Hello everyone. I bought a new 2008 G35 with sports trim in Aug 2008. Lately i feel the steering is stiffer than what it was before. I happened to drive a new infiniti g37 sedan recently and noticed that my steering was much more stiffer than the new car. I know for sure my steering was not as stiff before. It was very similar to new g37 i drove. I am wondering what could be the reason behind this. Is this a normal phenomenon? Does the steering wheel get stiffer in 1.5 years of usage. The car has been driven for 14000 miles till now.

All my services are done by the same dealer from whom i bought my car. When i took my car for regular servicing i told the service consultant about the stiffening of the steering wheel. After the service he said all the fluids etc related to the steering were just fine, and that there was not problem with the steering wheel, but i disagree with him on this. After comparing with the new car, i am certain my steering is much more stiffer than what it used to be. Any suggestions regarding this? I have set up an appointment with the service consultant in a weeks time, i hope i am able to convince him that the steering is indeed stiff (I Get a feeling he is trying ignore this).

Please excuse me if i am missing any forum etiquettes. This is my first post here.

 

I don't recall any other posts about steering getting stiffer over time.
It sounds maybe like you have a power steering issue.

 

I don't think you have any issues. As a previous owner of '08...now '09, yes, the '08 steering is a lot stiffer than the '09. However, I think the '08 steering is better.

 

I drive 08 with sport pkg and have had it for 21mos, 13000 miles. I have not noticed any change in my steering. It feels about right, not over assisted, not too stiff. But this is highly subjective.

If you are certain other 08's have more PS assist, see if your dlr has one on lot and you and service write up person can drive both and compare.

Did you make sure your front tires are inflated propoerly?

I remember reading a review some time ago on Edmunds.com or consumerreports.com, I can't exactly remember. The review was for a 2007 or 2008 G35S. They commented on how power steering had more assist at low speed and less at higher speeds. What they didn't like about it was they could notice while driving when it shifted from more assist to less assist mode and that this interfered with steering feel while driving. From way it was described, it changed suddenly, not progressively. To me this means PS operates in either hi assist or low assist mode. I am just guessing here but, maybe yours is stuck in low assist mode. Maybe there is a solenoid actuated valve on PS that allows more fluid to flow to PS, providing additional assist at low speed that is not working correctly on your car.

 

I too have noticed your observation KUMAR81, I noticed the G37's steering was much more easy to handle, my G35-S 2008 is much stiffer, I too thought there was an issue, but apparently not...I must agree with GOODDEAL2, the G35 has better handling.

 

I just drove a 37 loaner about a month ago and the first thing I noticed was the steering wheel was much lighter than the 35x I drive. The reason your car feels stiffer now is because you probably got used to the 37 steering wheel. When I drive my mom's q7 (you can steer with barely a finger) then go back to my 35, it feels like the car's heavy as hell, but I love it like that.

 

I much prefer a stiffer steering feel - I drove a 335i Coupe and the steering on that was way too stiff though. I really like how ours are and I feel like you may be making a bigger issue out of a smal one

 

Power steering fluids? Maybe?

 

I've had a couple G37 sedan loaners and the steering on the G37 is definitely much lighter than on my 2008 G35 (which has about 12K miles on it). I don't think my G35 steering has stiffened up much, but it does feel a little stiffer than when I first got it, which is most likely due to the excessive tire wear (I desperately need new tires). Also, if you tire pressure is low, this can your power steering pump and rack to have to work harder, which will cause your streering to be stiffer... so make sure to check your tire pressure. Also, simply going with a different tire can cause your steering feel to change (i.e. tires with softer side wall will make your steering feel more numb or less stiff).

 

81: I have a 2007 G35X with 22k on the clock, original RSAs still on there, but they are close to replacement. I sensed that over the past year or so, the steering is Stiffer at slower speeds than what I perceived from when it was new. The other day, although I never really "gun" the engine in Park, after gunning it, the steering repsonse was better at slow speeds. It is a speed sensitive power steering system, where it stiffens as the speed increases to give better road feel. But parking it at slower speeds should feel lighter. In fact, I'm scheduled to bring er in to the dealer for service. I'm going to check this out against oanother car or loaner.

 

the '09 G sedans do feel lighter when steering.

maybe the power steering belt needs to be replaced?

 

That's a good thought!! But it is a serpentine belt that covers much of the power equipment. Maybe the power steering pump??

 

i have notice on my 08 that the wheel does get tighter/stiffer as my speed increases...i actually enjoy the feel of a little bit tighter wheel...unlike a caddy or buick where the wheel is really soft....a little bit of stiffness is good imo

 

Like most ppl said it just may be that you got used the 09 car. Also keep in mind the sport model does have stiffer steering (which I love). I must also ask if you mess with the car a lot? or rev into high rpm's while turning the wheel to a lock, such as doing donuts and such lol. Do you hear any unusual noises?

 

I couldn't agree more with your comments. But at parking speeds, I feel like the wheel is more stiff for ease of turning / parking than when it was new. That the steering system is speed sensitive and will get stiffer as the car RPM speeds increase. Someone else mentioned that it may be the serpentine belt, but I will a bring 'er to the dealer to check out. I still have that "hard" shift into 3rd gear , much worse with a cold engine. Used to happen primarily in DS mode with manual shifting. Now happening in D mode aas well. Dealer replaced Valve body in Tranny last year. That may be the culprit.