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

227 Comments

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. Hi,
    What a relief to find that I’m not the only one having chronic brake problems. Can you please send me the info on what pads and rotors to buy for Infiniti G35x. Thanks!

  2. I’m fed up with replacing rear brake pads and rotors almost twice a year on my 2005 G35. So I finally decided to do some research and found your site. Please send me the type and brand of brakes and rotors you used for front and rear. Thanks!

  3. How do I find out which caliber I have and can you send me some info in the after market pads please? I am squealing…

  5. Hi Trueler (or available commenter) I would be much appreciative if you could send me the details (brand name of Rotor & Pads)

    Thanks, Rb

  6. I’m having the same issue with my Infiniti G37 Sedan 2012; bought it brand new; and i’ve only had it for 1 year and 4 months; I was happy to finally be able to buy a brand new car with no car problems. Then last month, i noticed that it start squealing when I brake. Took it in to Infiniti and they said they couldn’t reproduce the noise after testing it for 4 miles and that visually, my brake pads for the front and rear are still over 10mm. I took it home and it still squeals when I brake. Wish i knew this before i bought the car; should have done my homework. I figured Infiniti was known for great vehicles. I guess not anymore.

    Please let me know what model/brand is the after market brake roter/pads you purchased.

  7. I am going through the same ordeal. Would you kindly tell me which model/ brand is the after market brake rotor/ pads you purchased?

    Thanks

  8. I am going through the same ordeal. Would you kindly tell me which model/ brand is the after market brake rotor/ pads you purchased?

    Thanks,

  9. Not sure I really understand what is happening here, I read all of these issues with the brakes and am kind of lost. I purchased my 2003 G35 Coupe with Bremo brakes and it had about 14k on it. 6-7 months into it I noticed that the brakes were going away a bit so shopped around and put Wagner pads on it from Advance front and rear. Think I spent less than $100, and I drive like a lunatic but I didn’t put brakes on it again for over 70+k and the pads I pulled probably could have done another 8-10k easy. This time I decided to replace the rotors and pads as the car was up just under 100k in miles. I bought the stuff online for about $300-$325, these are drilled and slotted rotors, ceramic pads. No issues but with a new car in the stable I am not driving the G35 as much so I only have about 15k on this package right now. I am happy with it but I wouldn’t mind more stopping power as I keep increasing the engine power.

  10. Hi came upon this discussion and just wanted to add that you guys can order complete front and rear rotors and pads for around $200 on Ebay. I replaced both front and rear for my Nissan X-trail which has the same brakes as some Infinity models from 2006. The original Nissan ones were made of some environmentally friendly vegetable matter and the rotors were a very soft steel to accommodate them. Noble effort but they were useless when it came to longevity, with the rotors being easily pitted and grooved and the pads becoming noisy. Any good metallic or ceramic brake pads and harder steel rotors will make a big difference. Any mechanic should be able to change them.

  11. Hello!!

    I need by brakes done for my 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe/(one with Brempro brakes).
    What pre market brakes are the ones recommended?
    I appreciate direction. Infiniti said it can be cheaper.
    I would like to know best brand to use.

    Thank you for your help
    MaryAnn

  12. I bought a used 2008 G35X about 18 months ago. I have had the front brakes serviced 3 times since I got it – once just a month after I bought the car. This is definitely not worth the headache. I am going to trade this in as fast as I can.

  14. Dear Trueller,

    I have the same brake squealing issue with my 2010 G37x. Are brake parts you listed applicable to my model as well. Dealer is putting new brake pads on under warranty, but I have no faith in them. they have “looked” at them 3 times now. this time they gave me same song and dance that this is normal for G37’s.

  15. Info Trueller posted earlier

    Trueler
    February 15, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    Hi Bill and Everybody who requested information about brake parts,

    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 replaced 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

  16. My 2003 G35 is in the shop today getting new front brake pads and rotors, and rear pads. Third time in 69,000 miles. The brakes have squealed since I got the car, as you said, you get used to it but it’s so irritating. Other than that I love this car. Please send info on your preferred after-market brakes, thanks so much.

  18. Hi there. I also have problem with my G35 2003 model. The brakes are always squeeling, would you be able to send me the brand as well. Thanks again.

  19. Hello, i just bought my first infinity g35 2003 with 135,000 miles wnt to get breaks done as im not sure when the last time they was service. Please send me the link Truler. Much appreciated. Thanks again!

  20. Hi Trueler, I have the same headache with G35 2003, it would be much appreciated if you could send me the brand name of the rotor and pad.

