Shimmy in the Steering Wheel
06-19-2003, 11:59 PM
#41
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Originally posted by Maxmann
The diagnosis for my problem? Servicing dealer did NOT balance to spec. At the plant, it was determined my wheels were out of balance. They were balanced and my ride is now smooth! This car was just balanced last week. Word is that other wheels coming into the plant from other dealers to be checked were out of balance although dealer had balanced them. It would appear that some dealers aren't keeping their machines calibrated or they are being calibrated incorrectly. However, I'm happy to report that all this stress over what I thought was a serious problem ended up not being so. Good luck to the rest of you. You're going to have to find someone that can give you an accurate read on the condition of the balance and road-force variance on the wheel/tire setup. I'll be taking a 6 hour road trip in the car Saturday, so I'll know for sure if this took care of my problem, but early indicator driving tonight makes it appear that it has.
srm
The diagnosis for my problem? Servicing dealer did NOT balance to spec. At the plant, it was determined my wheels were out of balance. They were balanced and my ride is now smooth! This car was just balanced last week. Word is that other wheels coming into the plant from other dealers to be checked were out of balance although dealer had balanced them. It would appear that some dealers aren't keeping their machines calibrated or they are being calibrated incorrectly. However, I'm happy to report that all this stress over what I thought was a serious problem ended up not being so. Good luck to the rest of you. You're going to have to find someone that can give you an accurate read on the condition of the balance and road-force variance on the wheel/tire setup. I'll be taking a 6 hour road trip in the car Saturday, so I'll know for sure if this took care of my problem, but early indicator driving tonight makes it appear that it has.
srm
MAXMANN,
Update us on how your 6 hr road trip went?
06-20-2003, 02:07 AM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
Originally posted by diazjl
I am also experiencing the "shimmy" in my SE. My "shimmy" occurs between 35-60 MPH, give or take. I'm not certain of the possible long term damage to the vehicle. I will be taking my car in next month for service and have already called this one in. Let me know what anyone else finds out. Take care.
I am also experiencing the "shimmy" in my SE. My "shimmy" occurs between 35-60 MPH, give or take. I'm not certain of the possible long term damage to the vehicle. I will be taking my car in next month for service and have already called this one in. Let me know what anyone else finds out. Take care.
I have noticed a very pronounced Shimmy any time I'm driving on "groved concrete pavement." I attribute that to the groves in the pavement and to the wide tires on the SE.
Other comments to this thread suggest the Shimmy is caused by a problem with either the proper tire balance, wheel allignment, or out-of round with the tires. I suspect this is correct and indicates a problem with dealer final prep of your Maxima.
06-20-2003, 06:01 AM
#43
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
road-force variance
Maxmann,
What is road-force variance and how is it measured? I've never seen any tire shop advertize that they do this. Is this something any tire shop can do, or only particular shops? Or only dealers, for that matter? Thanks in advance.
What is road-force variance and how is it measured? I've never seen any tire shop advertize that they do this. Is this something any tire shop can do, or only particular shops? Or only dealers, for that matter? Thanks in advance.
06-20-2003, 11:11 AM
#44
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
I've talked with two Nissan service managers this morning in the Chicago area, and both say it's the factory's responsibility to balance wheels before sale. If so, then how can the factory now be blaming the dealers for not doing it, acccording to Maxmann? I can add that I have looked at a lot of 04 Maxes and never seen an external wheel balancing weight on a front or rear wheel. Didn't somebody put Michelins on their car to see if it made a difference? Those tires must have been balanced, but he still had the problem. I don't buy the idea that all these Nissan dealers have improperly calibrated balancing machines. Either the factory failed to balance them, or there is another problem with these cars, in my opinion.
06-20-2003, 11:42 AM
#45
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Originally posted by lobewiper
I've talked with two Nissan service managers this morning in the Chicago area, and both say it's the factory's responsibility to balance wheels before sale. If so, then how can the factory now be blaming the dealers for not doing it, acccording to Maxmann? I can add that I have looked at a lot of 04 Maxes and never seen an external wheel balancing weight on a front or rear wheel. Didn't somebody put Michelins on their car to see if it made a difference? Those tires must have been balanced, but he still had the problem. I don't buy the idea that all these Nissan dealers have improperly calibrated balancing machines. Either the factory failed to balance them, or there is another problem with these cars, in my opinion.
