Well, that's just the thing -- on a whim, I searched Google for phrases such as "M37X AWD driveshaft problems" and actually discovered a number of message board threads in which drivers of M35x's/M45x's from the '06 - '09 model years discuss issues with having to replace driveshafts, U joints, and CV joints. There are also a few reports of the same types of issues occurring in the cars of G37X owners.

Just out of curiosity -- and this is going to sound pretty nutty -- but do any of you guys know if there is a way the AWD system can be disabled, or "turned off?" I heard that on the older G35/M35, you could pull a simple fuse and that would inactivate the AWD system, but I've also heard that the same "fix" doesn't work on the newer generations of either car.

Also, I have just one other question regarding the operational nature of the AWD system itself. I've read that the AWD system only activates when it detects the need to, and that otherwise (I.e., in all other normal conditions), the car drives exclusively in RWD mode. But at the same time, I've read/heard that the system utilizes AWD (at some back/front tire ration such as 80/20) up to speeds of 12 or 14 MPH.

Does anyone know if the latter is correct (I.e., it does drive in AWD mode up to ~14 MPH), or does it actually drive in RWD mode 100% of the time unless it feels the "need" to break into AWD mode?

 

What I've read on the G's the AWD is on from 0-25 at a 70-30 split then its just rwd after that unless there is slippage which it would distribute required % to resolve the slippage. If the snow switch is on I heard it raises the split to 50-50 and 45mph.

 

Thanks. Do you know if there is any way to totally disable the AWD so that I won't have to deal with any associated wear-and-tear issues?

 

I have no idea but the fact it's only using those components 0-25mph most of the time I don't see how there could be much wear and tear.

 

Exactly. The driveshafts and other components are going to wear regardless whether AWD is active or not. If you are really worried about the liability of having AWD then I would purchase an extended warranty for like 8yrs/120k. It should be fairly cheap being that you are low mileage.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into that. But what I'm confused/curious about is how the additional front driveshaft (and other frontal components) would wear significantly if I'm basically never driving in a manner or in conditions that would activate the AWD. Are you saying that the front driveshaft is still going to wear just as much as the "default" rear driveshaft, even if I almost never utilize the AWD? Or is Magowin correct in saying that the AWD components actually shouldn't wear very much if I don't utilize them?

 

Where did you get this from? Everything I've seen is that the x version acts like a RWD car until there is slippage. What you're saying is that it's predominantly a FWD car until 25 MPH?????

 

Just drive the darn car and stop over thinking it .... You can't compare a M35/M45 to M37/M56. Dude ... just enjoy the car and stay off the internet. :-)

 

The front shaft rotates and turns like a front wheel drive car so it will have more wear than the rear wheel but you really are worrying too much...lol! Just maintain the car and you will be fine. Most issues with AWD cars start when people lower them and stuff so unless that's in your plans you have a great car. Enjoy it!

 

Haha, I hear you on that last part!!

 

(Quote:
Originally Posted by tech37
The front shaft rotates and turns like a front wheel drive car so it will have more wear than the rear wheel but you really are worrying too much...lol! Just maintain the car and you will be fine. Most issues with AWD cars start when people lower them and stuff so unless that's in your plans you have a great car. Enjoy it!) /Quote

OK, now I'm confused -- if the car operates as an RWD vehicle under normal driving/weather conditions (I.e., at least 95% of my driving time), how could the front shaft experience more wear than the rear? Isn't the front shaft only going to turn whenever the computer kicks the car into AWD mode?

I'm getting what I said above from Infiniti's short explanatory video on their Intelligent AWD system, so please correct me if I have misinterpreted it:

 

Just as video says, 100% of power goes to rear wheels unless slippage occurs. Nothing in the video talks about a split power from 0 MPH.

 

congrats on the new ride man

 

Thanks! Now if we can only figure out, once and for all, just how Infiniti's AWD system works...

 

What excatly is the question on the AWD? It powers 100% of the rear and can send up to 50% to the front. The front diff locks in and moves the front wheels. All the parts up until the front diff still move when the the diff is not locked in. Everything still spins freely unless the front diff locks in and powers it.

I just sold and m35x with 192k on it off the lot, ran like a champ. I would of bought it if I had the cash.