    Regards,

    Ehsan

  21. I have a 2005 Infiniti FX35 and sometimes the front brakes have a high pitched squeal when I am coming to a slow stop. I think there’s a little wear left on them but at 41K miles am thinking of replacing them this month. Can you recommend any products? Thanks very much!!

  22. Hi Trueler,

    I just purchased a 2008 G35 and I’m having the same issues a lot of the other owners are having.
    Can you please inbox me the name and manufacturer of the after market brakes you are recommending.

    Your help is greatly appreciated!

  23. Hi Trueler,
    I just bought a 08 g35x with the sport package, the bigger rotors are not any better either but only squeal louder. I don’t know the redesigned brakes as Infiniti claims has resolved the issue at all. Much appreciated if you can send me the brand name of the rotor and pad.

  24. I am looking at a 2004 G35 AWD. I guess I should expect brake problems. I just want to know if the R1 Concepts equipment solves the problem, or if I should just avoid Infinity. thanks for any help you can provide

  25. bonjour monsieur
    j’ai le même problème avec ma nissan G35année 2004, que faire pour trouver les pièces de rechange, les plaquettes de frein avant et arrière et les rotors
    merci pour le service que vous nous rendez

  26. Hey Trueler I’m glad to had found your posting right after I typed this issue on google search…I just purchased a 2005 Infiniti G35 and already I am hearing squeaking sounds! A mechanic told me that they don’t need to be replaced yet so I couldn’t understand how come the brakes were squeaking! So with that said I would really appreciate if you can email me the information on which aftermarket brake pads and rotors are good to use for my front and rear brakes so my next change can be successful! Thank you I will really appreciate it. Also, thumbs up to you! I see how many people you have helped.

  27. WOW… I am amazed at the transformation the brake/rotor swap made. The parts came in. I am always concerned about non-OEM parts not fitting exactly right. Not an issue. Everything fit OEM perfect.

    After the install (10 PM at night) I had to properly bed the brakes. Finding roads in Redondo Beach to do the break-in was interesting. The literature that comes with the brakes said that there may be some squealing for up to 500 miles. Not even a tiny squeak.

    My wife usually drives this car. As we were coming to the first stop sign she asked if the old brakes were that bad or are these parts that good? My response? “Yes”.

    Thanks for the advice. We could not be happier.

    Danny

  29. I replaced the stock rotors on my 04 G35 Coupe about 12K miles ago with (Stupid me) OEM rotors. I now have horrible squealing and vibration when the brakes are applied. I knew I needed something different so after reading this page I decided to order the R1 Eline drill/slotted rotors as well as the Posi Quiet ceramic brake pads. Ordered them today. Will share comments after I install them.

    Sad to hear of the lousy Infiniti service you have received. I live in Redondo Beach, CA and have had great service from the local Infiniti dealer.

  30. Hi Bill and Everybody who requested information about brake parts,

    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 replaced 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

  31. Hey,I am replacing by rotors and pads on my 03 G35 sedan.
    Could you please tell my what brands you used and what to
    look for. I was looking at ceremic pads. Thanks, Bill

  32. Hello..
    owner of a 2006 G35X sedan. May I please be emailed the info for aftermaket brakes and rotors as well. desperate.

  33. Hey, I too have the same problems with my 04 g35 coupe… Can you please provide me with some info of the brand of aftermarket producs you used to fix the problem? And I am also curious to how difficult it would be to just replace the parts on my own. I would like to do front and back.
    Thanks,
    Zac

  34. I had a new 2005 Infiniti G35x. Brought it in for 12 month, 18,000 km checkup and was told I needed $1400 in new brakes and rotors. I complained but was told that that wear is “normal for a high performance car”.

    In the US, owners successfully filed a class action suit. But Nissan/Infiniti Canada offered nothing. Now, 5 years later, they offer just $275 for owners that had new brakes installed.

    Sorry Nissan, that’s TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE!

    Here is a copy of he letter.

    Dear Infiniti G35X Owner:
     
    Infiniti is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.  One of the many superior features of the award winning G35X is its excellent braking performance.  This performance is due in part to advances in materials technology inherent in the brake pads on model year 2005 G35X sedans.  However, that superior performance can result in these customers sometimes experiencing greater brake rotor wear than they may have experienced with other vehicles they previously owned or leased.  
    What Infiniti Will Do
     
    To ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction, for a limited time, Infiniti is offering to reimburse owners for out-of-pocket expenses related to brake rotor replacement for 3 years from the original in-service date or 60,000 kilometers on your odometer, whichever occurred first (the “Program Period”).  
     
