sideburns2009

I did and I didn't. My dealer ran out of options. (Keep in mind, I live in the South where there aren't many AWD models so they don't deal with them often). They flew in an Infiniti Tech Specialist. He said before even getting in it, that the X models all have a certain noise that comes from the transfer case by design and that it's normal. He drove it and confirmed that the noise was expected.

It was something to do with the transfer case clutch "free-spinning" (when it's disengaged and rotating at speed) when it's sending 100% to the rear wheels,at the speeds I was hearing the noise at. (60-70 MPH). They installed some sound deadening material kit above the transfer case and the noise reduced quite a bit. Don't quite notice it, anymore. They also changed the fluid as a courtesy.

They offered to transfer another AWD model in for me to test drive just to assure me that it was characteristic to the AWD models. I declined to save them the headache. They already flew a specialist in to inspect it and had already replaced things they thought may be suspect.

MOST people won't even notice, as most people that rode with me I pointed it out to had no idea what I was talking about. They have a sound deadening kit for those with sensitive ears. A bit of Dynamat underneath the center console, towards the front would probably completely eliminate the noise.

They also reflashed my ECM for the transmission, as it had been superseded 6 times. No more harsh downshifts in "D" when coming to a stop.

marshalh

thanks for the speedy reply!

So the speed specific vibration I feel even in the steering wheel is normal? That's annoying.

sideburns2009

The slight vibration I had (which came on around the time the noise would drop off) was eliminated by having my tires Road Force Balanced. After that, the vibration was gone but noise was still there. The vibration I had was from 70-75. The noise started at 60 and disappeared at 70. They were two different issues. Road Force Balancing is all about vibration and does nothing for any noises.

mikey_mike

Just out of curiosity, did the dealership have a RFB machine? I live in the south also and want to have my tires balanced this way and am wondering how prevalent this type of balance machine is. Seems like it would be hard to find.

sideburns2009

I didn't ask since I just bought my tires elsewhere. Though the place I bought them didn't either. I believe I went to the Hunter website and looked up their Road Force Balance locations and found one. It was within my county.

As far as how often a RFB is actually needed, it depends on the sensitivity of the person driving and the car itself. Lower profile tires, tighter sport suspension, etc....imperfections that are corrected by RFB are most noticeable in these scenarios.

My vibration stopped with a RFB but a regular spin balance wouldn't get rid of it.

FYI, I live near Memphis, so I'm in the south as well.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Just plug in your location here to find the RFB machine closest to you
GSP9700 Locator

amh085

Do you know if this solution is equivalent for the AWD sedans? I'm not currently under warranty (73k miles) but it'd be nice to figure out a solution to my noise when going 60. I've got some brand new Conti DWS 06's on my 2011.

sideburns2009

This was on a 2012 G37x Sedan. The average person won't hear the noise. If it's something unusually loud, you may have other issues. The front prop shaft u-joints can seize, causing vibrations according to the Infiniti tech I dealt with. They replaced my front prop shaft and the vibration I had went away (as mentioned earlier) but the noise was stilll there. Out of 15 people that have been in my car, 2 have heard the noise without it being pointed out (myself and a very skilled technician friend) and all other had to have the noise pointed out. Most still couldn't hear it, it's that subtle.

amh085

Yeah same here, I'm not experiencing the vibrations (or at least not enough to where it bothers me much) but the drony noise is what I get all the time. I seem to hear it from the front though, is that where you had your issue? I even did some wheel well deadening to the upper right wheel well liners in the front but It hasn't helped to my comfort level yet. A few of my friends drove my car and they don't seem to notice it, so I wonder what my next move will be.

Hassan Arif

OP I have a 2010 G37xS (70,xxx miles) with 18 inch rims. I am running Michelin A/S 3+ (7000 miles on tires) and I have the same noise you are mentioning plus the vibration in the foot well. The vibration did indeed go away after a Road Force Balancing but not the humming low bass WooooWOoooWOoo haha sounds something like that ( a wave). I want to get it fixed so bad but no one knows how :/ I hope you find a solution!! Good luck.