I ordered my new '04 SLV/BLK SE w/DPP VIN ..848524 back in April and finally got it 5 months later (the first one they built for me was damaged in the hail storm at the TN plant). While waiting the 5 months for my Maxima I frequently drove the in-laws '02 3.5 Altima w/17" rims (purchased at a different dealership then my Max). Noticed the "Shimmy" on the Altima at ~45 MPH on very smooth roads especially when you take your foot off the accel. Figured someone at sometime hit a curb or something bent the rim etc. On Sept 4th I picked up my new Max and driving home I noticed the exact same "Shimmy" at ~45-50 MPH which seems worse when foot is off the accel (coasting). Everything else about the car is so nice it hasn't bothered me too much till I decide to do some research on the problem. Searched for Maxima forums and found this site. WOW was I floored when I found 6 pages of Max owners experiencing the same problem. No offense but I wish I never found this site cause now the problem really bothers me. After reading 100+ posts I had to register immediately to share the information/symptoms I have experienced. The root cause must be some commonality between Altima's and Maxima's but you would think if it were an easy fix they would have done so by now at the plant. I intend very soon to begin looking for resolution from either the dealership or Nissan. Let's hope Nissan addresses the problem and finds the fix. When the car "Shimmys" it is disappointing but the other 98% of the time when it doesn't this car is very, very nice. Thanks for the posts.

 

i picked up two new front tires today from tirekingdom of beachwood ohio who than replaced them under warranty
they balanced all four tires and rims today front rims have a slight wobble
contacted the dealership the will look into replacement of rims


paul

 

I Know Of One Dealership In The Country That Could Fix
The 2004 Maxima Shimmy Problem Northcoast Nissan Of Middleburg Hts Ohio
My Maxima Is Fixed
Thank You

Paul

 

So, what turned out to be the problem?

 

two bad front tires
bad tire balancing
car alignment
bad strut
bad sway bar

paul

 

mattman2003 - After months of reading these posts and seeing how many folks do not seem to be having total success in getting the shimmy issue resolved, your post intrigued me.

I don't recall previous 'shimmy' posters mentioning struts and swaybars as something that the dealer checked during their shimmy research. Some don't even mention the alignment being checked. Most of the emphasis has been on the tires and wheels.

As your 'name' is mattman2003, I have to ask if your problem is with a gen 5 or a gen 6? If a gen 6, what is the serial #, and how many miles on the clock? I think what I'm driving at is finding out if the alignment, strut and swaybar problems existed when the car arrived from the factory, or developed over many miles of driving?

As this shimmy is probably the most annoying problem associated with the gen 6, one would think the Nissan engineers, with virtually unlimited access to testing equipment, would have done a somewhat better job of pinning down the exact cause(es) and eliminating the problem at the factory by now.

 

everything started to happen when i had 4551miles on the car
now i have 7323 miles, i lease the maxima and i have alot of time to make sure is done right.

paul

 

Anyone else put new rims on their car and have the vibration disappear? I was at my dealer the other day and overheard some of the mechanics/service guys talking about a rim recall (wasn't for the '04 Max) so perhaps that problem has carried over to the Maxima as well...

 

This thread is getting way too long (six pages and counting), have you all heard of the following to solve this:

One of the best methods available today is called road or radial force variation balancing. This requires the use of a special balancing machine equipped with a roller on a robotic arm whose purpose is to exert rolling force onto the tire/wheel assembly. What this equipment does is measure how round the tire and wheel are under a true load. The data collected from the test is valuable because sometimes a tire may be “out of round” and still appear to be perfect. Once the machine determines the high spot (section of the tire that exerts the most force on the road) it digitally recommends an index position of the tire in relation to the wheel. Basically it tells the mechanic to spin the tire on the rim until the highest spot on the tire is even with the lowest spot on the rims run-out.

 

That's what the Hunter 9700 balancer does (see prior posts)

 

Ocuihs, forgot to thank you for the most best explanation of the road variance issue posted thus far, IMHO.

