G35x lower ball joints
 

I need to replace lower ballpoints( lower control arm to knuckle). I can't find any aftermarket balljoints anywhere for my 04x. All aftermarket are for rwd cars only. Is there any companies now making these, I don't want to have to buy a knuckle says just for a ball joint.

Hi, I'm lokking for the samthing !!
Have you found something ??

There is a listing on eBay for 2 ball joints that claim they are for awd only. They want about $500 for the set of two. From what I've researched there is no one out there making these for awd. I do not trust these especially for the price considering I can probably get 2 knuckles with bjs. For around 6-7 hundred. Awd suspension parts for the our G's can get expensive. Looking like dealer only stearing knuckle just for one balljoint... Fml. Hope this helps!

The eBay seller claims the ball joint fits AWD models but the manufacturer (MTC) says it isn't. I have the ball joints with me and I've compared them with the one from Autozone (Images) and they look identical. Autozone also claim they're compatible with AWD models.

I'm stuck right now. No way I'm paying $500 for the knuckle at the stealership plus labour charge.

I fannaly bought ab full steering knuckle at the scrap yard with the wheel bearing on it for 150$ ! Only have to change it ! To be continued....

Cool. I Only saw a few 2WD G35s at the junk yard for me.

I found a couple of used "G35x" ball joints. Maybe you can confirm authenticity.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/04-05-06-Infi...-/231389860964

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/04-05-06-Infi...M/331407355858

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...fb3ab69bbe.jpg

Those ball joint are for the control arm ! This is not the lower ball joint in the strearing knuckle!!!

You're right lol. Can you post an image of your steering knuckle focusing on the ball joint? Thanks.

From my wheel bearing DIY

Attachment 184382
Attachment 184383
Attachment 184384


Just looking at the photos of the RWD bearing posted above...they look different. I'd see if i can find someone to post similar pics of mine of the RWD knuckle taken off to see if it matched my AWD knuckle.


And yes, AWD suspension components are pretty much non-existent outside of the dealership. It's one of the reasons I sometimes say that you might be able to purchase a G35x for $5K, but it maintains like the $40K car it once sold for. AWD suspension components are pretty pricey and pretty much limited aftermarket replacement options

Thanks. I looked at those images as well as a 04 g35x steering knuckle on eBay yesterday, the only difference I see is the boot.

Those including the one on my car look this one. Febest 0220-V35 ball joint.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...beb3937c7a.png



I swapped out the rubber boot. Energy suspension 9.13130R. Much better material and fit, but a little shorter.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...21a0750f25.jpg

That pic and seller shows a joint that connects to the sway bar end link. It bolts through the lower control arm and the end link mounts to it. I just changed 2 on my car only place I found those was a dealer at 100. I can't believe they don't make an aftemarket ball joint for the lower control arm, doesn't surprise me though I've had to buy all OEM parts other then timken/ntn bearing. Probably have to buy all balljoints (upper, steering link, lower control arm) from dealer.


I took a quick look at 2003-2004 g35x and g35 front knuckle on grubbs as far as I can tell they look like the same part. Part # 40014/15 is shown in both schematics for the cars. I'm hoping that joint fits as I don't want to but a knuckle to replace a ball joint. Simply assinine. This car is a nightmare for parts and design. Makes me miss my old rusted GTP.

Does anyone know the difference between the two knuckle/spindles from AWD to 2WD? When I look at parts illustrations the only difference that jumps out is the cap where the axle goes. When I zoom in the ball joint for lower control arm to attach to spindle shows the same nut, c clip, seat. The part numbers are different for the spindles from 2-4wd but I can't see any difference from illustrated pics, only access hole where axle would come through. I can't see Nissan making two different spindles to reduce costs but cut the access hole for 4wd. Does anyone have a pic of a 2wd sedan spindle? I might order the aftermarket balljoint for 2wd to see, since Beck /Arnley offers a press in.

Alright, this is sad! Surely there's a ball joint mfgr out there who makes the AWD ball joints for the X. Has anyone called a dealer recently to check on this? Even if they're $100 a piece, it's cheaper than the whole knuckle. Dang...