I've talked with two Nissan service managers this morning in the Chicago area, and both say it's the factory's responsibility to balance wheels before sale. If so, then how can the factory now be blaming the dealers for not doing it, acccording to Maxmann? I can add that I have looked at a lot of 04 Maxes and never seen an external wheel balancing weight on a front or rear wheel. Didn't somebody put Michelins on their car to see if it made a difference? Those tires must have been balanced, but he still had the problem. I don't buy the idea that all these Nissan dealers have improperly calibrated balancing machines. Either the factory failed to balance them, or there is another problem with these cars, in my opinion.
Only MAXMANN can tell us all if the problem was really fixed by that balancing that they did to hsi car in the plant.
06-20-2003, 12:09 PM
#46
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 77
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I have no problems with mine -- 6-Speed Se with HLSD -- Hopefully all this gets sorted out soon. I just dropped my friend off at the dealer where his SE w/ VDC is in for the very problem. He agreed that mine was just fine.
-Ed
-Ed
06-20-2003, 02:53 PM
#47
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Originally posted by e_marston
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I have no problems with mine -- 6-Speed Se with HLSD -- Hopefully all this gets sorted out soon. I just dropped my friend off at the dealer where his SE w/ VDC is in for the very problem. He agreed that mine was just fine.
-Ed
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I have no problems with mine -- 6-Speed Se with HLSD -- Hopefully all this gets sorted out soon. I just dropped my friend off at the dealer where his SE w/ VDC is in for the very problem. He agreed that mine was just fine.
-Ed
I'll take it in next week for the free oil change and checkup. I have a list of problems not just the shakes.
06-20-2003, 05:01 PM
#49
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Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
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Originally posted by greg_atlanta
18" wheels/tires are a nightmare to keep in balance, esp. as the wheels get slightly bent from potholes and the tires get old. Doesn't help that there's not an outer lip for balance weights.
Fashion over function!
18" wheels/tires are a nightmare to keep in balance, esp. as the wheels get slightly bent from potholes and the tires get old. Doesn't help that there's not an outer lip for balance weights.
Fashion over function!
06-20-2003, 10:06 PM
#50
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 717
Originally posted by bluemaxx
I have a 6spd SE with HSLD and it shakes. Mine shakes at the lower end of the speed ranges mentioned above. I have a couple of stick on wheel weights visible. I've noticed one weight on each of two wheels. The visible weights are on the inside annulus of the rim, between the back of the spoke and the inside bead. Not where I normally expect to see them but not unheard of.
I'll take it in next week for the free oil change and checkup. I have a list of problems not just the shakes.
I have a 6spd SE with HSLD and it shakes. Mine shakes at the lower end of the speed ranges mentioned above. I have a couple of stick on wheel weights visible. I've noticed one weight on each of two wheels. The visible weights are on the inside annulus of the rim, between the back of the spoke and the inside bead. Not where I normally expect to see them but not unheard of.
I'll take it in next week for the free oil change and checkup. I have a list of problems not just the shakes.
06-21-2003, 09:45 AM
#51
Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 34
Yes, Bluemaxx! What are your problems? I hope nothing to serious.
--But I think the dealers should quit blameing everybody and just balance the dagg-gone rims/tires! The car is BRAND New with 0-10 miles on it...I will sure take my max on the road for a while before I sign any papers and make sure the shimmy is not there before the purchase
--But I think the dealers should quit blameing everybody and just balance the dagg-gone rims/tires! The car is BRAND New with 0-10 miles on it...I will sure take my max on the road for a while before I sign any papers and make sure the shimmy is not there before the purchase
06-21-2003, 11:12 AM
#52
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Originally posted by JAKE02
What are your problems?
What are your problems?
The shakes.
Right muffler mounted lower and different angle than the left.
Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe.
Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full.
Sunroof sometimes jambs when closing. Jambs at about 2/3 closed. It has the twists in the wind deflector straps, it jambs before it gets that far.
Right side lower dash molded plastic finish piece is warped or something. Looks bad.
