I'm back, and need some help that only a techie can provide.

[dgreekstallion]

Gentlemen, I've come here in hopes that you guys will be able to help me with a problem I can't figure out.

It's regarding my car, and I have already posted in my Inifiniti forum, but they aren't near as smart as you guys.

My FX50 has the incredibly aggravating issue where the seat shifts slightly when I brake & accelerate.

Long story short I took it in once and the dealer wouldn't fix it.

This time, I had a great conversation on the phone with the service manager and basically I'm going to come in next week, and I'm going to personally ride with one of the techs.

Now, here's where I need help:

I have been thinking of a way to devise a method to physically show the seat is moving, but I don't have many ideas. The best thing I thought of so far was something like a bubble level on the side of the seat that me and/or the tech could watch, and it would hopefully show the seat shifting, but I'm not sure.

Perhaps a technical way? Maybe a camera or something such as a laser that would indicate movement in the seat.

Essentially, I want to have data they can't refuse.

If you guys have any better ideas, I would be extremely grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dan.

[Homenubbie]

Use a taut string from seat to door handle.

[cryptokey]

If you have a smartphone, see if you can find an app to utilize your smartphone's inclinometer to record changes in yaw, pitch, and roll.  You will probably be able to find an app that can record data from both your phone's inclinometer and gyrometer for more detailed results.  The phone's gyrometer is used to measure changes in your phone's angular velocity and frequently uses the phone's accelerometer to avoid noise in the data by checking if the phone is moving or not.

tldr; Use a smartphone app that records changes in angle

[cryptokey]

Use a taut string from seat to door handle.

* tech's door handle  )
Actually though, your taut string idea would be a pretty good indicator of whether the seat moved or not _{minus collateral damage to nearby cars, cyclists, techies, etc.}

[Homenubbie]

Let us know how it works out!

[Oobly]

Bubble level and phone won't give you any useful info. They'll both be affected far more by that acceleration / deceleration of the car than any movement of the seat. The back of the seat will have some flex anyway, with your own weight pressing / lessening, so the best would be to measure the base somehow.

Perhaps a laser pointer mounted securely and aimed at the front or back edge of the seat base and mount your phone so the camera faces that area. Movements should be visible as the "spot" changes position on the seat.

[katushkin]

Which bit shifts? The back or the base? Can you just recreate the issue by pushing back hard with your feet?

[dgreekstallion]

You guys are amazing, thank you.

[dgreekstallion]

Which bit shifts? The back or the base? Can you just recreate the issue by pushing back hard with your feet?

It's actually the seat on the tracks, or whatever they call those. Apparently the gear(s) in the seat have some sort of sprawl/lash, due to Infiniti's not amazing QC.

[dgreekstallion]

Bubble level and phone won't give you any useful info. They'll both be affected far more by that acceleration / deceleration of the car than any movement of the seat. The back of the seat will have some flex anyway, with your own weight pressing / lessening, so the best would be to measure the base somehow.

Perhaps a laser pointer mounted securely and aimed at the front or back edge of the seat base and mount your phone so the camera faces that area. Movements should be visible as the "spot" changes position on the seat.

Great idea too. My dad and a few of my friends said something similar; that the bubble would move regardless.

[getf]

What about a little sticker or tape  - similar to "void if removed" stickers.
Put a few of them along the seat rails or whatever part you believe is shifting. After you drive it a bit examine the stickers to see if there are any tears.

[dgreekstallion]

What about a little sticker or tape  - similar to "void if removed" stickers.
Put a few of them along the seat rails or whatever part you believe is shifting. After you drive it a bit examine the stickers to see if there are any tears.

That's also a great idea. The issue isn't that it's huge or anything, it's just extremely aggravating, and basically the only issue I have with the car (it's new to me).