Posted: Aug 24 2006 at 7:57am | IP Logged

Right....

I'm pretty sure the part is NOT a seperate intity. Therfore, I think the entire column has to be replaced. Check with your dealer and find out though. I may be wrong...

Posted: Aug 24 2006 at 9:01am | IP Logged

It was mentioned that the specific part that is failing is a bearing set.  I imagine that the column assembly is somewhat of an integral unit.  I can't see your dealer's tech chasing loose ball bearings around the shop floor.

There were three "parts" in total replaced on mine including the steering column unit, a bolt (?) and a column cap.  When they disassmble the steering column, the whole front end suspension goes loose so I would expect/demand an alignment.

As someone pointed out, they more than likely haven't addressed the defect in manufacture, when they replace the column (and integral failing bearing set), they're replacing it with another flawed part that will more than likely fail too. (can't be sure of that of course and in that they're not publically admitting a problem, we may never know)

When, and I say when because someone is going to get hurt and they'll have to face the music, all of us who have had the column replaced will probably get to go in again and get the improved part.

Anyone care to guess how many '06 frontiers have been sold?  It was an 1.5 hours work for the tech.  $85/hr? more?  The part at their cost? I have no clue...$1K?  We're looking at millions and millions of $ for a recall.  Is it any wonder they're stalling?

I've often wondered if they're insured for this type of stuff.

BTW, I have a friend who is a researcher with a private auto saftey org here in DC and he happened to purchase an '06 Xterra recently (shares the column apparently).  I'm forwarding him info and we'll see if it gets us anywhere.

Posted: Aug 24 2006 at 4:44pm | IP Logged

All, my first clue there was something up was a 1/4 inch of play (teeter-totter) in the steering wheel.  Given the "bad bearing set" comment made by my dealer tech, this play makes sense.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Posted: Aug 25 2006 at 3:59pm | IP Logged

geeze, ive been tracking this particular thread for some time and i own an 06 CC SE with alittle over 3k miles on it; my rigg seems to be doing fine for the most part, to date my only complaint is a metallic rattle sound coming from beneath the truck if i go over a bump or rough road...i hear it too when i shut the door...which is pissing me off.

this thread concerns me as this problem can really injure a person or maybe worse...ill definitely monitor my rigg but you got me paranoid about it. i sure hope these incidents are isolated and not a total issue across the board.