Hi. I'm close to 140k miles on the car. Over the past few months there's been a vibration in the car mostly when accelerating and usually more pronounced in the mornings. Almost feels like grinding. It smoothes out somewhat after running for a while (20 to 30 minutes) but it's still quite noticeable although not as bad. I took it to the dealer who says it could be oil sludge deposited in the engine and would require them to open the engine up and clean it out which sounds a bit extreme?? Any suggestions or ideas as to what it could be?

 

There are a whole bunch of different things that could cause a vibration that almost feels like grinding, but one of the very last things I'd suspect is engine sludge. I'd suggest you find a more reputable shop that isn't trying to take advantage of you.

 

Thanks vqsmile. I thought so, which is why I decided to check here. I'm going to get a few more opinions before I decide. And go from there.

 

I think I know exactly what you mean. I had an issue with my car months back and would describe it almost the same way; a grinding sensation only at certain times and speeds. In my mind it was one of the front the wheel bearings starting to die but I have not felt anything of the sort since I replaced both rear brake calipers, caliper brackets, rotors and pads. Right rear caliper was 100% stuck and left rear was not as bad but definitely not working properly.


Perhaps start there. Best way to tell would be brake dust accumulation.


And I agree, engine sludge would definitely effect performance/efficiency but I do not seeing it cause vibrations.

 

Showed it another mechanic. Not the infiniti checklist / computer monkeys. Says the engine and transmission mounts are totally gone. They will replace it. Let's see how it does after.

 

Just an update. Looks like the engine and transmission mounts were the culprit. Back to normal. To think the dealership wanted to open the engine up and charge me a bomb for it.

Now I'll probably hear other noises that I was hearing before this happened. Like the slight engine knocking when changing gears.

 

Definitely sounds like engine mounts. Good find!

 

Infiniti service dealers are a total rip off. I will never bring my car back to Infiniti for service after what they did to me a few weeks ago. In fact i'm thinking of not buying another infiniti if this is the way they do business.

 

Thanx for the update. i am sure most will keep that in mind. When i had vibration it was my driveshaft. Now i just have a new one under my bed while the aftermarket is on the car. lol

 

Dealer service is more a reflection of the dealership itself rather than the brand and lots of other brands' dealer service departments are terrible. HOWEVER you are not out of reason to dismiss the brand due to poor service, even if it was all the dealerships fault. I'd look past the dealership service and even how nissan handles the oil gallery gasket issues IF they still offered a 6mt sedan.

 

Engine sledge? That bridges on comical! Here's a damn good reason we refer to them as the "Stealership!" I suggest you find a "Independent" brake/alignment shop in your neighborhood, correcting rotating vibrations is their job! The cause could be anything from cheap/damaged tires to wheel bearings or other worn suspension parts, anyway they'll find it easily...Gary