Hello,
I just traded in my 2k Maxima for a 04 G35 AWD a couple monthes ago. Excellent car!

However, it has some issues that I cant seem to pinpoint and I have taken it to several shops and they claim everything looks good (at least as far as the suspension goes).

Anyways,
Some things im noticing:
The car seems to wander when driving at any speed and I am constantly compensating and I probably look like im a drunk driver.
Terrible bump steer.
I can feel every single little bump on the road. (the shops i took my car to told me shocks feel fine.)
Whenever I switch lanes I am pulled pretty severely in the opposite direction.

everything else about this car is solid.


The shops I took the G to all confirmed that all the suspension parts look, and feel good. and I was told that I should possibly look into replacing the front tires. which i have done and the problem is still there. I have also had a four-wheel allignment and a balancing and rotation. still, the problem is there.

I dont really know what else to do! i am not really good as far as car mechanics go. Do you guys have any recommendation on what could be wrong?!


Also, I appologize if I posted in the wrong area, I am new to the forum

 

Yes we can tell you're new here, it's your first post! Welcome! Wandering with RWD is caused by incorrect alignment, not sure if it would be any different with AWD. Where did you have the alignment done? Just to make sure because we can tell you're not happy with fighting the wheel all the time I'd find a independent brake/alignment shop and have them check your alignment. Do some research to find the right shop, ask autoparts store managers or friends and neighbors where they go. You want a shop where alignment is their business not giant company's like Sears, Goodyear or PepBoys they rarely get it right! Hope you're successful in finding the solution...Gary

 

Thank you! Glad to be a member.

I have my alignments done at Muffler & More and also at Millers Auto Body here in Noblesville, IN

They are both independent and highly rated shops.

I actually watched them do the alignment and I know it is 0'd out at each wheel.

 

1.). Check wheel bearings

2.). Check suspension bushings.

A little bit of slop in the suspension is REALLY noticeable in the G.

 

just lifted each corner and found the rear passenger wheel has a slight bit of play in it maaaybe 1/4". almost as if it is loose, but the wheel lugs are tight. i am able to wiggle it up, down, left, and right equally in each direction followed by a "clink" metal on metal noise.

Not sure if that is a wheel bearing or not?

also, how and where do i check the suspension bushings?

sorry for being a newb.

in the engine bay where the strut tower mounts, the mounting and center strut bolts are slightly rusted. idk if this could be a sign of worn struts?

i will take pics tomorrow of the suspension

 

Itschuckster, if you're satisfied your alignment is dead nuts have a qualified shop check your suspension including wheel bearings. Only way to find the problem is on a rack looking for worn parts with slack! Something isn't allowing your G to track correctly. You seriously should be able to drive your G with one finger...doesn't matter which one.
Gary

 

What tire sizes are you running? Wide tires tend to track and follow ruts in the road more easily.

If on the OEM 215's you shouldn't have this issue, but 235's or larger will.

 

i am running 215/55r17 Falken Ziex ZE-612+'s.

and I am going to take the car back to the shop to point out that rear wheel play they overlooked. but i doubt that would have anything to do with wandering on the front end.

 

If could. I would def follow that lead

 

I've been doing a little research here on the forums and I'm starting to think the problem may actually lie with the compression rod bushings. It seems the problems I am experiencing highly relate to the issues people have had with having the bad stock bushings (unpleasant bumps on the road, car pulling after alignment, sloppy steering ect.)

Also, with us AWD and X guys, our compression rods are made from iron instead of aluminum and in turn, are more likely to accumulate rust and thus wear out the bushings faster.

I am going to get under the car (if we ever get a warm day here in indy), and check the bushings for wear and tear and compression rods for rust. However regardless of the condition, I will be replacing the bushings as they are extremely prone to failure in our cars.

Going with a set of Poly Bushings from ConceptZPerformance.com

Only $56 and my local shop quoted me $125 for installation.



As far as the rear passenger side wheel movement, that is still to be investigated as I have not had a good day to check it out. But it is likely contributing to the vibrations throughout the car in high speeds.

 

I had the same issue. How new are your tires? Mine were worn and new tires made all the difference

 

Regardless of steering/tracking issues, if you have 1/4" movement on the rear wheel it needs to be corrected. Most likely a failed wheel bearing.

 

Tires are new. I did see a slight improvement in handling and ride quality when I got them.

I will keep you guys posted as I replace things.

 

Had a chance to peak under the car a bit yesterday.

Looks like the Outer Transverse Link Bushings are shot.

I've also got a torn boot on the CV Halfshaft on the passenger side.

Haven't had a chance to lift the car to check that rear wheel issue yet.
Gravel driveway and no garage

 

If you get to replace that boot soon, you might save the universal shaft and just have to reboot it.


As for those bushings, they are a bit of a pain. For one, they are an expensive bushing (~$70) and you need to remove the knuckle off the car for easy access to pressing them out and pressing the new ones in.

I'm sure it can be done in car, but removing the knuckle isn't that bad really.