Hard to shift from 4-5, hit the reverse gate sometimes. Also is possible to grind reverse on the 5-6 shifts. No, the reverse ring on the shifter doesn't need to be pulled up for this to happen. 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 are perfect. Something isn't right about the 4-5 and 5-6.
06-21-2003, 11:27 PM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 717
Originally posted by bluemaxx
I'm working from memory; I have a list at the office.
The shakes.
Right muffler mounted lower and different angle than the left.
Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe.
Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full.
Sunroof sometimes jambs when closing. Jambs at about 2/3 closed. It has the twists in the wind deflector straps, it jambs before it gets that far.
Right side lower dash molded plastic finish piece is warped or something. Looks bad.
Hard to shift from 4-5, hit the reverse gate sometimes. Also is possible to grind reverse on the 5-6 shifts. No, the reverse ring on the shifter doesn't need to be pulled up for this to happen. 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 are perfect. Something isn't right about the 4-5 and 5-6.
I'm working from memory; I have a list at the office.
The shakes.
Right muffler mounted lower and different angle than the left.
Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe.
Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full.
Sunroof sometimes jambs when closing. Jambs at about 2/3 closed. It has the twists in the wind deflector straps, it jambs before it gets that far.
Right side lower dash molded plastic finish piece is warped or something. Looks bad.
Hard to shift from 4-5, hit the reverse gate sometimes. Also is possible to grind reverse on the 5-6 shifts. No, the reverse ring on the shifter doesn't need to be pulled up for this to happen. 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 are perfect. Something isn't right about the 4-5 and 5-6.
06-21-2003, 11:45 PM
#54
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
We have posters above specifically stating they had the problem on SEs with Goodyears. We also have posters above stating the problem exists on SLs with Continentals (most SLs do come with Contis), and one poster switched his tires to Michelin, and still had the shimmy.
This is obviously not a manufacturing problem with the tires (unless all brands are bad. I doubt that).
It seems to me that either something is not being done correctly at the factory when the wheel and tire assemblies are being balanced, or there is a design flaw in the front suspension of the '04 Maxima.
I have actually decided to hold off on ordering my car until this situation is completely resolved.
This is obviously not a manufacturing problem with the tires (unless all brands are bad. I doubt that).
It seems to me that either something is not being done correctly at the factory when the wheel and tire assemblies are being balanced, or there is a design flaw in the front suspension of the '04 Maxima.
I have actually decided to hold off on ordering my car until this situation is completely resolved.
06-22-2003, 03:57 AM
#56
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
Light,
Nice summary of the posts to date and I totally understand your decision to defer your order. I've already ordered mine, but may well not take delivery unless and until problem is fully resolved. It might be helpful if some 04 owners who have the shimmy would have a reputable non-dealer shop balance their front tires to see if that elmiinates the problem, although I doubt that it will based on re-reading your post. Hang tough!
Nice summary of the posts to date and I totally understand your decision to defer your order. I've already ordered mine, but may well not take delivery unless and until problem is fully resolved. It might be helpful if some 04 owners who have the shimmy would have a reputable non-dealer shop balance their front tires to see if that elmiinates the problem, although I doubt that it will based on re-reading your post. Hang tough!
Originally posted by lightonthehill
We have posters above specifically stating they had the problem on SEs with Goodyears. We also have posters above stating the problem exists on SLs with Continentals (most SLs do come with Contis), and one poster switched his tires to Michelin, and still had the shimmy.
This is obviously not a manufacturing problem with the tires (unless all brands are bad. I doubt that).
It seems to me that either something is not being done correctly at the factory when the wheel and tire assemblies are being balanced, or there is a design flaw in the front suspension of the '04 Maxima.
I have actually decided to hold off on ordering my car until this situation is completely resolved.
We have posters above specifically stating they had the problem on SEs with Goodyears. We also have posters above stating the problem exists on SLs with Continentals (most SLs do come with Contis), and one poster switched his tires to Michelin, and still had the shimmy.
This is obviously not a manufacturing problem with the tires (unless all brands are bad. I doubt that).
It seems to me that either something is not being done correctly at the factory when the wheel and tire assemblies are being balanced, or there is a design flaw in the front suspension of the '04 Maxima.
I have actually decided to hold off on ordering my car until this situation is completely resolved.
