine if i get it when i put the car in recirc air mode (a/c would be on)

 

i get the smell too .

but i attribute it to a plastic bag i ran over and it got stuck on my catpipe mesh thingy ..

it should go away soon .. i hope ..

 

Ok, i think it does come from the VDC/ABS as well now.

I drove 40 miles to work this AM. Heat was on AUTO with the A/C off and temp to about 75. Entire drive, no smell. Dry roads the whole drive. I get to work, and it's a snow-covered parking lot. The ABS and VDC kicked in a few times as i slid on the snow a bit. As soon as i parked...i got the familiar burning rubber smell....

 

Goldendragoon, so that faint squeaking noise might not be a belt, it could simply be the sound of the AC compressor? I have noticed that I can only hear the sound when I first start the car up and the AC is on, like to defrost the front window. My car only has 25k on it so I would assume that the belts should be original, though I'll have to check. Thanks for posting the research, every little bit helps!!

 

SUBSONIC,
I really think your belt needs to be adjusted. Mine was doing that as well until I adjusted it. (After getting a replacement nut for the tensioner pulley )

 

My A/C squeaks as well. If i turn the A/C on, i hear a faint squeaking under the hood. Shut it off and it goes away.

 

Whats wierd is the A/C squeaking sound does not happen in the summer time whenever im running the A/C. Only when it gets colder outside is when it makes noise.

 

I've had this occur, however I also get the smell simply when its dry out... belts are going to be checked next service so we'll see.

 

Hey all,

I have an 06 (non x) and I get the same smell! I have brand new winter tires on there and I thought that was it, but noticed the smell coming from the engine bay. Im glad to hear other people have had this issue as well, I live in chicago and the vdc comes on often and with the heater on. Im going to take it to the dealer and have them make sure everything is ok since Im still under warranty.

 

Thanks PSEDOG, I'm going to try and get to it this weekend ... if we're not snowed in here in PA. I have a town house and no garage so I have to work around the weather.

 

I've recently noticed the smell and i think it's related to the winter weather conditions based on what the other users have mentioned. The climate has been cold (20's and low 30's) with tons of snow and ice and then followed the funny smell. I could not locate the source but it's sure noticable when the heats on.???????