Hey all, having my 08 g35x sedan serviced at the dealer now. Went in for routine 60000 mile maintenance (now at 63400) with a laundry list of services totaling $950 + tax. I had half of the items removed (wipers, cabin filter, tire rotation, etc) since I had them done myself recently. I had them do all the flushes (transmission, coolant, front and rear diff fluid, transfer case fluid) which would be closer to $700. I was called saying that my upper radiator hose and elbow are leaking and would cost $400. I almost fainted. This was the most crucial of the NEXT few items that the guy said:

rear stabilizer links - related to suspension - $237
power steering fluid - $180
brake fluid flush - $180
alignment for tires from uneven wear

What can I do and what can I wait on/should I? I had the guy take care of me and understand to keep costs low but I can't help but feel if all this is necessary or not. It was mentioned that the rest of the items he mentioned after the radiator hose can wait but if that failed then I would be dead on the road.

Thanks everyone, the maintenance is killer on this...

 

The rear stabilizer links is literally two nuts and bam new link goes in. Buy a Rockauto part and have an independent mechanic install it for you.

 

A new Gates upper radiator hose is $8 from Rockauto and takes 20 minutes to install. No bleeding needed. I wouldn't imagine that they are also replacing the radiator and bleeding the system for $400, so I'd maybe ask for more information about the elbow... or take it to another shop for a second opinion.

You can DIY a brake flush for $20, but only do that if you're comfortable. $180 seems really high though, even at a dealer.

If you don't want to/are unable to work on your car, I'd probably recommend finding a well-reviewed independent shop and see if they'll install parts you bring (hose, rear links). Some will, some won't.

 

There's a reason our members refer to Infiniti as the Stealership, they charge way to much for maintenance. Only reason I ever went to Infiniti for anything was recalls! While having a recall taken care of I asked the service manager what they charge for AT service, he quoted $300! I asked him if I had stupid written on my forehead? Nissan charges 30% less than Infiniti, I feel their mechanics are better trained! Find an independent Nissan shop they'll charge you even less and they all use the same products!
Gary

 

The brake and power steering flushes are preventative, just like all the other fluid changes you've done. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, so it's good to change it periodically, especially if it's black.

Rear links are pretty easy to swap out yourself.

I probably would've gone for the alignment, since I get that done every two years or so when I need new tires, lol.

I second the recommendation on finding a good independent mechanic for some of this stuff.

 

The power steering fluid is easy to change yourself. You basically empty the reservoir and refill with new dextron type atf. Drive around a bit turning the steering wheel all the way back and fourth, then repeat a 2 or 3 more times. Total cost $10 if you buy a fluid pump at harbor freight and a quart of dextron. A turkey baster also works for removing old fluid.

I would put off the brake fluid for now, and get a quote from an independent mechanic on the radiator and the rear end. I think the dealer charges 20-30 for the part on the upper hose, I can't imagine it being more than an hours labor. Not sure what the elbow is. If you go to an independent mechanic, they can probably check or test the brake fluid, or you can buy a test strip. If it needs to be changed they will probably be cheaper. Mavis flushes brake fluid for $90 with a coupon.

With your mileage I would have changed the tranny fluid but would have left the diffs alone. They are easy and cheap to change if you really wanted to. (Edit, the diff fluid is easy and cheap to change)