Calling all '02-'06 Altima Owners

[charbaby]

The last time that I visited my dealer for what I thought might be a warrenty item(cat.conv.), the service writer told me that I still have an "Open Recall" on my '04 Altima.

My service records show that I have responded to 2 of the 3 recalls this vehicle has had...

1) Intake manifold screw(that may come loose and lodge in the intake manifold). COMPLETE!

2) Cam position reprogramming(I think this is what it was called). COMPLETE!

3) Rear sub frame needs to be replaced(an all day job). This is the recall in question. OPEN!

a) Has anyone here at Bob's had this recall performed by your dealer?

b) Can someone tell me a little about what is involved other than cutting and welding a new one into place?

c) Is a rear/4 wheel allignment required after the subframe is is installed?

d) Are they(dealer) replacing the struts/springs also as part of the package?

e) Did the dealer try to charge you for any part of the Recall Repair such as the allignment?

I'd like to have this recall satisfied as to keep a clean "CarFax"(should I decide to sell the car) even though I am not experiencing any issues in the rear end of the car.

Any information would be great!

TIA,

CB

 

[tomcat27]

I cant speak to the specific Altima program - but yes, a 4 wheel alignment would be absolutely necessary after that work. some of the charges vary by dealer. (the dealer has some freedom to add/dismiss certain charges and also charge a "deductable" if they want)
Over the years our family has had a few major repairs done under warranty. at the big dealers they added a "deductable". back home where they know us - the repairs were always gratis.

also, I would expect that struts/springs are not covered under warranty and would be charged to you if you want them replaced. do you have 100k+ miles? 150k+?

 

[charbaby]

Tomcat,
Thanks for your quick responce. You were responding while I was still editing.

Of all the recalls that I have had with any vehicle over the years,(I beleive every vehicle that I have owned), I have never been charged a dime for any of them but, I am a bit concerned about this one I'm afraid! I don't know why...Lack of trust I suppose!

I am also curious if there are any source(s) that I should contact prior to having this recall work done(other than the specific dealer), as to what is involved and what I am responsible for(dollar wise).
Personaly, I don't want to pay a RED CENT for any of it!

 

[pcfxer]

My friend was highered at a dealership just to perform this recall actually. From what he told me most of what the dealership replaces is up to them save for the parts identified in the repair solution provided by Nissan.

With the sub frame removed another technician and the SM would inspect other parts and replace if there was any indication of wear (even if the wear was mostly normal). In Canada, no customer was liable for a single penny; this hopefully is the same deal in the United States. In the worst case you could call their service line and get all the answers you need.

 

[The_Jeff]

I've changed some front subframes on saturns and it does mess up the alignment a little but not as much as you'd think. IDK your altima's setup but if its trailing arms (and struts) are a couple feet long a millimeter off here and there won't mess it up bad enough to feel. Again, not knowing your setup, but they usually make you get cam bolts and shims and other fancy stuff for rear wheel alignment on the faith in their manufacturing process bolting up correctly every time that it won't be necessary unless there's a crash.

If there are adjustment sleeves though, they darn well better adjust them!

How is your floor pan? Those rot out on that era altimas too.

I would wait until the car gets older before taking it in. Recalls don't expire and you want the most use from the old parts. (Of course the rest of the car will probably be gone by the time the 2nd subframe rusts out.)

 

[charbaby]

Thanks all!

I'd like to hear more from those Altima owners that have had this recall work done on their car.