06-22-2003, 06:32 AM
#57
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 67
I haven't taken the car in for the shimmy problem yet but I checked with my dealer and they immediately said the balancing may be off. I asked if any other customers had come in with this problem and they said yes, a few. I asked if this was warranty covered and they said yes, up to 20,000 km.
I am noticing that the speed at which the shimmy occurs is now lower than it was last week. Last week I reported that it happened just above 100 km/h and now it's clearly below 100 km/h. I am guessing this is due to changes in tire wear. I am leaning toward this being merely a balancing issue. Perhaps it is proving very difficult to correctly balance the 04s which is why most of them are expriencing this problem while some are not. I have heard or read of the recommendation to have the service dept use a Road Force Variation machine when balancing the wheels. So this is probably something you should insist upon.
I am noticing that the speed at which the shimmy occurs is now lower than it was last week. Last week I reported that it happened just above 100 km/h and now it's clearly below 100 km/h. I am guessing this is due to changes in tire wear. I am leaning toward this being merely a balancing issue. Perhaps it is proving very difficult to correctly balance the 04s which is why most of them are expriencing this problem while some are not. I have heard or read of the recommendation to have the service dept use a Road Force Variation machine when balancing the wheels. So this is probably something you should insist upon.
06-22-2003, 05:17 PM
#58
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Does anyone here know how to contact Nissan on this issue?? As we all know it is hard to get hold of the right person who will follow up and not just hear about it and forget it after he hangs up with you.
I have already ordered my 2004 SE but after hearing and personally test driving some SE's with the shimmering problem, I am leaning towards cancelling my order at this time until Nissan comes up with a solution. DO any of you have contacted Nissan directly on this problem? Is the manufacturing plant aware of the problem or it is something that they consider to be not an issue in their opionion? If anyone here has a telephone number we all can contact and express our concerns on this issue, Im sure the engineers at the plant will HAVE to come with the solution very soon!!!
After all of the complaints and no solution so far, it might be some kind of design flaw that might not be corrected until next years model...who knows but anyways any response to this post will be greatly appreciated.
LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD BY NISSAN AND SOON THEY MIGHT SOLVE THIS ISSUE but if we dont express our concerns we'll be stuck with the shimmering probelm!!!
I have already ordered my 2004 SE but after hearing and personally test driving some SE's with the shimmering problem, I am leaning towards cancelling my order at this time until Nissan comes up with a solution. DO any of you have contacted Nissan directly on this problem? Is the manufacturing plant aware of the problem or it is something that they consider to be not an issue in their opionion? If anyone here has a telephone number we all can contact and express our concerns on this issue, Im sure the engineers at the plant will HAVE to come with the solution very soon!!!
After all of the complaints and no solution so far, it might be some kind of design flaw that might not be corrected until next years model...who knows but anyways any response to this post will be greatly appreciated.
LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD BY NISSAN AND SOON THEY MIGHT SOLVE THIS ISSUE but if we dont express our concerns we'll be stuck with the shimmering probelm!!!
06-23-2003, 06:45 PM
#59
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18
Count me in...
Originally posted by diazjl
I am also experiencing the "shimmy" in my SE. My "shimmy" occurs between 35-60 MPH, give or take. I'm not certain of the possible long term damage to the vehicle. I will be taking my car in next month for service and have already called this one in. Let me know what anyone else finds out. Take care.
I am also experiencing the "shimmy" in my SE. My "shimmy" occurs between 35-60 MPH, give or take. I'm not certain of the possible long term damage to the vehicle. I will be taking my car in next month for service and have already called this one in. Let me know what anyone else finds out. Take care.
There is no way a car at this price point should have this type of issue. My 2001 PathFinder had brake rotor and tire wear issues, found out the Toyo tires that Nissan put in the Pathfinder are crap.
I just can't believe that a car can get out of manufacturing with this problem...
06-23-2003, 08:04 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,282
odd, I am not getting that at all.. good luck guys
As for blue's issues
"Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe."
I have to ask this... are you pushing the button after turning the key to on? Is there something else that has to be done in a manual? I know with the auto, it has to be in park for the memory to work.
"Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full. "
Next time it happens, gently tap the left side of the gauge and it should go right to the right spot. My dad noticed that it happened when he parked it in the sun for an extended period of time while he was borrowing it. I don't ever park in the sun so I can't confirm this.
