Nissan/Infiniti have been replacing the older torn bushings, but seem to be using the same rubber nightmare. For those that have replaced their compression rod bushings in the last 2 years, how long have the new bushings lasted? Are they a better quality or the same old caca???

By the way, as a way of comparison for others-- the price quote by the dealership that works on my car for the bushings and replacement is <$210-- $52 for the bushings and 150 for labor. Add $68 for the alignment.

Thanks is advance

 

Anyone... this thread has gotten >20 views and no one has had their bushings changed?

 

How did you conclude this? The new compression rods/bushings are a different design, which may or may not use a different type of rubber. The problem was probably the design, though.

As far as how well the new ones work, my 2004 G35 was going strong more than two years with the new compression rods without any hint of the clunking noise problem present with the original parts. Yes, they may eventually wear out, but only time will tell.

 

Thanks for your reply, it was very helpful. My originals lasted ~90K and still seem to work (no play, clunking, or creaking sound, but I lubed them monthly), but they're torn and so it's not a good idea to keep them on.

Anyone else have any experience?

 

You should always use a new rubber.

 

^^^ +1

I replaced my control arm bushings ($20/each) when they started squeaking about 2 years ago. I have had no problems since and almost 30K miles.

You think you don't have play in the bushings, but once you get new ones installed you'll feel much more stable through turns.

 

There are a few aftermarket options out there for bushings. Here is just one example: http://www.splparts.com/SPL_CRB_Z33.html

 

Still need to do mine. You'r dealer quoted you less than $200? Wow, i will make the drive to save $600...

 

I looked at these and from what I understand, this results in extremely harsh driving as the rest of you system now has to absorb the vibration that all that steel can't, but the rubber did. It's like going from a carbon fiber bike road to an aluminum one-- it's a killer on your seat! Thanks for looking into this tho.
Very good point!

This was only to replace the bushings and the cost of the bushings themselves. (1.5-2 hours of labor ~$150 plus $~$55 for the bushings). Is the $600 for the entire arm as a unit?

 

yea. They quoted me like $200 for labor alone i think.

 

Holy caca... that's not pesos I take it? Sorry to hear that.

I could possibly follow a DIY, but I have no patience for it like Tollboothwilley, TTrank, Bythebay and some of these other gurus on here. I make much more in an hour than what any stealership could charge me, so it's actually cheaper to have them do it and do it right.

 

I'm supporting the local car dealers?

 

Like they need supporting with their prices, lol

 

the price they quoted you sounds pretty good coming from the dealer. i've put about 12K miles since last year and no problems so far. i didn't get the alignment done when the bushings got swapped and no problems there. you can always opt for the alignment at a later time if u wanna save some $ first.

 

sounds like they have you by the "pelotas" (*****)

How critical is the alignment? Most guys have it done once the rods have been messed with-- you opted out, why?