[2011+] QX56 new motor, timing chains, etc

M56 Start-Up Noise

I purchased a 2011 M56S in Aug. '14. The car was a demo a had only 5,000 miles. In Nov. when the ambient temperature dropped, there was a strange noise coming from the engine bay when the car was first started that lasts about 15 seconds then goes away. This noise was not present when I first bought the car. The car is still under warranty. I have brought it two different Infiniti dealers. One can't find the source and the other says it is a normal noise. The belt was removed and the noise was still present. I have a recording (see link below). I was wondering if anybody else is experiencing the same noise with the 5.6 V8.
thanks.

Here is the video link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clmW_mlHPk0&feature=youtu.be
 
Yep...sounds like poor lubrication on the timimg chain guides...which is caused by the oil jets.

How many miles do you currently have on the car now?
 
Only 10,000 miles. Oil changed every 3 months. Using Ester oil now. I am not getting anywhere with the dealers so I have written to Infiniti and sent them a couple of videos. Thanks for the quick response. I suspected it was the jets but the dealers say they see this problem on cars having way more mileage or cars that have been neglected.
 
noise

Spirod, I bet that 'M ' is a 'Rocketship' ! :D I hope the new oil fixes the issue. I switched to Pennzoil from recommendation here on the forum.
Have a good one.
Parrott

2011 Black QX56, new airfilter, 20"s 19,940, miles,
(it needs a Magnaflow)
______________________________
 
Parrot, I love the car. It gets a lot of looks as the M hasn't sold well. That is why I had to turn to the QX56 threads for information/feedback. The ester oil, which was recommended by the dealer/Infiniti, did not change anything. I just want to get the noise resolved and I am really disappointed with the service provided by my dealer. I have stated this on the letter I sent to Infiniti. Hopefully Infiniti will provide direction soon.
 
Actually the ester oil is garbage...the only thing it has. help with in some cases is the VVEL noise...but other than that it's not a good oil.

I wanted an M56 bad...but I couldn't wait until one I wanted was available so I worked out a good deal on a M37 that they had on the lot with everything I wanted...but it is a bad ass car...it moves effortlessly.
 
when my fuel pump was dying it sounded a little bit like that (but higher pitched).

-chris
 
cbkqx56 said:
when my fuel pump was dying it sounded a little bit like that (but higher pitched).

-chris
Click to expand...

True...you are right...it could be the fuel pump since its driven by the timing chain but did your noise go away after a few seconds?
______________________________
 
yes, it lasted maybe a minute when it got bad at the end. initially it would last 15-20 sec.
 
I will pass this information to my dealer. Thanks! I spoke to Infiniti Canada this morning to make sure that they received my letter and videos. I hope that they will figure this out soon. It is kind of embarrassing starting my car in the morning ...sounds like a cat is caught underneath the hood.
 
Is the noise there only in the mornings when u first start the car??? If so, tell them to keep it overnight, and shoot over there before they start it up the next day. Tell them also... no noise is "normal", that's like saying a brief chest pain is normal, it's a warning sign that something is about to happen.
 
Yes, the noise is only present on the first start of the day. In the winter, the noise would last longer, about 20 seconds. Now with the warmer weather it last about 10 seconds.
When I first played the recording to two Infiniti dealers, their mechanics both said that the noise was not normal and they both suspected the timing chain oil jets being the cause. But they did not want to replace the parts until they received the ok to proceed from Infiniti. Instead, Infiniti asked them to do further diagnostics. My car has spent 4 weeks in total at the garage. One dealer thought that they located the noise : power steering pump and the alternator tensioner. They replaced the parts but the noise was still present. I think the problem here is Infiniti. The dealers know that the noise is not normal but they need Infiniti to approve the warranty repairs. Honestly, I don't expect to get anywhere with Infiniti but I have to start with them and I am prepared to go as far as necessary to get this resolved.
 
Obviously they struck out with both the power steering pump and alternator tensioners... it's time for them to look at those oil jets/timing belt; I guess they don't wanna pony up the $2k to fix it, but I'm sure it was nearly $2k to replace the steering pump/alternator tensioners....

also regarding the sound in your youtube video, my timing belt issue was a much higher pitched screeching sound than I'm hearing with your car engine. scary nevertheless when they can't figure where the noise is coming from... and tell the Stealer again, no abnormal noise is normal noise
 
Last edited:
I took my 2011 with just over 65k on the clock into the Infinity dealership to check out my noise. (sounded like a gear drive supercharger).

