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Comments
It is about less than 3 times in acoustic magnitude. Don't have calculator at hand. Just an estimate.
Wondering aloud whether the parts that Nissan told ksloan are being tested would need to be welded to the top of the frame. Also wondering whether assembly of these parts onto the vehicle would require retooling on assembly line, and if that is the case, would they wait for '05 production before retooling.
Somewhat relatedly, after noting, along with some other posters, a remarkable lack of advertising for the Armada, saw a television commericial this week for the QX56. Would Infinity/Nissan aggressively market their top-of-the-line vehicle if they don't have a fix? Risky proposition, if so. Guess only time will tell.
"Fully Boxed Section Frame
Hear waves crashing. And hardly a squeak or rattle for miles. Because Armada isn't designed from an unforgiving truck frame, but a full-length body-on-frame design using laser welding and structural bonding for high torsional rigidity. To help ensure a smooth and comfortable ride with fewer squeaks and rattles. It also has the longest regular wheelbase of any full-size SUV and a wide track for an improved stance and more stable handling and cornering."
I agree, the sound system is better for those in the front than it is for those in rear. It seems funny they did not even put any speakers in the back row.
Thanks for pointing out where the subwoofer is - I can now see it there.
also, has anyone installed a nav system? the only reason i didn't get the se offroad or le is i didnt want leather. but i would love the nav. system.... wondering if it is prewired as well. would require replacing the radio and ac faceplate, but worth it.
Even though I have had all these issues in such a short time, I have faith that they (NISSAN) will come through with the much needed repair for the resonance. I'll keep you all posted,
Coincidentally today I noticed something perhaps semi-related. My windows were foggy, so I turned my vent on and set it to the defog setting for my front window. Upon doing that the A/C automatically came on. I think I read somewhere that this is suppose to happen, but it surprised me because I didn't physically turn the A/C on and I wasn't expecting it to turn on.
With the vent still on, I moved the vent position to another setting but the A/C remained on. I then cut the vent off and then turned it back on and THIS TIME the A/C did not come on.....but once I set it back to defog the window, it kicked back on.
Sooo, I guess what I'm getting at is, check to make sure your vent position isn't on the defog setting when you have the vent on. It seems like if its in that position, once you turn the vent on your A/C will come on as well.
With that said, at anytime, if i simply clicked the A/C off, it would turn off. Double checking to make sure i don't have the vent position on the defog setting when i turn my vent on, is just something I guess I'll have to be more aware of (sorta weird to HAVE to do that).
I hope I explained myself and I didn't confuse you with all my mumbo jumbo :O)
Here's a link with more theory.
Steve, Host
Well I'm off to buy accesories now..
Might bring some of you some temporary sanity when driving.
I'm awaiting a phone call from Nissan on the supposed "parts" they're designing- anyone heard anything?
-Nathan
tidester, host
ps- to those that were wondering- I'm persuing selling off some other stuff rather than My Armada, it's just not financially beneficial to take such a huge hit- and realistically, I would rather hang onto something that is giving me ZERO trouble than go into the unknown-
i just have a feeling that its more isolated than how its portrayed here.
I recently went on a couple of long road trips towing my 5000lb trailer and 5 adults, and the Armada performed like a dream. I even had comments from the guys about how well it towed and how much power it had.
He also said I had no popping and for me to ride with him. Well we pull off and pop pop! He said, Whoa! I didn't hear that before. I said, it only does it every single time you pull off after sitting for a couple of minutes. It sat there for 2 days but no one heard it. Needless to say I got it back and nothing is fixed except my overhead console that finally came in. That fixed a rattle and I am thankful for that big time! The other stuff will come in time. These guys are trying and have a great attitude. Sometimes these things just don't happen when you want or rather about the time you drive off.
So in response to the earlier post. This problem (resonance)is actually probably much larger than we all know, not smaller or isolated.
I love the vehicle and will put up with problems. Like I have said before, I knew with a first year vehicle things could crop up. I have confidence they will be worked out. Nissan service dept. really is the best I have worked with as far as being helpful and concerned over what I think about my vehicle. They want me to buy again.
Any word on when fix will be in place at the plant?
I am also experiencing a metal popping sound from under my vehicle, when I start to drive off. I don't know if this has to do with the rotor problem that I have read about in other post or what.
I really like my Armada, I just wish that it didn't have all the problems. We have actually contacted the dealership manager about trading it for one without all the problems but of course we would lose money and I don't intend to lose money because of Nissan's mistakes. This has been a very frustrating experience.
Here's what he wrote about the resonance:
"Both the tested Armada and Infiniti QX56 were affected by a tympanic rumbling of the roof that made naked-ear enjoyment of the audio entertainment system all but impossible. There was a rumble-rumble-rumble at low speeds that increased to an irritating hum on acceleration."
You can read the entire review on Washingtonpost.com.
PS Mr. Brown's impression of the Armada is funny, but not very complimentary overall. Opinions like his will likely affect resale down the line. Still, to each his own. If the resonance flaw were fixed at the plant, then I'd be talking to a fleet manager today.
Washington Post (via Google, no registration)
Here's the direct (free registration) link if that one dies.
Steve, Host
Some don't like the look and I agree it is unusual, but It has grown on me. I really like the way it drives. Just back from a Sierra trip and got 19 mpg...an all time high! Still not great, but pretty good for a vehicle this size.
I think I am the only pro Armada person left on this board. Hope I stay that way!
I love my Armada. I installed a billet grille and molded brushed aluminum dash kit last week. Both look great IMO. Next step is to upgrade the Bose.
Notwithstanding all its pluses (IMO) the cabin could still be more quiet. If there were a cheap way to add soundproofing I would be first in line. The tire (Continentals) and wind noise (at highway speeds) together with the throaty exhaust do make the ride more noisy than I had expected. Still, it is within acceptable limits and this is my only major gripe so far. Hope not to be posting with resonance and/or rotor problems after such a problem free start. In any event, I have the gold package (100,000 or 5 years) to mitigate any future problems.
Smoke LE/Tech, graphite interior with second row bench. Accessories: HID conversion kit, Billet grille, brushed aluminum dash kit, satellite radio kit, wireless car kit
There was puff of blue smoke coming from the exhaust! Anyone else?
On a side note:
While I'm still waiting for my Prodigy brake controller I did get a Equalizer weight distribution hitch. The UPS person must hate me as the main box was 65 pounds and the bars were 38pds. I hope to trailer my CJ this week to get some exhaust work.
Post some pics of your Armada mods if you can..I'm particularly interested in seeing any audio/video work you get done. I've done the dash kit, wheels and tint and want to put in my aftermarket stereo and a couple of screens, but I haven't found anyone who's done any work on the Armada yet locally.
-Nathan
On the post article: I think the interesting point was in the Nuts & Bolts side column in which he states:
"Purse-strings note: Nissan will have to redo the exterior; and the word from deep within the company is that a re-skinning already is in the works. The company also will have to do something about that roof noise, which is a bother. You can bargain on this one, especially considering the bountiful competition in the full-size SUV."
As for this noise I keep reading about do you guys/girls hear this over the music? I hear a little something but it sounds more like the tires on poor roads, but nothing like I've been reading.
Oh yeah, I wondered how many of you with brake issues have checked the torque on the lug nuts? That seems to be the most common cause of brake problems. Again, good luck.