 

Hi Folks,

Just checking in to see if anyone has had a serious shimmy/vibration problem "really" fixed?? My factory Goodyear's were balanced twice on the Hunter 9700 (two different shops), no fix - then the new Michelin's where balanced twice on the 9700, no fix. It doesn't matter where you put the tires on the vehicle the shimmy/vibe at speeds over 55 is pretty much the same. At 70+ I can see my dash moving and the dealer and Nissan Rep say they are done fixing my car?? I have talked to Nissan 3 times and will call again tomorrow - I have yet to get any type of service out of them either. I even mailed Nissan a certified letter requesting repair or repurchase with no response. My BBB paperwork is being filed tommorow.... This is ridiculous..
A description of Road Variance etc is nice but this problem with many of the 04's runs much deeper...

Any help on this issue would be well received...

Thanks

Smitty

 

I have had my wheels balanced on the Hunter and the alignment is O.K. Driving yesterday on the interstate, I set the cruise at 61mph and found that, on very smooth road surfaces, there is definitely NO shimmy. HOWEVER, on surfaces that are just moderately irregular, I sometimes experienced shimmy that looks and feels exactly like what you see with unbalanced wheels. Girl-friend's BMW 325 doesn't do this, and neither does my 96 Escort. Conclusion: there is too much play in the 04 steering and/or front end. Nissan is going to have to deal with this and fix it. I am tired of hearing how people have been told that the "Nissan engineers are aware of and working hard on" this problem. How hard can it be to figure this out? I agree with Smitty--let's persist with our complaints until this shimmy thing is finally solved.

 

1:00 pm fredmartinsuperstore is going to fix racket pinion steering to help solve shimmy and shake problem


paul

 

Are they going to increase the rack friction?

 

i do not know what they are going to do to the car's racket pinion steering

 

Keep us posted!

 

I have a 2004 SE that I took delivery of in April. It has been back to the dealer's seven times. The last four were for the shimmy. They rebalanced my tires three times and it is still there. I've contacted Nissan in June with letters, then with emails in July, they finally responded in September. Still no help. They don't think this problem exists. The last Service writer at Poughkeepsie Nissan's answer was "They all do this". We go to a different dealer now, but the problem is still there. I hope everyone on this site has contacted Nissan and not their local dealer. To anyone thinking about buying an '04 I would drive it first before buying. I didn't, this is my fourth Maxima so I just ordered the color and options I wanted. Big mistake.......

 

racket pinion steering issue is adjusted where there no shimmy or shake
but the dealership would not address any tech service bulletins,chipping of dash board,hood alignment, door alignment,car alignment,two front tire rims and front tie rod

 

Did they say exactly what they did to the rack and pinion? (Sorry about the rest of the problems).

 

lobewiper, you had your car balanced on a Hunter 9700 but you still have shimmy correct?

In post 97 of this thread:
Has anyone else had the r&p friction adjusted? I don't have noticeable shimmy at highway speed but an annoying shimmy from 45 to 55 ish. I don't doubt that the balance can be improved over OEM but this doesn't seem like a balance problem.

 

that is what they did to my car
i just called the dealership up
paul






Today, 04:33 PM
Post #181

bluemaxx
Maximaniac

Joined: Oct 2001
Location: Dallas, TX

Year: 2004
Color: Liquid Silver
Trim: SE




Report Post | IP: Logged
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by lobewiper
Did they say exactly what they did to the rack and pinion? (Sorry about the rest of the problems).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

lobewiper, you had your car balanced on a Hunter 9700 but you still have shimmy correct?

In post 97 of this thread:
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by Maxmann
...the steering rack friction was adjusted higher than design spec called for. The result was a much tighter steering feel and presumably, mitigation of the vibration/shimmy issue...Again, the current setting on the part is to "design" specification, but the "design" specification is not up to "service" specification. Mine was adjusted to service specification, and I have to believe it has made a difference; steering certainly feels better. Now, not all the vibration/shimmy is eliminated. I periodically detect it around 45-50, but it is so dramatically improved. Previously, I couldn't stand to drive this car on the interstate. It was brutal. Now, the car is as you would expect, and I look FORWARD to driving it. Now, at last, it is smoother than my SE...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Has anyone else had the r&p friction adjusted? I don't have noticeable shimmy at highway speed but an annoying shimmy from 45 to 55 ish. I don't doubt that the balance can be improved over OEM but this doesn't seem like a balance problem

 