Nope. No one makes em. This is the shitty part of owning an X.

OK guys. Somebody double-check my work here, preferably with pictures which I neglected to take the other day while I had front suspension torn apart. Is this TRULY the correct ball joint, and, if so, is this the one referenced over here in this other g35driver thread which required additional washers to clamp down properly?

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Ball-Joints-...G35%20X%203.5L

https://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-...-joints-2.html

I am calling dealers nationwide tomorrow. I am at 180k with original BJs so I am surely due even though I don't notice any cracked boots on them, and they move smoothly if not just a little TOO easily, but I still need to check them with a pry bar with the tires off the ground.

Do you have any clunks or play that make you think they are gone? If not, i wouldn't change them out.

I have 155K on my original suspension (other than comp rods) and no play at all or issues from my BJ's. Unless you have reason to suspect one is failing or you have some clunking, not sure it's worth swapping

I had the garage install the MTC ball joint with the Energy Suspension boot last week, so far everything is fine.

2005 G35x AWD.

You're right, and I still need to test out the BJ - I simply can't believe it's good with the mileage I've got! Seems most mechanics recommend an automatic replacement every 60-80k miles. I appreciate your bearing/hub DIY - that was the best G35 DIY I've seen anywhere yet, and even kept current with updates.

So, I'm confused with our load-bearing McPherson strut setup; do I lift with a jack under the control arm, then put a pry bar underneath the tire, lift, and watch for tire movement vs. BJ/control arm movement to determine if there's play? What's the best way on the X?

Good to know! Keep us updated on this. And, do you have a link to the part you purchased? There were a few different ones listed, so want to make sure I consider the correct one.

I called several dealers throughout the US today, and lo and behold, nothing. I told one dealer who told me that it was a whole spindle job, that there are aftermarket BJ's for the RWD cars, and he acted like he was surprised! LOL...sure, buddy. he told me that Honda et al have all gone to the integrated BJ in the spindle, and nobody makes a factory replacement for lower BJ's on those vehicles.

Give this a read

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/G35/Seda..._Sedan/fsu.pdf

The whole collection (which i recommend d/ling and saving to hard driver.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/G35/Sedan/2006_G35_Sedan/

LOL. Forgot that was in the FSM. I actually have it, just didn't even think about looking to that for this issue. Interesting way of checking it though.

"Steering Knuckle Lower Ball Joint
Measure axial end play by installing and moving up/down with an
iron pry bar or something similar between steering knuckle and
wheel."

What am I missing here? It seems that the wheel is firmly attached to the knuckle and if you're pushing up on the bottom of the knuckle, under the BJ, while leveraged against the wheel, you're not really going to create movement. The loose ball joint would reveal itself in movement of the knuckle relative to the transverse link/LCA, but in using the prescribed technique you're not really doing anything to create movement between the BJ/LCA?

Are you checking on the ground wit hthe weight on the tires? I would put the front on jackstands with the wheels off and suspension dangling and check that way.

So you had the RWD ball joint installed on the spindle and no issues? Fits ok? Kinda figured it would. Guess I'll order up a pair. Comparing the two suspensions (RWD AWD) online through schematics there are same parts applied to both cars but parts numbers change as does price. Stay bracket is the same between both cars yet different part numbers, end stop bracket for comp rod same on both cars, different part numbers and price.

So you had the RWD ball joint installed on the spindle and no issues? Fits ok? Kinda figured it would. Guess I'll order up a pair. Comparing the two suspensions (RWD AWD) online through schematics there are same parts applied to both cars but parts numbers change as does price. Stay bracket is the same between both cars yet different part numbers, end stop bracket for comp rod same on both cars, different part numbers and price. Etc.

I bought it from Bremen Tech on eBay. Though they advertise it as Vollig, I received MTC branded ball joints. MTC said it wouldn't fit with AWD models but after comparing the two, they looked exactly the same -- the only difference being the boot.