Oh, and there is a fix for the sun roof issue, read the TSB post at the top of the list of threads.
As for blue's issues
"Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe."
I have to ask this... are you pushing the button after turning the key to on? Is there something else that has to be done in a manual? I know with the auto, it has to be in park for the memory to work.
"Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full. "
Next time it happens, gently tap the left side of the gauge and it should go right to the right spot. My dad noticed that it happened when he parked it in the sun for an extended period of time while he was borrowing it. I don't ever park in the sun so I can't confirm this.
Oh, and there is a fix for the sun roof issue, read the TSB post at the top of the list of threads.
06-24-2003, 06:21 AM
#61
Moderator GT-R
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Originally posted by gmc74
odd, I am not getting that at all.. good luck guys
As for blue's issues
"Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe."
I have to ask this... are you pushing the button after turning the key to on? Is there something else that has to be done in a manual? I know with the auto, it has to be in park for the memory to work.
"Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full. "
Next time it happens, gently tap the left side of the gauge and it should go right to the right spot. My dad noticed that it happened when he parked it in the sun for an extended period of time while he was borrowing it. I don't ever park in the sun so I can't confirm this.
Oh, and there is a fix for the sun roof issue, read the TSB post at the top of the list of threads.
odd, I am not getting that at all.. good luck guys
As for blue's issues
"Memory seat/mirror/wheel doesn't work about half the time. When it does work it remembers the settings. A loose connection maybe."
I have to ask this... are you pushing the button after turning the key to on? Is there something else that has to be done in a manual? I know with the auto, it has to be in park for the memory to work.
"Fuel gage or sending unit is flaky. Doesn't always indicate full when it is, can fluctuate between 1/2 and 3/4, eventually will find its way to full. "
Next time it happens, gently tap the left side of the gauge and it should go right to the right spot. My dad noticed that it happened when he parked it in the sun for an extended period of time while he was borrowing it. I don't ever park in the sun so I can't confirm this.
Oh, and there is a fix for the sun roof issue, read the TSB post at the top of the list of threads.
I'll try tapping the fuel gage on the head next time I fill the tank. I still want it fixed though. Nothing in the owners manual says I can't park in the sun.
My sunroof has the twisted straps as per the TSB. It still jambs up sometimes.
Overall, I still like the car very much. I see no reason the problems can't be corrected and I go away happy. If not, I'll be looking for something else but not another Nissan/Infiniti.
06-24-2003, 11:01 AM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,282
Originally posted by bluemaxx
I'll try tapping the fuel gage on the head next time I fill the tank. I still want it fixed though. Nothing in the owners manual says I can't park in the sun.
I'll try tapping the fuel gage on the head next time I fill the tank. I still want it fixed though. Nothing in the owners manual says I can't park in the sun.
I parked in the sun today just to see if it happens. If it does, I will drive it to the dealer that is 1 mile away. I will let you know after lunch in a couple of hours.
06-24-2003, 12:09 PM
#63
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3
Update on Shimmy - The Nissan dealer has contacted Goodyear and given them the info (# of service visits to balance the tires & Load Force Var. #'s). Goodyear in turn has agreed to replace all four tires under the Goodyear Warranty and given us the authorization # to go to any Goodyear Dealer. My local NTB has been contacted and will be replacing the tires this week. I'll post later to let everyone know if this solves the problem.
06-24-2003, 01:04 PM
#64
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,282
Originally posted by gmc74
I parked in the sun today just to see if it happens. If it does, I will drive it to the dealer that is 1 mile away. I will let you know after lunch in a couple of hours.
I parked in the sun today just to see if it happens. If it does, I will drive it to the dealer that is 1 mile away. I will let you know after lunch in a couple of hours.
Grant
06-24-2003, 02:01 PM
#65
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18
Originally posted by xterradave
Update on Shimmy - The Nissan dealer has contacted Goodyear and given them the info (# of service visits to balance the tires & Load Force Var. #'s). Goodyear in turn has agreed to replace all four tires under the Goodyear Warranty and given us the authorization # to go to any Goodyear Dealer. My local NTB has been contacted and will be replacing the tires this week. I'll post later to let everyone know if this solves the problem.
