Rack and pinion steering died on '06 FX45 42k miles

S

Speedster

Member
Location
Colorado
The FX45 developed some noises with steering (either direction) over the past week or two. Took it in today to get looked at and the rack and pinion steering needs to be replaced. Firestone wants $1150 (using OEM parts), the dealer want $1800. Dealer says my '06 is out of warranty by a year (4yr/60k).

Anyone been down this road before? This is my first Infiniti and have had mostly Acuras, Subarus, and Hondas and I've never faced a repair bill like this before (unless you count changing the timing belt and major service on a Honda every 105k miles). Is the rack and pinion a known issue on these cars? Any TSB's? A little disappointed.. we've only had the car for 2k miles/4 months. Lane departure warning stopped working too (I've tried the hold-the-button for 4 seconds thing and no luck). Off to a rocky start with the FX. :.frown:
 
Hmm just wondering. Have you touched the steering rack yourself before or adjusted the bolt there to tighten the steering?
 
Rack was leaking, then it ran low on fluid. No leaks on garage floor, fluid stayed inside boots. Topped off fluid and steering quieted down but noises still present. Lots of laboring noises and some metallic grinding noises on occasion. Started quickly, less than 2 weeks ago. Then took into shop yesterday. Was not surprised to hear the diagnosis. Such a strange thing to have fail at such low mileage...
 
Have read maybe a couple of members with steering wheel noises previously but nothing like needing a whole replacement. Not a known issue from my experience but you never know with previous owned vehicles.
 
Wow, first I am hearing of this. Sounds like you have a lemon/bad luck.

I have 150k miles on my 03 fx45 and have tighten my steering rack bolt since 70k miles. No noise or leaks.

Sorry to hear all the issues you've been having.
 
so your saying the rack is leaking from inner seals in to the boots? if so, go run to the nearest auto store and get Lucas Power steering stop leak with the green rack and pinion sticker on it.. I have a friend who used it on his BMW M3 and it stopped the leak. Try this fix, then move onto replacing the unit..
 
^^ Thank you sir I will do that. The system probably sprang a leak, got low, and that is when we began hearing steering laboring. I had my shop do a very thorough inspection when we bought it and it passed with flying colors. If that leak is slow/small enough, maybe that stop leak would help. Wonder if/when the leaked fluid is going to spill out onto the garage floor. Thanks for the ideas, guys.
 
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