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So my 08 G35xS just turned 100k last Friday. Coincidentally (since I missed the actual odometer roll over ) I took this pic that same day, which is one of my favorites so far:
Had it for about 10 months now. I've been only hand washing it, about once every two weeks or so when the weather is nice, and hand waxing once every month or two. Kind of bummed as a lot of chips and scratches are showing up (I have a feeling the dealer's touch up paint if waring off), but looking to address that soon...
I've got a list of work I'm planning to do this summer to help keep it running smooth and looking good:
New tires
Wheel alignment
Clean throttle bodies
Spark plug check, replace if necessary
Replace brake pads and rotors (no BBK, already have some Centric rotors and Akebono pads, current brakes still have some life)
Brake fluid drain and refill
Caliper spray down and clean
Replace missing emblem on engine cover
Belt check, replace if necessary
Professional interior detail (have a gift card to use )
Paint chip and scratch touch up, and try to clean up some small rust spots (not sure how this will go...)
Strip wax, clay bar, polish, rewax
I just got my Dr. Color Chip kit today, so I'm looking forward to seeing how that turns out. I know members here have had mixed results. As mentioned, I have my replacement brake parts already, but inspected my current brakes recently and found that it's still a bit early to replace. Regardless, I think the fluid needs a flush and bleed, and the calipers could definitely use a good cleaning.
Also just ordered some new O-ring gaskets for when I clean the throttle bodies, and some tools/fluids/compounds that I don't have on hand that will come in handy.
Two things I've been considering but I'm not sure if a) I could do the jobs myself, and b) if it is worth the trouble right now:"
Trans fluid flush
Coolant flush
Any opinions would be appreciated, though admittedly I haven't done much research on these two yet...
Anyways, just wanted to share some stuff about my car. The community here is awesome, there are so many good, thorough threads that people actually come back and follow up on. I will undoubtedly have some questions throughout this summer. In fact, I'm already planning a short thread of dumb/trivial questions (I've done a decent amount of work on my cars, but still a bit of a noob with a lot of parts...)
Sounds a lot like me with my '08. 110k miles at the moment.
At 100k miles or thereabouts, I wouldn't bother just checking the plugs - just replace them, especially since they'll be out. In order to access the (2) plugs closest to the firewall, the throttle bodies need to come off so that's a perfect time to clean them. If the serpentine belt hasn't been replaced (I wouldn't trust visual inspection for knowing how 'new' it is), replace it as well.
Is the Infiniti emblem missing a common problem ? Given the tiny little bits that "hold" it in place, I'm not surprised. All but one of those little bits are broken on mine but I was able to dab some glue on it and so far, it's staying in place.
I can't speak for a transmission FLUSH, but a drain-and-fill is super simple. Infiniti recommends either method so I wouldn't say one is better or worse than the other. Raise the front end with either ramps or jacks/jack stand as the drain plug is closer to the back of the pan anyway. Remove the drain plug, catch what comes out, and put it in a container that has markings that tell you how much fluid it is. Even better, let it cool down as ATF expands when hot and since you're putting cold fluid back in, you could put in (slightly) too much if you use the "hot" volume. I have one of those infrared temperature guns and I let it cool down to ~80º F and used that volume. You can use Nissan ATF or any fluid that meets the "Matic-J" (or newer) spec.
You can do both the coolant and ATF flush. Coolant might be a little intimidating if you've never done it before due to having to bleed the system out (same for the brake fluid). With the ATF you can do two different methods where one is safer than the other. Buy about 12 bottles of Nissan ATF (I used Idemitsu) or Valvoline Maxlife ATF is good (I use that in my Audi). You drain the pan, measure it out, and do this about every 50-100 miles. Eventually, you'll have mostly new fluid in there.
The other method is to disconnect the ATF return line into a container while the car is running and continually pour new fluid until it runs clean. But, that is pretty hard to do by yourself, so the first method is the best in my opinion.
Don't take it to one of those places where they sell "flush" services. Just about every manufacturer including Nissan recommends not to use those machines.
I'd also change the ATF filter if possible.
If you have an AWD maybe looking into the transfer case and front/rear diff fluid as well.
If you have the 7AT transmission it is technically non-serviceable. There is no drain plug, no dipstick, and it is serviced completely by going through the top vent cap.
Remove the vent cap, stick a long tube into it until you think you're at the bottom. Siphon/pump out fluid and replace the exact amount you siphon by pumping it back through the vent cap.
There is a procedure in the FSM for the dealership to check fluid level that details this, your service advisor will tell you the transmission fluid does not need to be replaced ever. You might be able to talk them into doing it by referencing the new-transmission installation steps but definitely DO NOT try to get this thing serviced at Jiffy-Dudes or some other lube shop.
