Last month we treated our 2011 Infiniti QX56 to a full detailing. Now that we've put nearly 30,000 hard miles on our big SUV, it's time to give the mechanical parts as much attention as the aesthetic elements received last month.
Thirty thousand miles is the first major service interval for the QX56. Infiniti recommends a full oil change with a new filter ($38.09 in parts), a new engine air filter ($39.99), a cabin air filter ($29.99), a pair of wiper blades ($34.98), new gear oil for the front and rear differentials ($124.00), a brake fluid flush ($57.00), and new transfer case fluid ($12.60) based on our hard use. Add the labor, shop fees, and taxes and the total was $908.46.
We only had to replace the differential oil and transfer case fluid because we have been towing trailers on a fairly regular basis. Owners not doing any trailering, carrying a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads would only need to have the fluids inspected at 30,000 miles, which could save a significant amount of money. According to our service technician, the differential fluid was very dirty and the magnets inside the differentials were full of debris. Likewise, the transfer case fluid was very dirty and came out the color of tea. Our QX has lived a tortured life so far.
All four of our wheels and tires needed to be rebalanced, too. Luckily the broken pavement that is classified as highways in Michigan didn't bend our 22-inch wheels. A vibration felt in the steering wheel is gone now that wheels are properly balanced. Our brakes still have life left in them, although logbook commenters have not stopped complaining about the amount of pedal required to bring this hulk to a halt.
After the pricey service visit, the QX drives almost as good as new. Aside from the continued complaints about the amount of brake pedal needed to scrub off speed, there are no issues with the QX's ride or handling. Even after eleven months we are still impressed with the strong acceleration the 400 hp V-8 provides, and that likely explains why there are so many comments on the brakes.
Check back next month to see whether our 2011 Infiniti QX56's final days are any easier than its previous ones.