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Nissan Infiniti G35 Brake Problems – squealing, fast wear out due to defect

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Front brakes on my Infiniti G35 2003 started to produce excessive squealing and it was the time to change brakes again. I dropped by to the dealership where they checked brakes and gave me estimation of $740 to replace front brake rotors and pads.

Infiniti Front Brake Rotors and Pads Dealership Job Estimate

The last time I changed front rotors and pads was 30000 km ago at Willowdale Nissan Infiniti dealership service center. Moreover, 12000 km ago same pads have been replaced and rotors machined. So, I can say that for me genuine Infiniti brake parts work for 20000 km or about one year. How? Why? One year for Nissan Infiniti brake rotors, and even less for brake pads?

I’m usually asking service advisors about the reason of fast wearing, probably something was not installed properly, or some parts were defective. The answer is always the same – because of the way I’m driving… Ok. This time I’ve decided to make some investigation and research before continuing to waste more than $1500/year on brakes for “the way I’m driving”.

I was very surprised with what I’ve found.

Infiniti G35 2003 has defective brake system.

It causes continuous squealing and very fast wear out.

Search engines provide many thousands results for the search query like “Nissan Infiniti brake problems”. And it applies not only for G35 or only for 2003 models. It applies to FX35, QX56, G35 Coupe, Maxima and to the models of 2003-2006 years. There are many lawsuits against Infiniti due to brakes problems, because replacing them due to known defect every year is too much for consumers. Moreover, it drops resale value significantly!

When I was buying the car at Willowdale Nissan Infiniti dealership, I’ve asked sales person if there are any known problems, or recalls for the vehicle. Dino Pop (his name) lied me that there is absolutely nothing wrong – no recalls, no problems, no issues.

I have NEVER heard from Willowdale Nissan Infiniti service advisors that there is a known problem with Infiniti brakes. However, I was asking them each time about the problems with brakes. And every time after brakes replacement at this Infiniti of Willowdale stealership, squealing noise appeared after several days of driving. I just used to it, however it is really annoying from time to time. And mechanics could not do anything about it, and they did not let me know about the well known problem, because changing defective brakes very often is an excellent cash cow for Nissan Infiniti dealerships.

And dealerships continue to install defective genuine Nissan Infiniti brake rotors and brake pads.

When I complain on squealing they always do nothing:

Infiniti Brake Squealing Report - No Actions

I just started to think that Willowdale Nissan Infiniti mechanics are not qualified enough to do the brake job.

Here is a solution!

Do not install defective OEM Nissan Infiniti brake parts anymore! They will die in a year.

Consider after-market brake rotors and pads. I personally did it this time. Brake rotors and pads with shims perfectly matched my Infiniti G35 2003. I replaced brake rotors and pads for the front wheels during Friday evening. It is not so hard as it may look like. I’ve ordered brakes from California. Everything (both left and right rotors, pads with shims) including one-week delivery and taxes cost me $220 CAD. It is a way less than $750 offered by the dealership. Brake parts are much better than genuine Infiniti ones. Rotors are ventilated and slotted.

And there is absolutely no any noise from the brakes! It is the first time for the several years of my ownership of Infiniti G35 when I’m not hearing any squealing or other noise from brakes.

If you decided to install rotors and pads by yourself, you may ask any questions regarding the process as well. I will create and post here illustrated instructions for the front brake rotors and pads replacement procedure for Infiniti G35 when I can find some more time.

Here is the Infiniti G35 Repair Manual to assist in brake rotors and pads replacement:

Infiniti G35 2003 Service Manual – Brake System (BR)

227 thoughts on “Nissan Infiniti G35 Brake Problems – squealing, fast wear out due to defect”

  1. 2008 G37S – squealing brakes. 23,000 miles.
    please send me the info for brake as well.
    Please note, Sport model with 19″ wheels and large brakes.

  2. Can you please tell me what brakes and rotors that you used for your G35, i’m sick on backing up and hearing the noise. It is getting louder and louder. Thank you in advance. I thought I was going crazy until i read this!

  3. Hi, I’m experiencing the same problem with my 06 g35x. Would you mind sending me the name of the after market parts I can try? Thank you very much!

  4. Hi Everyone,

    I have ordered the following parts from R1 Concepts:

    – R1 Eline drill/slot rotors (part # EDS.42074)
    – Posi-Quiet Extended Wear Pads (part # 106.08150)

    These are for Infiniti G35 2003 Sedan.

    In August 2010 I’ve replace brake rotors and pads for front wheels, and in November 2010 for rear. So far, no complaints. Comparing to Infiniti OEM brake parts these behave much better, no squealing at all.

    If anyone is using brakes from them, please share your experience here.

    Thanks,
    Trueler

  5. Trueler,

    I need some after market rotors and pads for my 2003 G35.
    What do you recommend?

  6. I would love to get the model and part number of what you used I drive an 03 sedan with navi

  7. Do the R1 Concepts’ R1 Eline drill/slot rotors (part # EDS.42074)and Posi-Quiet Extended Wear Pads (part # 106.08150) that you recommend for the Infiniti G35 2003 Sedan work for the Infiniti G35 2004 Coupe, in your opinion? I’ve had the same problems you describe, brakes wearing out way too fast. Thanks.

