I recently purchased a certified 2008 G35 Journey (5AT). The rear pads and rotors were replaced when I purchased the car, but the front pads were around 5mm. I was told that they passed Infiniti's specs and were in fact "certified."

When the brakes warmed up, however, I started to hear a squeal from the front brakes whenever I was slowing down from about 35mph (brake pedal approximately half way down). I took it in to the dealer (Peninsula Infiniti, Redwood City, CA) and they said that brake squeal was normal and there was nothing they could do.

I then noticed a brake judder on the highway (i.e., steering wheel shaking, body and brake pedal vibrating/pulsating when slowing down to exit). This issue is described in Service Bulletin ITB09-037b. If anyone would like a copy of this Bulletin, please PM me.

I called Peninsula Infiniti about the judder. I didn't mention the bulletin, but was ready to discuss it if I got the feeling they were trying to get rid of me. But they were pretty candid. Without much convincing, they said they would check it out and that it sounded like the front brakes needed to be replaced.

I dropped off the car this morning. They replaced both front rotors and pads at no charge. I mentioned to the service consultant that they usually install a backing plate as well. He said he had never heard of it, but called me an hour later to say that I was right, and said he would install those as well. He said it was the first time he could remember installing those backing plates.

After the install, braking is even, constant, quiet and -- well -- how it should be.

I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. I got the impression that the service department was not trying to hide anything, and were generally on the up and up. But, while I am happy my brakes are now brand new, I am not happy that this dealership "certified" those brakes in the first place.

 

Sadly, dealership experiences really run the gamut. I do not like the service department at my dealership so just sprung for some rotors and new pads. I ordered the new front brake shields too per ITB...about $80 shipped.