I think the one from Bremen Tech is out of stock as they have raised the price to $1000. You can also try the Febest ball joint which looks more similar to the stock ball joint.

The garage didn't find any fitment issue with the ball joint. I will keep you guys updated.

Just to be clear. Infinitigeex, are you saying that a rwd balljoint such as

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Premium-Fr...66ef73&vxp=mtr

will fit on the x, with little or no modification? I am in need of two, and in canada the dealer is selling the knuckle with balljoint for $500 a pop. 50 for a set would be awfulll nice.

Hey guys. I read the thread but am not sure if you came to a conclusion. I got an 04x and i need front lower ball joints. Can someone please confirm that the 2wd Mevotech bj's will fit on an awd. Or any brand for that matter. I REALLYY don't wanna fork out 500 a pop at the dealer.

A Ball Joint that fits an AWD
 

What was the manufacturer P/N of the ball joints that you were able to install without issue?

I have an '08 G35x

[QUOTE=xaesx;6985720]Hey guys. I read the thread but am not sure if you came to a conclusion. I got an 04x and i need front lower ball joints. Can someone please confirm that the 2wd Mevotech bj's will fit on an awd. Or any brand for that matter. I REALLYY don't wanna fork out 500 a pop at the dealer.[/QUOTE


I believe he said they worked just fine, no issues installing them. For the price of one balljoint 40 bucks up here I would take the risk of it not fitting. Like you said 500 a pop for each side is outrageous. If it doesn't work your out 40. Try wreckers but than your getting used balljoints.

Parts on the front are interchangeable. They have different parts numbers but are exactly the same. Not all but some. I can provide examples.

No, according to the seller.

I purchased from here -- though it looks like the seller is using a different supplier now.

I bought mine from http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Premier-...item43d0a34b25

I received MTC ball joints. I asked them after I received them from the seller and they said it wouldn't fit the AWD models. The seller was adamant that it would fit AWD models before and after purchasing.

The MTC branded ones fit mine and so far I haven't encountered any issues. I'm not sure about the Mevotech ones, but I think it should be fine.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...5bc359c279.jpg

Thanks! I'm going to order up a set. I'll post the results when i have em!

First post in the forums here but following this I'm also in the same boat as I need both. My x has 180 k on it. Mechanic says it needs a two full spindle jobs. Also claims it needs upper control arms and front passenger side rear control arm. I went out and researched and bought the parts specifically for my 04 x and the mechanic claims none of them fit??? My buddy is a mechanic for Porsche and has a lot of experience in imports so I'm going to have him look at it. In the interim, here I go into the forums for information on that stuff.

Not for AWD
 

I may be mistaken .. but ... I don't think so .. First of all, they look too small comparing the castle nut to the base .. secondly I believe that in the description below it says "Important notes: Except All Wheel Drive X models" Please please everyone keep looking!

anyone know of a shop in Socal area that is willing to replace only the lower ball joints, not the whole spindle?

Mevotech makes **** products. I installed the Megan racing roll center adjusting ones a few years ago on my x. The MR ones will fit as well as any others made for RWD but I would not get mevotech.

Going to find out if these work
 

Purchased two "premium" ball joints on eBay BJ61035. Seller says they will fit all models and I asked specifically for my 04x AWD. Also picked up a brand new OEM spindle from Infiniti because I don't want to get this thing apart and find out these ball joints won't work. If this ebay purchase works I'll just return the spindle to Infiniti and pay the restocking fee. If they don't well then I'm out 75.00 for the ebay purchase but it's worth a shot.

My buddy who's a mechanic with Porsche will do the work in the next week or so and I'll keep you posted how it goes.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...e06fa77329.jpg

MAS BJ61035 Ball Joint a go for AWD??
 

Hey Guys,

Went to do Front wheel bearing this weekend but ended up having an issue getting the lower Ball Joint unbolted. The cotter pin wouldn't budge - Tried to break it off then spin the nut up - In the end, I tried to just cut the nut off but ended up destroying the bolt to get the sucker off - I tried the Autozone balljoint, only to find it is not the right part.

