Group,

I am the original owner of a 2013 G37 Journey sedan with a ridiculously low 58,000 miles on it and it has been the best car I have ever owned. The car has just a few nicks and dings as would be expected of a 12 year old car, but is otherwise fully stock as bought from the dealer. A few problems have popped up recently and it would be nice to find a mechanic or shop in the Plano, TX area familiar with these cars. The dealer shop priced themselves out of the repair business.
Problem 1: The dreaded rear differential bushing. I know about the Z1 part and the amount of labor required to fix this, but it would be nice to not have a leaking car.
Problem 2: The rear shocks are leaking. This should be simple and I see the KYB shocks are reasonable assuming they are good.
Problem 3: The steering rack seals are leaking. I would appreciate some comments on this since the OEM rack has been recently discontinued.

Thanks for any input. I want to keep this car in tip-top condition.

Eric Mumper

 

Welcome to the forum, Eric. Quite the pristine, low miles car you've got there.

Here's some thoughts, all of which are things you can research, plan and budget for. GL.

Blown main diff bushing... there are options. JB weld is a hack, but it works well enough for some. Cutting the bushing out can be done, with aftermarket poly bushing in replacement, preferably by a shop that's done it before. The expensive alternative is to replace the entire rear frame assembly, because that's how it comes as an OEM part.

Rear shocks... like any car, just research what you want to use. Know that lowering your car introduces a whole host of issues, so OEM-ish shocks (like KYB) might be in order for you.

Steering rack... it weeps fluid over the years. Wipe it off and keep an eye on PS fluid levels. At least, do that before replacing the rack. Unless the wheel feels funny, is low on fluid, or making noise, then you're probably OK.

 

Problem 1: All diff bushings on these cars have failed at this point (12+ years old). The car will work fine with it blown, but the upgrade to urethane bushings is a significant improvement. Labor intensive job, so figure 800-900 dollars.
Here's the $20 fix Rochester mentioned:
Problem 2: For non sport models and AWD, KYBs are a nice upgrade. Low cost as well. Sport models, the options are limited.

Problem 3: Rochester's response is spot on. I've found that keeping the fluid in the reservoir changed (I do it 1-2 times a year with a transfer pump) really improves steering, extends the life of the rack and minimizes leaks.
DIY here:

 

Thank you for the replies. I sure feel better about keeping this car up and running. I test drove a Genesis G70 and Audi A5 and it reminded me why I like this car so much.

At this point, my main need will be to find a good repair shop hopefully skilled in these cars in the Plano or Dallas, TX area.

When I posted the picture of the car in the introductory email, I realized it was taken just after it was purchased in 2014. Attached is a picture taken yesterday in roughly the same spot. After all these years I have no door dings, but there is a hood ding from the flying piece of wood that took out the windshield.