I believe my dealer performed the "rack adjustment" on mine even though I asked them not to. Their isn't any engineering data from Nissan etc to back up that process thus who knows what it will do in the long run. The "design spec" vs "service spec" just doesn't sit well with me. If it was a required adjustment Nissan engineers would have issued a TSB. The reason I feel it was done on mine is due to the 50 mph steering wheel wobble being gone after a visit to the shop even though I was told nothing was done, nor was a work order filled out???? Even the dealership owner informed me that the regional rep said it wasn't a Nissan directed adjustment... Anyway, my bad vibration/shimmy at highway speeds has been the same throughout the entire time. The dealership knows theirs an issue with my/the drive train and attempted to "balance" it out by adding weight to the rims, spinning them in drive, while the car was on the hoist - just like you would balance a ceiling fan - trial and error.... What a joke. I informed them if they weren't going to look for the out of balance/round piece of "rotating mass" then to not touch it at all. Fix the source, don't just mask it! They informed me Nissan would not pay/authorize them to properly diagnose the problem.... Thats why the BBB Auto Line and I are beginning what I hope is a short "relationship. If they can't get the vibe-n-shimmy to go away, then I want the "Max" to go back right where it came from. I didn't spend $30K to spend my commuting hours gritting my teeth from vibration.

Please keep the info coming, many to follow will need it..

Thanks

Smitty

 

please give me your fax number i will fax over what they did per nissan enginieering

paul

 

testing 123

 

**just posted this on the poll thread, figured id add it here too since its relevant to both**

while i was signing the final papers on my 04, i was asking about the shimmy problem and my dealer said they heard of it , and it was from maximas that sat on the lot too long, that the tires got a flat spot from staying in storage....

i dunno whether to beleive them or not, but whatever just thought id share what they told me.


mine btw doesnt shimmy/shake/vibrate, they were saying they never had a problem yet cuz they are the highest volume dealer in ny (which i think is true) so thier cars dont sit around....

again, not my diagnosis for the cause of the problem, just what premium nissan told me.

 

What a crock of $h1t!!!!! Mine was still in plastic straight off the truck, not even parked for a week on the back lot and I have the 50mph shimmy. LIARS!!!!!!!!! ARRRRGH!!!!!

 

Dito 67890

 

Jacksprat01 $h1t!! they all lie to you. Did you check the tire pressure on your new unwrapped Max? Well I did! Tire pressure on mY max 2004 spirited brozone 3.5 SE drivers pref. VDC sunroof was 50lbs front 45lbs rear, I had shimmy and vibration. I lowered the pressure to the specs for the Max 32lbs front 32 lbs rear. No shimmy in the morning vibration still there. but had vibration and shimmy in the evenings drive home. This Max! very sensitive steering. I feel alot of road noise in steering wheel, I always need too hold on to that wheel or else she will take me where she wants to go. Im going to play with the tire pressure like my last car with performance tires same problem those tires were perrilli 4000. Performance tires so overated. So what im trying to say? this steering is no virgin and this vibration needs to be addressed. What pezzie me off the most, is mY Max was built in aug and I took possesion on aug 26 and that damMay 2004 tsb ntsbo3-066 reardeck parcel vibration from music or rattle on bumps was not corrected on the line in aug. build!!! MY problem! DAY OFF to address as well as scratches, glove box alignment, steering vibration and shimmy still thinking if I bought quality? (I think it might be tire pressure for the shimmy) but vibration in the rack steering wheel I have 6 pages of posts too choose from.

 

Sorry to ruin your day but adjusting tire pressure will not help. I actually think the shimmy and vibe is less when at 50+ psi and that is why Nissan is shipping them that way... my dealer owner gave me his demo Max SE to drive home 2 days while mine was in the shop for the shimmy/vibe. He told me he didn't think it had any issues. I noticed it on the way home, less than mine but there. I also noticed the harsh ride. His SE front tires were at 53 psi and the rear 48 and 50. Lowered them all to 32 and the shimmy and vibe was more prevalent. I think its Nissan's way of masking the issue to get them to clear the lot with the customer.. I really believe its out of balance rotors and or drivers axle. After moving the original Goodyear's from/to all corners, balancing twice, then doing the same with $1100 dollars of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's, and no change to speak of, its something other than tires.
I've spent more in certified letters to the BBB, TX State Motor Vehicle Commission, and Nissan in the last week than I have on gas! I still like my Max, but will not remotely except the shimmy and vibrating ride. I purchased this Max for an enjoyable 1 hour commute not one that I have to wear a mouth piece just to keep me from gritting/grinding my teeth from frustration.
I also purchased in the middle of August right of the truck. I also have the rear deck rattle, out of align glove box, and the fingerprinted/streaked center screen. They probably wont change the line at the factory for all of the TSB's unless numerous customers complain. I was told by a rep that less than 10% of the TSB are ever performed. Most of this stuff doesn't bother the other 90%. I myself believe in accountability and getting what you pay for.