    This brake rotor reimbursement program covers brake rotor replacement performed when required because of rotor wear during the Program Period. The reimbursement will only be eligible for the cost of the brake rotors, and will not cover other parts costs, or labour expenses, to a maximum of $275.00.
     
    What You Should Do
     
    If you have previously had your brake rotors replaced during maintenance to your vehicle prior to your receipt of this letter or during the Program Period, you may be eligible for reimbursement of those expenses.  Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your dealership or the Infiniti Information Centre at 1-800-361-4792.  
     
    Please note all claims must be submitted within 90 days of receiving this letter.
     
    Thank you for your purchase or lease of an Infiniti vehicle.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
     
    QUALITY ASSURANCE
    NISSAN CANADA INC.
    INFINITI DIVISION

     

     

  35. My friend has a 05 g35, and recently contacted about having to replace her right rear caliper(left was replaced 2yrs ago) both seized up. The right cost twice as much as the left. Was wondering if anyone else was experiencing similar issue, or if the faulty rotors and pads may be leading to this. Thanks.

  36. I have a 2004 Infiniti G35X. Could you please provide me with the manufacturer and part# of the after market pads and rotors?

  37. Willowdale Infiniti doesn’t even install the In-cabin air filter properly. I recently switched to a owner-manager mechanic after years of servicing my 05 G35 coupe with Willowdale. When my mechanic took out the old in-cabin filter, it was all squished up. Since it was not installed correctly, air was able to partly bypass the filter. They obviously took a short-cut and forced it in from underneath the glove-box as oppose to doing a proper job by removing it first. Who knows what other short-cuts they take. I will never go back to them again and would recommend anyone currently going there to switch.

  38. Hello Trueler,

    My son is going to purchase a 2006 G35 tomorrow. Instead of annoying him I thought I would just try to ease his future brake expense. Would you please email me the information on the aftermarket pad and rotors.

    Thank you.

  39. Hi Trueler,

    I just bought a 2006 G35X and was wondering what you recommend (part names and numbers if possible)?

    Thank you!

  40. Hi All,

    As I posted above,

    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

  41. Recommendations on an aftermarket brake/pad – I just bought an 04 that squeals! Thank you!!

  42. Please pass information on after market brake replacement as we are replacing tem a second time
    Thanks

  43. I am having the same problem with my 2006 Infiniti G35x brakes! The dealership in Columbus, Ohio changes pad and rotors once less than a year ago and now brakes are squeking bad! I am wanting slotted rotors and high performance pads. I am also thinking about steel braided brake lines but I can’t find anything for the All Whell Drive G35! I am needing help I want good quality parts that are not the defective oem parts that are also reasonably priced! PLEASE HELP!!

  44. Hey ya’ll I am having to most redic problem with my brakes they squeak so loud when I am coming to stop. It is so annoying and I can’t take it anymore. Can some please email the manufacturer and model # of the aftermarket brake pads and rotors.. Thanks in advance..

  45. Hi Traci,

    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

  46. Wow,so glad I found this. I have a 2004 infiniti G35 sedan. I replace my pad constantly. I only have 100k on it. The rear has began making a roaring sound, almost like I have a set of mud tires on my car! I have replaced the brake pads, new tires, balancing, rotating, front end alignments, and even new rack and pinions. Nothing seems to stop the problem. Could someone please suggest to me a name of aftermarker rotors and pads? The noise is really getting annoying, but I’ve just gotten use to it. It just sucks having a luxury vehichle that sounds like a 4 wheel drive when stopping. The squealing never goes away! Please help!

  47. Problem with my brakes as well. I knew it when i bought the vehicle. Already changed to non oem components. Been 80 000 kms and now they are going. I will order off r1. Do they ship canada?

  48. I have a 2006 G35, 4 door. Please send me the info for my sqeaky hard breaks, its driving me and my wife crazy!!!
    Thank you.

  49. Hi Beverly and All requested information,

    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

  50. Hello,
    I am having the same problem with my 2007 infinitig G35x. I had to have new brake pads and rotors turned on the front at 15,000. Now I have 32,00 and need front and back brake pads and rotors turned. Nissan customer service won’t admit that there is a problem. I am contacting the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission with my complaint. I am also writing a letter to their corporate office.
    Please send me the info about the parts so that I can purchase them and have my mechanic install.

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