ITB12-072I

Classification:
Reference:
RA12-003I
Date:
ITB12-072I
November 9, 2022
ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR BINDING FEELING
FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
APPLIED DRIVELINES:
2013 JX35 (L50)
2019-2023 QX50 (J55)
2022-2023 QX55 (FJ55)
2014-2020 QX60 (L50)
2022-2023 QX60 (L51)
2014-2019 QX60 Hybrid (L50H)
AWD only
IF YOU CONFIRM
There is an abnormal noise, vibration and/or binding feeling from the rear differential area of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT:

For vehicles equipped with a Drive Mode Selector: “SNOW” mode will increase engagement of the
AWD coupler, which increases traction. This may be described as a binding feeling and/or vibration in
sharp corners when on dry roads. This is normal behavior. Confirm the drive mode prior to any repair.

Tire size, brand or tread pattern mismatches can cause similar symptoms. To avoid tire related
mismatch vibration, it is recommended that when tires need to be replaced, all tires are replaced at the
same time with tires of the proper size, same brand and pattern.
ACTION
Follow the Flow Chart on page 2 to assist in diagnosis.
IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing.
You MUST closely follow the ESM as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this
repair.
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.
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Flow Chart
YES
Is there an abnormal noise, vibration and/or binding
feeling from the rear Final Drive Assembly?
Disconnect the Electric Controlled Coupling and retest. Is
the noise, vibration and/or binding feeling still present?
Is the vehicle a
2022-2023 QX60?
Use a stethoscope and test for
noise at the Electric Controlled
Coupling, and at the center
rear of the Final Drive
Assembly. Is the noise louder
at the Coupler Clutch area or
at the center rear of the Final
Drive Assembly?
NO
These vehicles have a new AWD
coupler system with hydraulic
clutch pressure and oil pump. It is
normal operation to hear the pump
prime when ignition is turned on.
Was the abnormal noise
only heard at startup with
the vehicle not moving?
Is the noise
louder than a
KGV only at
the Electric
Controlled
Coupling?
NO
NO
YES
Run the priming
operation on the
Coupler Actuator.
Is noise louder
than a KGV?
NO
YES
NO
YES
Electric Controlled
Coupling
Is the noise louder
than a KGV only at
the center rear of
the Final Drive
Assembly?
This bulletin
does not
apply.
NO
YES
Final Drive
Assembly
NO
YES
Was the
abnormal noise
heard while
driving?
YES
YES
NO
This bulletin
does not apply
Replace the Final
Drive Assembly
Replace the Electric
Controlled Coupling
Replace the Electric
Controlled Coupling
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ITB12-072I
ELECTRIC CONTROLLED COUPLING REPLACEMENT
If diagnosis leads to replacement of the Electric Controlled Coupling for the rear final drive:

DO NOT replace the entire Rear Final Drive Assembly.

DO NOT remove the Rear Final Drive Assembly for this procedure. The Electric Controlled Coupling
can be replaced with the Rear Final Drive Assembly in the vehicle.

Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for removal and installation information.
o For QX50 and QX55: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > REAR FINAL DRIVE:
R145 > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > ELECTRIC CONTROLLED COUPLING
o For 2022-2023 QX60: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > REAR FINAL DRIVE:
R145 > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING
o
For 2013 JX, 2014-2020 QX60 and QX60 Hybrid: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE >
REAR FINAL DRIVE: R145K1 > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > ELECTRIC CONTROLLED
COUPLING
REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
If diagnosis leads to replacement of the Rear Final Drive Assembly:

Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for removal and installation information.
o For QX50, QX55, and 2022-2023 QX60: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > REAR
FINAL DRIVE: R145 > UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > REAR FINAL DRIVE
ASSEMBLY
o
For 2013 JX, 2014-2020 QX60 and QX60 Hybrid: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE >
REAR FINAL DRIVE: R145K1 > UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > REAR FINAL DRIVE
ASSEMBLY
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ITB12-072I
UNIT CHARACTERISTICS WRITING
Performing “Unit Characteristics Writing” of the electric controlled coupling with CONSULT-III plus is required
on some models when replacing the Electric Controlled Coupling or the Final Drive Assembly.

Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for Unit Characteristics Writing.
o For QX50 and QX55: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > TRANSFER: TY21D >
BASIC INSPECTION > UNIT CHARACTERISTICS WRITING
o For 2022-2023 QX60: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > TRANSFER: TY92B >
BASIC INSPECTION > ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING AWD CONTROL UNIT (IN
ELECTRIC-CONTROLLED COUPLING)
o For 2013 JX, 2014-2020 QX60 and QX60 Hybrid: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE >
TRANSFER: TY21C > BASIC INSPECTION > UNIT CHARACTERISTICS WRITING
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ITB12-072I
PARTS INFORMATION
For Models:
2013 JX35 (L50)
2014-2020 QX60 (L50)
2014-2019 QX60 Hybrid (L50H)
2019-2023 QX50 (J55)
2022-2023 QX55 (FJ55)
DESCRIPTION
PART NUMBER
BOLT (PROPELLER SHAFT)
37120-(*****) (1)
BREATHER
38322-(*****) (1)
CONNECTOR, BREATHER
17235-(*****) (1)
CPLG ASSY-ELEC
(Electric Controlled Coupling)
38761-(*****) (1)
FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY
38300-(*****) (1)
NUT PROPELLER SHAFT
37171-(*****) (1)
NUT (TORSIONAL DAMPER)
37171-(*****) (1)
3 BOND GSKT MKR-RTV (2) (3)
999MP-1217FPP
QUANTITY
4
As Needed
1
As Needed
1
As Needed
1
As Needed
1
As Needed
4
As Needed
4
As Needed
As Needed
(1) Use the VIN and the Electronic Parts Catalog to look up the part number for the vehicle you are working on.
(2) This product is considered a shop supply; do not include it on your warranty claim.
(3) Order this item through the Infiniti Maintenance Advantage program: Phone 877-INF-IMA1 (877-463-4621).
Website order via link on the dealer portal: www.NNAnet.com and click on the “Maintenance AdvantageTire/Battery/Chemical” link.
PARTS INFORMATION continued on next page
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ITB12-072I
For Models:
2022-2023 QX60 (L51)
DESCRIPTION
PART NUMBER
BOLT (PROPELLER SHAFT)
37120-(*****) (1)
CPLG ASSY-ELEC
(Electric Controlled Coupling)
38760-(*****) (1)
FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY
38300-(*****) (1)
3 BOND GSKT MKR-RTV (2) (3)
999MP-1217FPP
AWD Coupler Fluid
999MP-LSCTRF
QUANTITY
4
As Needed
1
As Needed
1
As Needed
As Needed
7/8 Quart
As needed
(1) Use the VIN and the Electronic Parts Catalog to look up the part number for the vehicle you are working on.
(2) This product is considered a shop supply; do not include it on your warranty claim.
(3) Order this item through the Infiniti Maintenance Advantage program: Phone 877-INF-IMA1 (877-463-4621).
Website order via link on the dealer portal: www.NNAnet.com and click on the “Maintenance AdvantageTire/Battery/Chemical” link.
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ITB12-072I
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
PFP
OP CODE
SYM
DIA
FRT
Rpl Electronic Controlled Coupling
(1)
LB65AA
ZL
21
(2)
(1) Reference the Electronic Parts Catalog and use the Electronic Coupler (38761-*****) as the Primary Failed
Part (PFP).
(2) Reference the current Infiniti Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat Rate Time (FRT).
OR
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
PFP
R & I Final Drive Assembly
Replace Final Drive
OP CODE
LB01AA
(1)
LB021A
SYM
DIA
FRT
ZL
21
(2)
(1) Reference the Electronic Parts Catalog and use the Electronic Coupler (38761-*****) as the Primary Failed
Part (PFP).
(2) Reference the current Infiniti Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat Rate Time (FRT).
AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE
REFERENCE
DESCRIPTION
October 29, 2012
ITB12-072
Original bulletin published
November 1, 2012
ITB12-072a
PARTS INFORMATION section revised
December 3, 2012
ITB12-072b
September 24, 2015
ITB12-072c
September 28, 2018
ITB12-072d
CLAIMS INFORMATION section revised
APPLIED VEHICLES section revised, and SERVICE
PROCEDURE section removed
APPLIED VEHICLES section revised
November 12, 2018
ITB12-072e
September 23, 2020
ITB12-072f
March 15, 2022
ITB12-072G
May 31, 2022
ITB12-072H
November 9, 2022
ITB12-072I
PARTS INFORMATION section revised
Title, APPLIED VEHICLES and PARTS INFORMATION
sections revised
Changes throughout
AWD Coupler Fluid added to the PARTS INFORMATION
for 2022 QX60 on page 6
APPLIED VEHICLES, description of vehicle symptoms,
and IMPORTANT statement in IF YOU CONFIRM
section revised; model year changes made on pages 2-6
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ITB12-072I