Let us know what your dealer has to say about your $31K "vibrator" :-)

Thanks

Smitty

 

Mine told me not to bring it in but to complain to Nissan Customer Relations (800-NISSAN1). Am calling them today.

 

How CONVENIENT!!! "Don't call us, we don't want to hear it!"???????? Here's a quarter, call someone that cares. Love the Nissan dealerships!!!!

 

Actually, the service manager was being realistic--he knows the dealership isn't going to be able to fix it; these are the same guys whose wheel balancer couldn't balance my wheels, remember?

 

KJSmitty,
Im replying to the board, I replyed to KJSmitty in email. Before my post yesterday I adjusted my tire pressure after I drove 10 miles on the parkway. I live in NYC harsh roads here. Tire pressure was lerft front was 32.5lbs right front was 32.25lbs left rear was 32lbs right rear was 32.25lbs.I originally set it at 32lbs all around on 9/3/03. I readjusted the tire pressure to 32lbs all around. I posted that I had no shimmy in the morning drive and had shimmy on my evening drive, but today I had no shimmy on the evening drive as well in the morning (NO shimmy). The Max road really nice, but I had to still hold on to that steering wheel she will go where she wants too. Dam sensitive steering (to much road noise). Nissan needs to address these issues (Sensitive steering and quality). I think all performance tires are low quality and high priced. Like I posted, my past car I replaced tires perilli 4000 I had a shimmy where I did not have before. I played the tire pressure game To correct the problem, but thats my solution. I hope the best to you all. I read these posts alot full of great information. I will also keep you abreast of my tire pressure game. 31,000 should = quality....I tested the Max on newly paved roadway as well as old roadway. At 50mph on up....

 

Hello Everyone,

My 2004 Black Maxima SL had a shimmy problem. I took my car to Sears to have the tires balanced to correct the problem. Unfortunately the tires were worse. Sears balanced my tires two times with no luck. I ended up taking my car to the nissan dealership to address the problem. They balanced the tires using a load road force balancer and the shimmy problem was tolerable but I had a slight vibration at certain speeds. Because three of the tires were slightly out of round, the dealership ordered 3 new tires. After the installation of the 3 new tires, I still have a shimmy problem and a slight vibration. The dealer has now ordered a set of Michelin tires. I hope this fixes the problem. I wonder if there is a problem with the rims. The dealership claimed that the tires were slightly out of round, but they added a large amount of weight to the rims in order to balance the tires. I've never seen so much weight added to a tire before. It also seems unreasonable to receive so many bad tires. I will give you all an update next week when I get my new tires.

Frustrated Max Owner

 

It's sounding like bad rims to me...

 

Licnyc,

I did not receive your email?

I just cant believe this vibration would be that hard to figure out.... Just not that many moving/rotating parts. If the car wasn't new and under warranty I would be taking the rotors etc down for balancing and inspection... Just to satisfy my own curiosity. I'm not sure if you read my post about jacking up the front, removing the tires, using spacers and the lug-nuts I torqued the rotors down then spun just the drive train up to 70 mph. Front end vibrated like craze and made an awful howling noise. Why do I have to be doing this to figure it out and not Nissan??? Thats what I have informed the BBB and State lemon law folks about. Only time will tell.

Good luck all and keep the info coming.

Smitty

 

I noticed that the 02 Altima had a TSB for flat spotted tires that caused a shimmy and vibration. I guess I am one of the lucky ones, no issues here at all

 

Has anyone with this shimmy problem tried aftermarket wheels? Does it still occur with non-OE wheels/tires?

My parents just got an 04 SL, and I havent driven it yet. I just learned abt the shimmy tonight and Im very interested to try their car out.

 

Guys I had my front rotors replaced by the dealer. They were warped and the rear ones will be replaced soon too. The shimmy is now gone in the front, but slightly still in the rear. I suggest those people still having this problem to take a look at your rotors.