Update on Shimmy - The Nissan dealer has contacted Goodyear and given them the info (# of service visits to balance the tires & Load Force Var. #'s). Goodyear in turn has agreed to replace all four tires under the Goodyear Warranty and given us the authorization # to go to any Goodyear Dealer. My local NTB has been contacted and will be replacing the tires this week. I'll post later to let everyone know if this solves the problem.
06-24-2003, 02:57 PM
#66
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
Assert yourself!
Went to local Chicagoland dealer today, & took 3.5SL for test drive on interstate. Found shimmy btw 50 and 75--about an eight of an inch rhythmical rotation-counter-rotation oscillation of steering wheel at its worst. Back to dealer and test-drove with asst. service manager, who agreed there was a problem. Suggested they have Discount Tire (large chain) check balance and if needed, rebalance with Road Force Variance adjustment. Service manager said dealer wouldn't pay for this, so offered to do so myself. Took car to Discount Tire and found one front off by a quarter oz. and the other, a full oz. Re-balanced, reset road force variance (ignoring rears) and re-tested on interstate. Result: almost zero shimmy at all speeds up to 80 mph! Tires were Continentals and factory had incorrectly balanced them. Plan: take delivery of the SL I've ordered and test-drive thoroughly before paying for it. If a problem, insist dealer rebalance until problem is solved.
06-25-2003, 02:50 AM
#68
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
You're gonna love it; looks and drives like a dream!
Originally posted by lwebb12
that is a shame that the dealer/factory isnt balancing wheels properly. maybe we should firebomb them (still at war over here). but it wont prevent me from ordering one because it is a simple fix it seems.
that is a shame that the dealer/factory isnt balancing wheels properly. maybe we should firebomb them (still at war over here). but it wont prevent me from ordering one because it is a simple fix it seems.
06-29-2003, 07:18 PM
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 243
When I test drove one about three months ago .. it had a shimmy in the steering wheel just like what all of you are describing ... the salesman in the passenger seat said they would be able to take care of that no problem as soon as we got back if I was interested in the car. Guess what folks.. it's stuff like that which makes me NOT want to purchase a car.
06-29-2003, 07:36 PM
#70
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,282
Originally posted by PeterUbers
When I test drove one about three months ago .. it had a shimmy in the steering wheel just like what all of you are describing ... the salesman in the passenger seat said they would be able to take care of that no problem as soon as we got back if I was interested in the car. Guess what folks.. it's stuff like that which makes me NOT want to purchase a car.
When I test drove one about three months ago .. it had a shimmy in the steering wheel just like what all of you are describing ... the salesman in the passenger seat said they would be able to take care of that no problem as soon as we got back if I was interested in the car. Guess what folks.. it's stuff like that which makes me NOT want to purchase a car.
I have never had a shimmy in mine, maybe the dealer fixed it before it was an issue, maybe I am just lucky, no idea...
06-30-2003, 05:33 PM
#71
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18
My Saga Continues and question please
Well my Maxima has been to the dealer twice.
1) 1st time dealer stated in writing that left front wheel out of round, said that Sears across the street could replace and this should take care of the problem.
2) Took the car to the Sears, they stated that the tire wasn't out of round, must mis-seated. Re-seated the tire.
3) Just took the car for a drive and now it still has a shimmy above 45 and it also pulls to the left.
QUESTION: The torque steer that is being discussed in other threads, does this happen when you are just cruising, not accelerating. Driving on a smooth highway, cruising when I take the hands off the wheel it has a pull the the left.
Thanks for any feedback. Great site and forum...
1) 1st time dealer stated in writing that left front wheel out of round, said that Sears across the street could replace and this should take care of the problem.
2) Took the car to the Sears, they stated that the tire wasn't out of round, must mis-seated. Re-seated the tire.
3) Just took the car for a drive and now it still has a shimmy above 45 and it also pulls to the left.
QUESTION: The torque steer that is being discussed in other threads, does this happen when you are just cruising, not accelerating. Driving on a smooth highway, cruising when I take the hands off the wheel it has a pull the the left.
Thanks for any feedback. Great site and forum...
