Would worn compression rods cause you to feel the road at your feet when driving on the highway? It feels like the front end is loose, noisy, and rougher than usual when cruising on the highway.

 

Is it the actual compression rods that wear out or the bushings? I'm just wondering whether I should replace the bushings or the entire compression rod

 

An interesting picture I found showing the suspension

 

Has anyone replaced just the bushing? I want to review the Technical Service Bulletin when I get home because I think it states to only replace one of the two bushings.

 

Yes people have replaced just the bushings.

 

Are replacement bushings the new design? Or the existing?

IIRC, the new comp rods are a new design....at least the bushings. Just wondering if the redesigned bushings required a new design to the arm?

My dealer only replaced ONE compression rod. They didn't do the pair. I drove this AM and the other original one creaked very faintly so i know i'll need to get the other one done now.

Oh well, my warranty is up Feb of 2010, so i have time. I'll wait til something else goes and bring it in for the other rod. I like driving the loaner cars

 

Unfortunately I need colorful pictures and big bold instructions

I've read the service manual but still don't feel comfortable with the instructions specifically removing the compression rod from the steering knuckle with a "ball joint remover".

 

Here are the parts from my recent replacement

Keep in mind this is driver's side and for an AWD G35. I guess the RWD models use AC70F.

Compression Rod: FRO-54469-AC71F
Bolt-stopper: 40038-AQ301




Another thing to note, the new arm is painted black. The original is bare aluminum.

 

It's basically a tuning fork type of tool that you hammer into the joint causing it come loose. Should be very easy, if it is anything like a tie rod (I've done those before).

The TSB states:

I am worried once I remove the compression rod I will notice both bushings are worn so it would be pointless to buy just the single bushing called for in the TSB. Has anyone ever had this issue? I guess when it gets warmer I will remove them and inspect to see if I should replace the whole compression rod assembly.

I am experiencing a lot of road vibration/noise in the front of my G on the highway. Would the compression rods be causing this? Or is it just when going slowly over bumps? Because I do hear creaking, but wonder if I have another problem as well.

 

I have a similair issue, I don't know whether to buy just the bushings or an entire compression rod.

 

I took my car to Nissan last week for some small electrical work and was also hoping to get my driver's side compression rod bushing and/or rod replaced due to the creaking. I gave them the TSB # and they took a look. The tech told me that there was no damage to the bushing and the invoice says "Needs to happen more than once." Oh you mean like, every time I take a right hand turn, go over speed bumps, change direction quickly etc?? Riiiight.

Anyways, the noise is getting worse and I'm going to check out the bushing when I swap my springs this weekend or next. Will I be able to adequately check the bushing for a tear without removing the rod itself? i.e is most/all of the bushing visible while on the car?

 

Anyone have a link to the TSB?

 

Wow, great post. Now I can finally get that annoying creak taken care of. Nobody mentioned whether an alignment was needed after the install, anyone know? My guess is not.

 

After replacing the compression rods, is an alignment necessary?

Will new compression rods give you an overall smoother ride? Or just stop the creaking and popping while entering a driveway? Because it feels like I have some rumbling up front while cruising at speeds.

 

Actually, the FSM does not say to remove anything other than the compression rod ends so an alignment should not be necessary. Does that sound right?