I noticed shortly after installing my Hotchkis swaybars that my steering was starting to feel a little "loose", particularly after driving on bumpy roads. The car would feel like it was steering in the direction of the bump. I also noticed a clunking noise from my passenger side while driving over smaller bumps.

Ultimately I discovered that there is a part that was causing the problem: a Stabilizer link connecting rod. It is shown as part number 5 in the attached image. The part number is 54618-AQ305, and it can only be obtained from a dealer (not aftermarket). You can find it online or through vendors here for $45-55 shipped.

I replaced the passenger side one on my car a few months ago since it was doing the above mentioned things, and it firmed things right up, as well as made the noise go away. As time went on, my steering has started to feel like the driver's side one is going bad.

I went under my car and checked for play in the movement of the stabilizer rod. In comparing the new vs old one, the old one was a lot easier to move with my fingers. The new one still moves, but has a lot more resistance.

Last week I ordered a replacement part for the driver's side one, and plan to have it installed tomorrow. A local shop is willing to do it. Their guide shows it is a 0.3 hour job, which I think was around $40 last time.

Attached is a picture of the new one that just came in today.

Why is this relevant? Lots of people have shown that running stiffer swaybars can cause your endlinks to fail. In the case of the G35x front endlinks, this seems to be the weakest link, as we don't have traditional endlinks like the rears do. They are a little different. This may also be true for stock sway bars.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful to someone. I didn't find a whole lot of info on the subject. If I was to do it all over again, i'd probably replace both at the same time since I don't know if there are any adverse effects to running a new pin on one side with an old one on the other side (like if it makes the new one wear out faster).

 

I know this is an old thread but it contains inaccurate information that will prove to be very costly to folks with a G35x.

These parts are INCLUDED with new front lower control arms (compression rods, or whatever you want to call them) - at least the Mevotech parts that are commonly recommended for people doing front suspension work on their G35x:

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6116589

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6116592

As you can see, the Mevotech parts include a zerk fitting as well (an upgrade over OEM).

Don't spend $50+ on this part...just replace the entire front lower control arm (it includes all of the bushings too!) for slightly more money.

 

Hey, I appreciate your post on the lower control arms. However, before I go and order them, I was really trying to figure out if the control arms called will work on a 2004, as Rock Auto and multiple other sites do not list them as fitting on a 2004 only on a 2005-2006:
MEVOTECH CMS301022
MEVOTECH CMS301023




Has anyone had any experience with this?


Thanks in advance.

 

I don't see why they wouldn't - nothing was changed 2004 to 2005 except for the headlights and some interior styling.

 

Did u order these and how are they doing if you did I am thinking about getting the same ones but can find 0 reviews them. Thx in advance.

 

I have ordered and got them however I haven't installed them yet plan to this week I'll post back asap once I install them. I did pull them out of the box and they look the same so hopefully it is all good.

 

OK that's good saw them on rockauto for about 80 they look good I was just hesitant to pull the trigger.

 

Installing aftermarket sway bars and not upgrading your end links is a major waste of $$! You have these stronger bars to reduce body lean and you still have these skinny/weak end links, you've accomplished nothing! What you need is a set of "Power Grid" adjustable end links which will remove body lean and tighten up your front suspension! I tried other brands (Chinese junk) and they failed, Power Grid is the only ones I recommend!
Gary

 

Mine work great. Very happy with them.

 

pics of right hand lower original and mevotech control arms.




One difference I will need to figure out once I try to reinstall is the attachment to the lower ball joint. The original is counter bored deeper for the nut.

 

So I have the passenger side all together and the new lower control arm works without any modification. I should have the drivers side back together this week.


Thanks again to Benja455.

 

Benja455, did you put the Hotchkis sway bars on your G35X and keep the stock sway bar end links?

 

Sorry, no I kept the stock sway bar.

 

I upgraded to MOOG - never used aftermarket...and it was really nice.

 

I also upgraded to MOOG on the front about ten months ago, will be putting Beck/Arnley on the rears when I swap out the rear.

Thanks!