06-30-2003, 05:53 PM
#72
Moderator GT-R
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Re: My Saga Continues and question please
Originally posted by BoomerangThree
...QUESTION: The torque steer that is being discussed in other threads, does this happen when you are just cruising, not accelerating. Driving on a smooth highway, cruising when I take the hands off the wheel it has a pull the the left...
...QUESTION: The torque steer that is being discussed in other threads, does this happen when you are just cruising, not accelerating. Driving on a smooth highway, cruising when I take the hands off the wheel it has a pull the the left...
06-30-2003, 06:04 PM
#73
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18
Re: Re: My Saga Continues and question please
Originally posted by bluemaxx
Not that I've experienced. Mine torque steers right under most conditions. I think Maxima torque steer is over-rated though. What I've noticed is that under max acceleration it tends to steer away from the crown of the road.
Not that I've experienced. Mine torque steers right under most conditions. I think Maxima torque steer is over-rated though. What I've noticed is that under max acceleration it tends to steer away from the crown of the road.
Thanks for the reply. So you experience a pull to the right just cruising at a steady speed.
I've owned a couple front-wheel drive cars, mostly Honda and never experienced torque steer cruising at a steady speed.
06-30-2003, 06:32 PM
#74
Moderator GT-R
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Re: Re: Re: My Saga Continues and question please
Originally posted by BoomerangThree
BlueMax,
Thanks for the reply. So you experience a pull to the right just cruising at a steady speed.
I've owned a couple front-wheel drive cars, mostly Honda and never experienced torque steer cruising at a steady speed.
BlueMax,
Thanks for the reply. So you experience a pull to the right just cruising at a steady speed.
I've owned a couple front-wheel drive cars, mostly Honda and never experienced torque steer cruising at a steady speed.
06-30-2003, 06:46 PM
#75
Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 223
Even though I posted that I have had the shimmy problem , I could go days and not feel the shimmy. Well yesterday I had it happen again and this time it was 45 thru 60 mile per hour. Once the car was on the road for 20 minutes it didn't happen anymore. So what to do
should i take it to the dealer who is 18 miles from home and get there and there is no problem , plus afraid they will scratch the wheels over tighten the wheelnuts and warp the rotors ?
Let me add that this is my third max and the first one that I have had with any problems period.
should i take it to the dealer who is 18 miles from home and get there and there is no problem , plus afraid they will scratch the wheels over tighten the wheelnuts and warp the rotors ?
Let me add that this is my third max and the first one that I have had with any problems period.
06-30-2003, 06:52 PM
#76
Moderator GT-R
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Originally posted by Randy
Even though I posted that I have had the shimmy problem , I could go days and not feel the shimmy. Well yesterday I had it happen again and this time it was 45 thru 60 mile per hour. Once the car was on the road for 20 minutes it didn't happen anymore. So what to do
should i take it to the dealer who is 18 miles from home and get there and there is no problem , plus afraid they will scratch the wheels over tighten the wheelnuts and warp the rotors ?
Let me add that this is my third max and the first one that I have had with any problems period.
Even though I posted that I have had the shimmy problem , I could go days and not feel the shimmy. Well yesterday I had it happen again and this time it was 45 thru 60 mile per hour. Once the car was on the road for 20 minutes it didn't happen anymore. So what to do
should i take it to the dealer who is 18 miles from home and get there and there is no problem , plus afraid they will scratch the wheels over tighten the wheelnuts and warp the rotors ?
Let me add that this is my third max and the first one that I have had with any problems period.
06-30-2003, 06:55 PM
#77
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18
Originally posted by Randy
Even though I posted that I have had the shimmy problem , I could go days and not feel the shimmy. Well yesterday I had it happen again and this time it was 45 thru 60 mile per hour. Once the car was on the road for 20 minutes it didn't happen anymore. So what to do
should i take it to the dealer who is 18 miles from home and get there and there is no problem , plus afraid they will scratch the wheels over tighten the wheelnuts and warp the rotors ?
Let me add that this is my third max and the first one that I have had with any problems period.
Even though I posted that I have had the shimmy problem , I could go days and not feel the shimmy. Well yesterday I had it happen again and this time it was 45 thru 60 mile per hour. Once the car was on the road for 20 minutes it didn't happen anymore. So what to do
should i take it to the dealer who is 18 miles from home and get there and there is no problem , plus afraid they will scratch the wheels over tighten the wheelnuts and warp the rotors ?