If they screw up the fluid level you're F'd and will be towing your car to Nissan because I guarantee they won't be able to get the fluid level right.
Sounds a lot like me with my '08. 110k miles at the moment.
At 100k miles or thereabouts, I wouldn't bother just checking the plugs - just replace them, especially since they'll be out. In order to access the (2) plugs closest to the firewall, the throttle bodies need to come off so that's a perfect time to clean them. If the serpentine belt hasn't been replaced (I wouldn't trust visual inspection for knowing how 'new' it is), replace it as well.
Is the Infiniti emblem missing a common problem ? Given the tiny little bits that "hold" it in place, I'm not surprised. All but one of those little bits are broken on mine but I was able to dab some glue on it and so far, it's staying in place.
I can't speak for a transmission FLUSH, but a drain-and-fill is super simple. Infiniti recommends either method so I wouldn't say one is better or worse than the other. Raise the front end with either ramps or jacks/jack stand as the drain plug is closer to the back of the pan anyway. Remove the drain plug, catch what comes out, and put it in a container that has markings that tell you how much fluid it is. Even better, let it cool down as ATF expands when hot and since you're putting cold fluid back in, you could put in (slightly) too much if you use the "hot" volume. I have one of those infrared temperature guns and I let it cool down to ~80º F and used that volume. You can use Nissan ATF or any fluid that meets the "Matic-J" (or newer) spec.
Nice! Hope the G is still running strong. You're right about just replacing the plugs, expense is pretty minimal, and I'm already planning to take off the TB's to clean them. From what I've seen here, the missing emblem is pretty common. Mine must have popped off somewhere around 98k. I'd like to get a replacement, and definitely gluing it in place. As for the trans fluid, I probably should have been more specific and said "drain and refill", not flush. Thanks for the tips.
Originally Posted by g35xdriver
Hit the 100,000 mark myself early this year. Next step, 123,456!
Good stuff, man. I was mad that I missed the 100k rollover, might have to use your pic and just say it was a cold day in June
Originally Posted by coffeysm
You can do both the coolant and ATF flush. Coolant might be a little intimidating if you've never done it before due to having to bleed the system out (same for the brake fluid). With the ATF you can do two different methods where one is safer than the other. Buy about 12 bottles of Nissan ATF (I used Idemitsu) or Valvoline Maxlife ATF is good (I use that in my Audi). You drain the pan, measure it out, and do this about every 50-100 miles. Eventually, you'll have mostly new fluid in there.
The other method is to disconnect the ATF return line into a container while the car is running and continually pour new fluid until it runs clean. But, that is pretty hard to do by yourself, so the first method is the best in my opinion.
Don't take it to one of those places where they sell "flush" services. Just about every manufacturer including Nissan recommends not to use those machines.
I'd also change the ATF filter if possible.
If you have an AWD maybe looking into the transfer case and front/rear diff fluid as well.
Clean the MAF also.
You're right, the coolant flush is a little intimidating... We'll see how the brake fluid drain and refill goes... Also, as I mentioned above, I think I've been using "flush" and "drain/refill" a bit interchangeably. I know there are people out there who are pretty avid about the former. Right now, I'm leaning more towards just a drain and refill. Diff fluid and MAF cleaning are some good points I'll add to my list, thanks!
Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
If you have the 7AT transmission it is technically non-serviceable. There is no drain plug, no dipstick, and it is serviced completely by going through the top vent cap.
Remove the vent cap, stick a long tube into it until you think you're at the bottom. Siphon/pump out fluid and replace the exact amount you siphon by pumping it back through the vent cap.
There is a procedure in the FSM for the dealership to check fluid level that details this, your service advisor will tell you the transmission fluid does not need to be replaced ever. You might be able to talk them into doing it by referencing the new-transmission installation steps but definitely DO NOT try to get this thing serviced at Jiffy-Dudes or some other lube shop.
If they screw up the fluid level you're F'd and will be towing your car to Nissan because I guarantee they won't be able to get the fluid level right.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 7AT wasn't offered on any of the G35's, and didn't make it into the G37 until 09 . I would much prefer a 7spd over 5spd though, especially spending so much time at *enthusiastic* highway speeds... And no worries, no plans to bring this car to a shop besides a dealer service center or a garage to do my own work :-D.
Ahh yeah my bad, I forgot 2008 was a half-year where the coupes were the new G37 but the sedan was still the G35 and both were still equipped with the 5AT for one final year.
) I took this pic that same day, which is one of my favorites so far:
)
. I would much prefer a 7spd over 5spd though, especially spending so much time at *enthusiastic* highway speeds... And no worries, no plans to bring this car to a shop besides a dealer service center or a garage to do my own work :-D.