The then pulled into the garage to speak with the representative I shut the car off and walked into the office. He asked for my key and went to start the QX56 and sure enough the battery was deader than a door nail. Not once had it failed me all this time. Then as soon as I bring my car into the shop the battery decides to die. Needless to say my battery was still under warranty so it was replaced for free.

They called me back on Friday to tell me my oiler for the timing chain went out so they were replacing the oiler and timing chain. Free of charge as he said it was still under warranty!

Parts ordered and should be ready to pick up on Friday...so will see How it goes, hopefully everything will be fix and no further issues.. Being very anal about my car and techs bending over the fenders and front of the car I hope I don't have to worry about scratches in the paint.
______________________________
 
Last edited:
Our 2009 g37 started knocking at 3000 kms. It mostly happened in hot weather when just idling or putting around. Although they tried several things to take care of the problem nothing worked and we got angry and frustrated with all the trips to the dealer. Took them 50000 kms to figure out that a gasket inside the timing chain cover fails causing intermittent low oil pressure resulting in knocking sound. Took them a month to repair it at Dilawri Infiniti Nissan Regina, Sk. We have since put 40000 kms on it with no further noise but recently we have noticed a similar noise again.
We have no confidence in our engine not failing us after having low oil pressure. They refused to replace the engine. They would only replace the timing parts and cover even though we believe the low oil psi would have damaged every moving part in the engine. The mechanic wanted put anew long block in, even stating it would have been less work but infiniti tech would not let them. I will never buy any nissan product again.
CueExFiftySix said:
Anyone here had to have an entirely new motor put into a 2011 or newer QX56?

Also, has anyone here run into problems with the timing chain(s) in their 2011 or newer QX56 that resulted in either the timing chains having to be replaced or the entire motor having to be replaced?

Lastly, will having the motor replaced at 50k miles hurt the resale value of the vehicle?

Any and all opinions greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
 
kbonnel said:
What I am trying to track down is some info on when the updated timing chain parts where installed and included on new vehicles sold.
Click to expand...

Did you ever find an answer to this question? I'd like to know if this is resolved or not before purchasing.
 
AZ_G said:
Did you ever find an answer to this question? I'd like to know if this is resolved or not before purchasing.
Click to expand...

I didn't, at least nothing conclusive. I could only find TSB mentions for 2011 - 2013: TB13-009a

http://x.infinitihelp.com/forum/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=402&id=1689

"NOTE: Essential Service Tool Oil Jet Remover/Installer Kit J-51269 was shipped April 2013 to all Infiniti dealerships. Dealer non-vehicle accounts were charged $140.82 plus applicable taxes and freight. Essential Service Tool Oil Jet Installer J- 51316 (for M56) was shipped August 2013 with
dealer non-vehicle accounts charged $99.85 plus applicable taxes and freight. "

Not sure if this means that vehicles manufactured, say after April 2013, have the updated parts, but I am sure it is pure conjecture on my part.
 
kbonnel said:
I didn't, at least nothing conclusive. I could only find TSB mentions for 2011 - 2013: TB13-009a

http://x.infinitiforum.net/forum/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=402&id=1689

"NOTE: Essential Service Tool Oil Jet Remover/Installer Kit J-51269 was shipped April 2013 to all Infiniti dealerships. Dealer non-vehicle accounts were charged $140.82 plus applicable taxes and freight. Essential Service Tool Oil Jet Installer J- 51316 (for M56) was shipped August 2013 with
dealer non-vehicle accounts charged $99.85 plus applicable taxes and freight. "

Not sure if this means that vehicles manufactured, say after April 2013, have the updated parts, but I am sure it is pure conjecture on my part.
Click to expand...

Thank you, that's very helpful. One would think that if there is no TSB for 2014 then parts have been updated in production. As you said it's not conclusive, but a good data point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Cars Connected in the Apple App Store Cars Connected in the Android App Store
Back
Top