Just found out my lower front control arm is off. It looks like the bushing is bad. I was told I had to replace the whole control arm. Has anybody else ran into this issue? Can't I just replace the Bushing?

 

Yes very common and yes you can replace the bushings

 

OP i have a set of complete arms from Infiniti they have about 80 miles on them I only had them on my car while my original ones were sent off for solid bushings. But yes a very common problem Search Compression rod and you'll find multiple posts about them

 

Whiteline bushings, Amazing products. Ebay $50 bucks

 

Too late I ordered a set of LCA for $160!
Not a bad price, but not as good as $50.
I have a question, What tool do you use to remove the lower ball joint?
I have a pickle fork, and a press. The press does not fit. The pickle fork might work, but it will screw up the boot. What do i need and where do I get one?
My parts should be her next week.I hope it will get rid of the clucking.
Nice rides don't clunk!

KP

 

IIRC we used a 19mm socket as the press tool and it fit perfectly

 

I am confused how are you going to press out a lower ball joint with a 19mm socket?
Help!
My lower control arms arrived today! I can get all wrenchy on Sat AM.
My plan is to pull the wheel and put her up on Jacks. I will try to rent a spring compressor for the Auto Zone. I do not know if they will have a tool to remove the ball joint, or if it will work.
So guys what tool did you use, and where can I get it?
PS I got the lower CA in three days for about 80$ each.

HELP!

KP

 

OKAY!

You only need a press if you are going to replace the ball joints. The lower control arm just sits on top of the joint and is locked in by a nut. Loosen the nut and and control arm will just pop off.

I do recommend you replace the ball joints if your car has some mileage. Ebay has a good one for $60, but the boot is crap. So what you do is get a tie rod boot from energy suspension(amazing) and you got yourself a golden product. As far as that, I took the knuckle out and had a local machine shop press it in for $15dolla dolla bill yo!

 

you do not need spring compressor either. The spring is already locked in to the shock.

 

Thanks guys.
The job is done. I used a spring compressor. I do not know if it is required.
You are right, the lower ball joint just fell off the LCA! That is strange.It was about a 1 1/2 hour job.
No real issue except the inner bushing connection. I could not get it with the impact, but it was no problem with the big A Craftsman 1/2" ratchet. All you require is 17mm, & 19mm stuff. I also used a bottle jack, floor jack, and stands.What sucks about the whole job is the car is still clunky! It's new to me with 124K miles on it. It looks pretty clean, the car feels tight, but it is clunky. The lower ball joint seems good, as did the sway bar connecting rod.What do you think? It seems well maintained, it came with receipts from the steallership.
FYI
The G is fast and tight, but it does not instill the confidence, or the sporting feel of my 93 E36. It is something about that E series that make you feel like throwing it into a hard corner and pushing hard!
Alas I was shopping for a more civilized ride. That E is down right harsh, she was not a good ride for a long haul. She was stock except for the 17" wheel and an aftermarket exhaust which sounds wonderful at low speed. Yea the stick helped a lot. Just down shift and lessen to her purr. If you get a chance, and can find one in good shape drive it.Not as fast, not as tame, but there is something about the E class. My G is not a coupe and it not a stick, but life is about compromise and the stereo is much better. The factory speakers in the E suck. That E is also a bit twitchy with the 17" on her even after the suspension rebuild. I bet she want a new rack. The problem is the interior on those cars falls apart. There is not too much you can do about that sort of thing w/o really opening your wallet wide. Old lux rides are just too much trouble to keep in decent shape. They turn into hobbies!

Thanks guys.

 

I bought mine used as well, the G is great with speed and turning is not bad but it can never match German suspensions. I hear they G37 is a lot "tighter".