Let me add that this is my third max and the first one that I have had with any problems period.
I'm not that picky of a person, but this shimmy problem is starting to get me fustrated, espcially since others have the same problem.
My next step is to call Nissan Consumer Affairs tomorrow to document the issue. I really love the car except for the shimmy problem and now pull to the left and I know that it can be fixed. I shouldn't have to be so persuassive with the dealer. They have experienced the problem and acknowledge it, therefore they should just fix it no matter what.
07-01-2003, 05:25 PM
#78
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18
Well I'm happy to report that my Shimmy has been taken care of. After three tries, the dealer balanced the tires again and the ride is as a baby's butt. Most awesome. In fact on the seat when I picked it up was a copy of the following.
"The diagnosis for my problem? Servicing dealer did NOT balance to spec. At the plant, it was determined my wheels were out of balance. They were balanced and my ride is now smooth! This car was just balanced last week. Word is that other wheels coming into the plant from other dealers to be checked were out of balance although dealer had balanced them. It would appear that some dealers aren't keeping their machines calibrated or they are being calibrated incorrectly. However, I'm happy to report that all this stress over what I thought was a serious problem ended up not being so. Good luck to the rest of you. You're going to have to find someone that can give you an accurate read on the condition of the balance and road-force variance on the wheel/tire setup. I'll be taking a 6 hour road trip in the car Saturday, so I'll know for sure if this took care of my problem, but early indicator driving tonight makes it appear that it has."
Looks like my Nissan dealer monitors this forum.
Thanks Nissan and to everyone in this thread that had input, ect...
0 - 110, smooth as silk...
"The diagnosis for my problem? Servicing dealer did NOT balance to spec. At the plant, it was determined my wheels were out of balance. They were balanced and my ride is now smooth! This car was just balanced last week. Word is that other wheels coming into the plant from other dealers to be checked were out of balance although dealer had balanced them. It would appear that some dealers aren't keeping their machines calibrated or they are being calibrated incorrectly. However, I'm happy to report that all this stress over what I thought was a serious problem ended up not being so. Good luck to the rest of you. You're going to have to find someone that can give you an accurate read on the condition of the balance and road-force variance on the wheel/tire setup. I'll be taking a 6 hour road trip in the car Saturday, so I'll know for sure if this took care of my problem, but early indicator driving tonight makes it appear that it has."
Looks like my Nissan dealer monitors this forum.
Thanks Nissan and to everyone in this thread that had input, ect...
0 - 110, smooth as silk...
07-01-2003, 09:48 PM
#79
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 212
Let me see if I understand this...The new Max is being produced in a new plant with new balancing equipment and the cars shimmy upon customer testing or shortly after purchase. Dealers from all over the country use the same balancing equipment they use everyday to balance and rebalance the wheels/tires but this doesn't solve the problem for the vast majority. Some dealers from all over are sending wheels back to the plant and the response is.....the tires weren't balanced correctly or the balancing equipment(plant and dealer?) wasn't calibrated correctly???
I think I'll wait on a 6th Gen purchase for the time being. Must be some very 'special' wheels on the new Max.
I think I'll wait on a 6th Gen purchase for the time being. Must be some very 'special' wheels on the new Max.
07-02-2003, 12:02 AM
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
The fact that many '04 Maxima owners report no shimmy at any speed, plus the fact that both SE and SL owners have reported the problem with different make tires, would lead me to believe the factory is not balancing the tire/wheel set properly. It seems some dealers are not equipped/trained to find and fix the problem, either.
One or two posters said a careful balancing with the proper equipment fixed the shimmy.
As to the torque steer, I have always associated torque steer with accelleration. Especially accelleration during turns. If the car pulls to one side while cruising on level pavement, the alignment is not right. If the roadway is noticably crowned (slopes noticably to each side of the centerline), even a properly aligned car will tend to pull to the right.
One or two posters said a careful balancing with the proper equipment fixed the shimmy.
As to the torque steer, I have always associated torque steer with accelleration. Especially accelleration during turns. If the car pulls to one side while cruising on level pavement, the alignment is not right. If the roadway is noticably crowned (slopes noticably to each side of the centerline), even a properly aligned car will tend to pull to the right.