  11. Hi Trueler,

    I bought a 2005 G35X second hand last year and it immediately needed new front brakes. It’s been a year and I am being told it needs new front and rear brakes (the fronts are worn more than the rears which haven’t been changed)…this wear is abnormal.

    Could you provide the details of the aftermarket parts you used? I think I need to try something different. Annual replacement at these rates are out of my budget.

    Thanks in advance!

  13. Hey Dave,

    I would look for a good car and if the problem with the brakes persist, I would replace them with aftermarket ones when time comes. I was sure at some point that it was 2007 when problem fixed, but then I’ve heard complaints on 07 vehicles and younger.

    Regards,
    Trueler

  14. I am wanting to purchase a G35 but don’t know what year the brake problem ended…..If it did? If there are aftermarket rotors and pads that will obviate the problem then I can look for a good 2005-2006. I understand that at some point they increased the size of the rotors but I don’t know what year? Is a 2007 safe? Any advice appreciated.
    Dave
    North Vancouver

  15. Trueler,

    Found this just poking around:

    “To note on brake judder and how it occurs. Brake judder is almost never a result of a failed brake component. Brake judder is a result of a warped brake rotor. Brake rotors do not come from the factory warped 99.99999% of the time. Warpage occurs due to excessive heat that is created during braking. This typically occurs in heavy frequent brake applications usually when driving in the mountains,driving with 2 feet, driving in heavy stop and go traffic with high surge speeds. Now the warping is not entirely the fault of the driver but is in part as good driving habits should be used, i.e. when driving down a mountian don’t race to the next turn and hammer the brakes instead coast alot of the time, use gears in advance to decelerate to the turn so only a light brake application is used. I dont think much needs to be said about the 2 foot driver its obviously a very bad habit to have. Driving in heavy stop and go traffic give your self room, try to assess what the whole group in front of is doing not just the guy in front of you. Leave room and allow traffic to pull away on acceleration to allow for abrupt stopping of traffic so you can ease to a stop.

    “Now the part not of the drivers fault. When rotating the wheels or having other wheel work done, If the wheels are not properly torqued when reinstalled this can cause uneven pressure pushing the rotor against the hub and distort the rotor a bit. Not enough to feel immediatly but after a few warm stops your rotors will try to conform to that distortion eventually transmitting to the outter area of the rotor causing it to warp.”

    Brake judder sounds like the problem my wife’s car has. We do a lot of mountain driving. We cross the Sierra multiple times a month, every month in both cars. A lot of curves, two lane windy road stuff. We moved to Nevada in 2008, and still drive back to California quite a bit. So replacing the rotors ought to fix it.

    Regards, Mike

  16. Thanks Trueler, I bought a pair of rotors today (BDR 31350) and will install sometime later this month along with new pads. Wife loves the car other than this braking problem which has recently come up. She says the problem is intermittant as well, so not every time she brakes at higher speeds. Also there is no bias towards either side so it isn’t one wheel causing it. I’m perplexed. I think I recall this problem occuring back when I changed out the pads a couple years ago as well. It disappeared then too but now its back.

  17. Hi Mike,

    It’s difficult to say if the problem you have is definitely caused by rotors from you description. I’ll tell more. Even mechanics won’t say you with 100%. What is definitely known is that Infiniti OEM rotors and pads are defective which causes premature wearing and squealing during lifetime. So if you consider rotors replacing soon, it’s better try after market parts.

    Thanks,
    Trueler

  18. G35X 2004 Bought new in early 2004 or late 2003. Wife’s car. Replaced all pads at about 50K miles with third party parts. Did the work myself. Checked today with 90K miles, front pads are half worn. Rotors are original. Our problem is shimmying or violent shaking when braking at higher speeds. I suspect front rotors need replacing, does this sound correct ?

  20. I purchased a used 2003 G35 from the dealership 4 months ago;cerified and safetied by the dealer.

    The rear passenger brake starting scrapeing as if it seized.

    Now the dealer tells I need all brakes and rotors replaced to the tune of 1600 dollars.This sucks and I will not pay the dealership but I am going to pay a private mechanic.Please provide the aftermarket parts info for the brakes.

  21. I have an 03 G35 and I’ve had nothing but problems with both the car and the dealership. My brakes are a problem as well. They installed after market pads and when I had noise and vibration they told me it was because I didn’t have original Infinit parts!

    So they got original Infiniti brake pads and now I have terribe squealing and grinding at every stop. I’m out of town and terrified to drive the highways in case something serious is wrong. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on repairs for this car at the dealership and have since found out that some if it was not necessary.

  22. I have a 04 G35 and have replaced the brakes so many times. Can you send me the info on the brake pads and rotors you used on your car. Thanks.

  24. Hi Shonda,

    Conider any after-market brake rotors and pads for your vehicle. Original Infiniti brakes are defective. It causes fast wear out and squeaking. I’ve resolved brake problems by changing OEM brakes to another manufacturer’s.

