The compression rod bushings began to squel at around 50K mile and got worse around 60-65K. Repair costs were a bit high, so I generously squirted Z-Max lithium grease (purchased at Big-Lots for $2.50), using the tiny straw that came with the container, on the bushing that connects to the frame via a metal plate. The grease was very generously squirted (about 4 tablespoons per side) on top of the bushing and then spread with my fingers all around.

Once this process had been done (took about 15-20 seconds per side) I took the car over some bumps to get the compression rod to move about and work the grease into the joint. The grease slowly seeped into the bushing and within 10 minutes the squeking was completely gone.

Now, 2 months later, no sound whatsoever. This may not repair the problem and in fact may mask a serious problem, however, since there is no play in the tire or on the steering, I assume the joint is still very tight.

Any thoughts, questions or comments are welcome since this is not something I've done before. For those wanting to lube this joint, I don't recommend silicone based lubes as they tend to deteriorate some rubbers.

Hope this helps others

 

Just a temporary fix, yes. However good job nonetheless.

 

Blue Dream, what can my dad (Braintree above) expect to happen if he keeps the bushing well greased using this method? Will they continue to deteriorate and eventually go or will the grease preserve them fairly well if he continues to use it as needed?

Thanx very much for your response,
Isa

 

The grease doesn't fix the bushings. It just masks the movement which is more than it should be. Eventually the grease probably wont help.

What you should know is that you can change just the bushings and solve your problem. You do not have to replace the entire compression rod. I used a hydraulic press and got the old out and the new ones pressed in.

Replacing them is much better ($40 cost to me) and the steering is so much more crisp.

 

I lubricate the bushing area about once a year and have been doing this for 3 years. Rarely do the compression rods make noise on my car (maybe once every couple of months). I've just learned to live with it because Nissan really hasn't developed a long term fix. In 1 to 2 years, the noise will be back.

 

The 2 respomses above should answer your question.

 

The noise isn't just the prob. The deteriorating bushings lead to suspension ride issues.

I noticed when i had my compression rods replaced, the car rode much better. It was a noticable improvement in ride quality.

So masking up the noise is more of a "out of sight, out of mind" approach until you can fix it properly.

 

Thank you everyone for your responses. Do they yet make polyurethane bushings?

Also, what is the approximate cost for replacing the bushings-- parts and labor?_________

My Dad's not very mechanical (he thinks he is sometimes)-- he's physician with zero mechanical skills-- having him try would be a disaster!

Gracias,
Isa

 

Oem bushing or aftermarket? How did you get the ball joint end off?

 

What is your recommendation? My thinking is that if the OEM's deteriorated this quickly, the same likely will happen again, and quiet soon. Which aftermarkets do you recommend? I'm out of my league here!

Again, thanks

 

By sweaking, you mean "creaking" right? I guess thats the noise mine make. Not a bad temp solution i guess.

 

Bushings were revised...get the new bushings because they should not go bad like the old ones.

I got them from Riverside Infiniti. The ball joint end is held on by a cotter pin and nut. Remove the cotter pin, and then remove the nut.

Takes 15-20 min to remove the compression rods, and then 10-15 min to press the bushings in/out. About a 1 hour job if you have the right tools for pressing the bushings.

If you cant do the bushings yourself you can take them to Nissan/Infiniti and they will press them in for about 1/2 hour of labor. Total cost would be $40 for the bushings and $55 for the labor.

Driving with new bushings over the crappy worn old bushings is like night and day.

 

Actually you have that backwards. Silicone based lubes are good for use on rubber. White lithium greases, like the one you used, are typically petroleum based. As a physician you should know that KY jelly and latex condoms don't go well together. The same goes for your white lithium grease and your rubber bushings.

Thanks for this info! I'll have to stop by my local dealership to see if they can do this.

 

bert039>>> Actually you have that backwards. Silicone based lubes are good for use on rubber. White lithium greases, like the one you used, are typically petroleum based. As a physician you should know that KY jelly and latex condoms don't go well together. The same goes for your white lithium grease and your rubber bushings. I'm no MD (that's my Dad who writes in occasionally-- I'm an attorney, so I'm way out of my league here), but you're right, I got my lubes all wrong when my typing went faster than my slower brain... it's silicone for lubing the joint, not lithium grease. mea culpa mea culpa!!

 

^Well I did quote your dad, not you. But all will be forgiven if you post some pics of yourself.