Has this MAS BJ61035 been proven to work for the AWD g35's??

Thanks in advance

Jim

Here is the bottom line....they pretty much all fit. The above ball joint that I posted the pic of fits and I ended up finding Mevotech ball joints for RWD model....it also fits. Bought a OEM knuckle to compare before we installed. Both were the exact same length. However the bushing that came with the part I showed above did not fit.fortunately the bushings on mine were still in good shape regardless. The mevotechs did not come with the bushing. It all worked out for a grand total of 450.00 for labor and parts . Two weeks in and no noise

Thanks Vybe - Was able to buy new bushing by itself thru infiniti. Slapped that on the new ball joint, torqued it to spec. Have the car back on the road now...

Great news , please post what ball joint you ended up using and keep us posted on how it goes. BTW....you don't happen to have the part number for the bushing?

Ball Joint was Duralast BJL148 - wasn't cheap - was hit for 50.00. The bushing from Infiniti is 40173-AC500. This runs about 20 bucks.

In comparison from the original ball joint, the Duralast version had a slightly smaller screw thread, but the taper matched at the bottom. With that, the bushing should fall into place once it's all torqued down.

How well is that bjl148 holding up. I need to do the pass side on my 04x and already bought the same parts. Just want make sure it's worth it with how Infiniti price gouges

BallJoint Update
 

So far so good - Have put on about 11K miles since - No Clunks - Tire wear normal - Steers straight ahead as expected.

Lower ball joints for 04 G35x
 

I'm in need of ball joints for my 04x and I'm very happy I found this thread. I recently bought the BJL148 from Autozone and I also bought the MAS 61035 off of ebay. I want both just in case something goes wrong where they don't fit or something. For those who installed these types of ball joints, did everything fit ok and how did they hold up??? I'm gonna try and get them fixed this weekend.

i took my car to a mechanic and he replaced the entire arms which came with New ball joints...but it made a big difference! I would hear a thud sound going over bumps which went away. Steering became tighter. Overall driving improved too.

I have those same symptoms. I've actually developed this like rattle whenever I go over small bumps at very low speeds too, which the mechanic said is due to the sway bar links. I bought the MAS 61035 from ebay and the BJL148 from Autozone so I hope one of the two brands fit my 04 G35x. That's awesome you got that fixed, I've been having those noises for a while now and I can't wait to go over a bump and not hear them.

Vybe - the MAS 61035 ended up fitting your 04x?

06 G35x here

Those MAS 61035 balljoints do not fit at all!! The problem being is that the cone seat that comes pressed on with the MAS balljoint won't fit through the hole of the lower control arm. You must use the OEM balljoint cone seat for any balljoint to fit. But the OEM cone seat does not even fit on to the MAS 61035 either. I removed the cone seat that came with the MAS balljoint and put the OEM cone seat on and it wouldn't slide down flush. Ask me how I know. I wasted money buying these garbage balljoints.

I ended up buying the Duralast BJL148 balljoints from Autozone at $50 a pop. I was surprised to find out these are the same exact balljoints used by Infiniti because of the name and numbers printed on the base of the balljoint housing. Even though you can't buy these balljoints directly from Infiniti. Even says Made in Japan on the packaging. Then repackaged by Duralast. The OEM cone seat fit directly on to the Duralast balljoints.

I pressed it in on the car by the way. No need to remove the whole steering knuckle:


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...39676a90e7.jpg



https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...ba0a87b5b5.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...0165d1e52b.jpg

I'd also like to add some tips before you think about doing this yourself. It will save you time and headaches.


1. Besides the balljoint press to put in the new balljoint, I recommended buying or renting a balljoint seperator to pull off the OEM cone seat.

2. To have enough room and for obvious reasons, the lower control arm has to be removed. You will need a balljoint separator to pop off the bottom of the endlink from the lower control arm.

3. I recommend having and air or electric impact to do this. It makes quick work of it. A simple ratchet or breaker bar will suffice, but expect some swearing and broken knuckles along the way!