    Regards,
    Trueler

  25. Hello everyone. It’s so amazing. I have a 2008 Infiniti G35 and my brakes squeak as well. At first it wasn’t that bad, but lately it’s gotten worse. I took my G35 for maintenance to the Infiniti dealer and also told them to check my brakes because they were squeaking. After getting my vehicle serviced, they said my brakes were fine and it was just dust. So I asked him if it was just dust, couldn’t they clean them maybe or something for the squeaky noise to stop and the guy said all I needed to do was get a hose and clean them really good. So needless to say, yes I still have squeaky noise when I press on my brakes. Any suggestions? Please help.

  26. Hey guys, I have had problems with Infiniti’s service for years. I am just about through over paying for garbage service. I have an 03 g35 sedan…any recommendations for pads and rotors so i can do it myself? Thanks!

  27. Ok, the verdict is in. I installed my R1 concepts eline cross drilled and slotted rotors and Hawk HPS brake pads on my 07 G35 coupe. Properly installed and bedded. The terrible squealing is finally gone! I recommend these aftermarket parts because the OEM parts from the dealer will NOT fix the problem. I’ll update in a few days if the squealing returns. So far so good!

  28. Can you tell which pads and rotors I will need to get rid of this most irritating squealing noise on my 2006 G35

    Thank you so much for your help, Dave

  29. I have a 2007 G35 coupe. I forgot to mention that. To add to my other post, the hawk brake pads are ferro carbon, not semi-metallic like the OEM brake pads. The Infiniti dealer in Orlando, FL says the semi-metallic pads are one of the causes of the squeal.

  30. Hi everyone,
    I just purchased the R1 eline cross drilled and slotted rotors and the hawk hps break pads. They will be here Thursday. After I install the parts, I will post my experience with them. I really hope it fixes the squeal. I had the squeal before I changed the rotors and pads. Not even 20 min. braking with the new parts the squeal was back. I properly “bedded” the new parts, so thats not the issue. OEM replacement parts will not fix the problem.(atleast that’s my experience). Anyway, I will let you all know how it goes in a few days. :)

  31. Hi Everyone,

    I have ordered the following parts from R1 Concepts:

    – R1 Eline drill/slot rotors (part # EDS.42074)
    – Posi-Quiet Extended Wear Pads (part # 106.08150)

    These are for Infiniti G35 2003 Sedan.

    In August 2010 I’ve replace brake rotors and pads for front wheels, and in November 2010 for rear. So far, no complaints. Comparing to Infiniti OEM brake parts these behave much better, no squealing at all.

    If anyone is using brakes from them, please share your experience here.

    Thanks,
    Trueler

  32. We are looking seriously at the 2006 G35 sedan and would like to know what after market rotors/pads you recommend – the brakes on today’s test drive seemed a little noisy and we’d like to negotiate on this matter with the dealer.

    Dan

  33. I have a 2004 G35 Sport Coupe with 24,000 miles and am getting ready to put on the third set of brakes and such. Please send me the after market information as well.

    Thanks.

  34. Hello, I have a 2007 G35 coupe and I have terrible brake squealing. I replaced the front rotors and pads with OEM parts and the squealing is back. Would you please tell me what you used to fix the problem?? thank you so much

  35. Hi,

    Please send me the aftermarket rotor and pad info when you get a chance. Thanks!

    Chad

  36. Hi

    I have a 2003 G35 with Brembo brakes and they are squealing like crazy, I switched pads in Oct and two weeks ago and they’re still squealing. Can you let me know the best after market brand of breaks to use.

    Thanks for the info!

  37. HEY I HAVE A 2004 G35 COUPE AND I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME THE TYPE OF BRAKES YOU REPLACED THEM WITH? PLEASE?

  39. thinking of buying a G35x, can you send me the aftermarket brake info? The brakes were noisy on the test drive, figured I would have them replace them before I bought it, but I think I will just negotiate the cost of a brake job off the price, and see if they will go for that. thanks for your help!

  40. I have sent information on after market brake rotors and pads to everyone.

    Thanks!
    Trueler

  42. Hey there, wondering about those brakes and rotors, having a terrible squealing(almost electronic) noise coming from the passenger rear on my 03 g35 sedan AT. Its getting very annoying. Could you please forward me the info regarding the pads and rotors? Thanks.
    -Clay

  45. Trueler

    can you please send me the info on pads and rotors. I have a 04 g35

    Thanks

  47. Hello Trueler,

    Kindly please provide me with the name and part# of the replacement aftermarket roter/pads for an 2003 G35 coupe(brembo pckage).
    Also will I be able to purchase from a store in Toronto, Ontario.

    Thank you.
    Syed

  48. Hi
    I’m interested in finding the brake rotor and pads combination you used. Please let me know.
    Thanks

  49. As with everyone else I would love to get the model and part number of what you used I drive an 03 sedan with navi

  50. I have an 05 g35, so I’d like the info on the front and rear after market rotors and pads.

    Thanks!

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