Classification:

Reference:

Date:

AT16-019a

ITB16-045a

August 2, 2017

INFORMATION TO PREVENT CVT REPLACEMENT
DUE TO MISDIAGNOSIS OF NOISE
This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made on pages 2 and 5.
No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

All Infiniti equipped with CVT

SERVICE INFORMATION
With the engine running and the vehicle on a hoist, noise heard from the CVT may be louder (in Park, Neutral,
Drive, or Reverse) than a non-CVT type transmission.
CVT transmissions are much louder without drive load, which may lead to misdiagnosis.
Do NOT judge CVT noise as abnormal due only to noise on a hoist (with or without the wheels turning).
CVTs replaced for a noise issue may be requested for return. CVTs that do not have a defect will be charged
back to the dealer.
Refer to the information in this bulletin before replacing a CVT for a noise issue:


General noise descriptions from front of vehicle when driving/idling – commonly blamed on
CVT: Page 2.



Bearing Noise Diagnosis: Page 3.



Bearing Noise From Front of Vehicle Flow Chart: Page 4.



CVT Replacement For Noise – Check Sheet: Page 5.
 This check sheet must be completed and attached to the repair order before replacing a
CVT for a noise issue.

Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained
individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that
a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti retailer to determine if this
applies to your vehicle.
1/5

General Noise Description - from front of vehicle when driving/idling

Noise Descriptions
Commonly Blamed on CVT

Explanation

Cabin booming (low frequency) noise or steering
vibration at lowest rpm after CVT torque converter
lockup (about 1200 engine rpm and about 30 mph).

CVT is designed to allow very low engine rpm with
torque converter locked to improve fuel economy. This
is normal behavior and not warrantable.
If noise or vibration is worse than a known good
vehicle, check for exhaust contact with body due to
incorrect installation or impact damage.

Warbling/whining noise in Drive when moving, but is
not heard when stopped in Drive.

If noise only occurs when in motion, check for noise
from wheel bearings and propeller shaft bearings
(refer to Bearing Noise Diagnosis on page 3).
If a CVT is replaced for noise and follow up repair of
front wheel bearing is performed, due to improper
noise diagnosis CVT repair may be charged back.

Slight whining noise when coming to a stop while
braking.

A slight whine noise when coasting or braking to a
stop at less than 10 mph may occur. This is normal,
and is not warrantable.
If noise is worse than a known good vehicle, check for
contact between CVT and body.

Slight whining noise at idle and accelerating, any gear
position.

A slight whine noise when idling or accelerating can
be due to engine oil pump, H-EPS power steering
pump (if equipped), or CVT oil pump. This is normal
and not warrantable.
If noise is worse than a known good vehicle, unplug
the H-EPS pump (if equipped) to see if noise goes
away, or use chassis ears to isolate the source of the
noise.

Rattle noise that increases/decreases with engine
rpm, but may not increase/decrease with vehicle
speed.

Generally caused by an exhaust heat shield that is
loose or contacting the exhaust.

2/5

ITB16-045a

Bearing Noise Diagnosis


General bearing noise description: A warbling noise that increases frequency with vehicle speed or
engine speed.

General Noise Location

Action

Noise direction from Front of vehicle

Proceed to Bearing Noise From Front of Vehicle Flow
Chart on the next page

Noise direction from Rear of vehicle.

Perform a 2 channel chassis ear test, one on each
rear spindle, to confirm rear bearing noise. (If AWD,
perform a 3 channel test and include rear propeller
shaft bearing.)

Noise direction cannot be determined.

Perform a 2 channel chassis ear test, one on each
rear spindle, to confirm rear bearing noise. (If AWD,
perform a 3 channel test and include rear propeller
shaft bearing.)
If no abnormal noise is isolated with chassis ears,
proceed to Bearing Noise From Front of Vehicle Flow
Chart on the next page.

3/5

ITB16-045a

Bearing Noise From Front of Vehicle Flow Chart

Bearing Noise From Front of Vehicle

Noise occurs in Neutral/Park – Not moving

Noise is
unaffected by
shifter position
or A/C ON/OFF

Noise only occurs when vehicle is
moving

Noise stops when
A/C compressor is
turned OFF

With noise occurring while driving
at constant speed, does noise
increase or decrease with steering
input (back and forth) or when
cornering?
YES

Remove drive
belt or use
stethoscope to
check bearings
on belt tensioner
pulley / AC
compressor
clutch /
alternator /
PS pump

Use chassis ears on
A/C compressor to
confirm A/C
compressor bearing
noise

NO

Perform a 4 channel
chassis ear test
(1 channel on each front
spindle, 1 on CVT body,
and 1 on drive shaft
bearing) to isolate the
source of the noise.

Perform a 2 channel chassis
ear test (1 channel on each
front spindle) to confirm front
wheel bearing noise and
isolate which side

4/5

ITB16-045a

CVT Replacement for Noise – Check Sheet


Print a copy of this page and attach it to the repair order.



Before replacing a CVT for a noise issue, perform diagnostics to confirm the noise is coming from the
CVT.



Place a check mark in each box below to confirm the diagnosis for that item has been done.

Noise was confirmed with customer on road test (test drive),
not on hoist

Noise IS much louder than known good vehicle

Noise is NOT a wheel bearing

Noise is NOT a driveshaft/axle or propeller shaft bearing

Noise is NOT engine oil pump noise

Noise is NOT engine accessory (idler pulley/alternator/AC
compressor)

Noise is NOT H-EPS Pump or power steering pump

Noise is NOT an exhaust heat shield rattle

5/5

ITB16-045a