Infiniti’s QX56 was the Japanese luxury automaker’s update to the Nissan Armada. Based on the same platform, the QX56 offered refinement and class in the crowded full-size SUV market. With finishing touches like a Bose sound system and adaptive cruise control, the Infiniti QX56 competed with luxury brands from around the world.
Despite its refinements, many owners have reported common Infiniti QX56 problems with the transmission, engine or radiator and failing suspension concerns. Often times this comes in the form of a sagging rear end of the vehicle. However, it can also appear in the form of increased stopping distance, “squatting” when coming to a stop, or the vehicle not being able to maintain proper ride height.
There are several reasons why these issues are so prevalent among Infiniti QX56 owners. Let’s explore why.
Common Infiniti QX56 Complaints and Solutions
The Infiniti QX56 is spacious with impressive road handling abilities and a strong drivetrain, but it also has a high ownership cost due to the number of issues owners face. You're not alone if you've experienced several problems with your QX56. Here are some of the most common complaints and how to fix them:
- Timing chain noises: Many QX56 drivers have reported strange noises from the timing chain. This piece is part of the engine system, but you shouldn't be able to hear it operating. However, some users have reported whistling, whining or hissing noises when they start their vehicles. This noise can last several minutes and present early in mileage. The best way to address this problem is by replacing the timing chain.
- Faulty rear power door: The rear power door makes it easy to transport cargo and arrange materials effectively. However, many drivers have noted this door doesn't always work, sometimes refusing to open, not closing entirely or refusing to lock.
- Radiator fluid leaks: Your radiator ensures the engine runs at a safe temperature, but some owners have detailed leaking from the radiator into the transmission. This can result in more friction between parts and create damage. Unfortunately, when this happens, you must replace the transmission and radiator.
- Loud exhaust manifolds: These components transfer gas from the engine to the exhaust. Some drivers have noticed cracks in these pieces and reported ticking noises when increasing speed. This issue could result from a crack, so you should take your car in for repairs to ensure your vehicle is running correctly.
- Chipping paint: New QX56 paint jobs present this vehicle with a sleek design and luxurious style, making it all the more disappointing when the color starts to peel away. Flaking, bubbling and peeling paint is common in QX56 vehicles, typically around the roofline, on the hood, near the tailgate and above the windshield. If you're troubled by your paint job, you will need to request a new coat or cover patches with vehicle-safe paint.
- Clunking suspension: Popping or clunking sounds in the front suspension are common in GX56 cars. These noises could result from worn suspensions, making your ride much rougher and uncomfortable. Owners must often replace their coil springs to fix these issues.
Infiniti QX56 Air Suspension Problems
Beginning in 2004, the Infiniti QX56 was outfitted with an active air suspension. This system allowed for a super comfortable ride.
The active suspension works by constantly taking readings of the ride height at each wheel. It then transmits this information to a central computer or control module. The computer decides how much to raise or lower each corner of the vehicle needs. Once it does this, it sends a signal to an air compressor. This compressor pumps air through the system and into each airbag, inflating or deflating the corner to its proper ride height.
All this complexity makes for a wonderful, responsive, cloud-like ride. The problem is, it also leads to almost certain failures of the system.
Why Infiniti QX56 Air Suspensions Fail
There are two main reasons air suspensions fail and the Infiniti QX56 is no different. The first is due to just what we mentioned above. Air suspensions are incredibly complex. They consist of many components, all depending on each other to work. If, for example, there is a leak in an air line, the compressor will work much harder to keep the system inflated. Even something as small as a poorly-aligned gasket can throw the whole system out of whack.
The other big reason that air suspensions fail consistently is that many of the components are either moving parts or use flexible (and therefore flimsy) materials. Components such as the ride height sensor are constantly moving and rubbing up against themselves and other components. No matter how well-constructed a part is, this will always result in eventual failure.
Other parts, like the airbags, need to be flexible to serve their purpose. These components have a very high risk of tearing, experiencing punctures, or dry-rotting in bad weather and storage conditions. Put together, failure of the system in some way, shape or form is completely inevitable. This leads to Infiniti QX56 rear air suspension problems like sagging and squatting, which can cause more damage over time.
How to Fix Your Infiniti QX56 Suspension Problems
Your suspension system plays a significant role in your vehicle's performance and function. These systems rely on complex components that absorb shock when driving over bumps and rough terrain, keeping each ride safe and comfortable. Additionally, this system helps your tires connect with the road by increasing friction. Without this system, your vehicle could lose its grip on the road, allowing the tires to jump and slam back to the ground when you drive over rough conditions. This is incredibly unsafe and could lead to many road accidents that may injure you and other drivers and incur costly damage repairs.
When you have suspension issues, the Infiniti dealership will likely recommend that you replace your air suspension components with OEM parts. This nets them both a sale and some serious time under the hood, leaving your wallet looking slim. To add insult to injury, the failure rate of air suspensions means you’ll probably be back to fix another component soon.
However, there is a way to avoid Infiniti QX56 rear suspension sagging and other concerns — swapping the system altogether.
Surely the air system has served you well during its useful lifetime. However, at this point in your QX56 lifetime, you likely don't want to spend thousands of dollars and countless hours at the shop to keep it running. Thankfully, you don’t have to.
The Infiniti QX56 Suspension Conversion Solution
Rather than continue to fuss with that air suspension, you can just ditch it entirely and replace it. This kit from Strutmasters will allow you to replace your rear air suspension for under $500. That’s less than half of what it would cost you to replace it with air suspension components from the factory.
Instead of rubber sacks filled with air, this traditional suspension uses mechanical resistance to keep your car at its proper ride height. Engineered with Strutmasters’ patented GlideRide Technology, these properly rated springs ensure your new ride feels as close to the original as possible. Unlike those complex air suspension systems, this suspension kit is so simple you can install it yourself with tools you probably already have. Most QX56 owners find that they can replace their suspensions in about one hour per wheel.
Every kit comes packaged with detailed instructions to help even the most novice DIYer install their own suspension. If that doesn’t work, Strutmasters’ YouTube channel also has videos to guide you through the process:
Best of all, each Infiniti QX56 suspension replacement kit comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This means that we guarantee your suspension as long as your vehicle is on the road under most circumstances.
Shop For Infiniti QX56 Conversion Kits From Strutmasters
Strutmasters has been operating for over two decades, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality solutions at an affordable price. We were the first to invent air-to-non-air suspension conversion kits, so we know how to transform your vehicle to enhance your riding experience.
The suspension system is essential to your car, and you must maintain it. Rather than returning to the auto shop to repair yours, consider swapping your system for another. You can shop our conversion kits today and find the best one for your vehicle. If you need assistance choosing the right parts, get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. They're always ready to help.
Are you ready to make the switch and end your Infiniti QX56 suspension problems for good? Order online or give one of our Suspension Experts a call at (866) 715-6013 to get exactly what you need today!
