1990 240sx: Replace Control Arms, Tie Rods, TC Bushings. Any advise appreciated

[RamonetB]

Hey everybody!

The time has come to sure up the front end of my car and replace some old wearing parts.

I'm replacing:Tension Rod BushingsBoth Lower Control Arms (with new Ball Joints)New Tie Inner and Outer Tie Rods.

The new Control Arms already have new ball joints pressed in, so don't need to worry about that.

I consider myself relatively technical with cars now, as I've been continuously working on three of them for a year now. I've never done any front end suspension stuff but feel very confident I can handle it. (I've got several repair manuals, including the FSM).

What I'm asking here is for any recommendations or things I should be aware of in this procedure. Maybe even a quick how-to. (Take this off, then this, etc). Just wanting to consult the more experienced before heading in. Always best to be prepared for trouble and have an idea of what's on the way.

Thanks all!

-kirk

[180fan]

The ball joints are a pita to get separated from the knuckles. Be ready to spend some time with them. Spend some time preparing them with some good penetrating lube and tap the side of the knuckle with a hammer to break away any possible rust that could have built up along there before getting to it.

When busting out the ball joints for the outer tie rods, leave the castle nut or put another nut on it to take a hammer to it should you need it. The lock nut at the rack is easy enough to get off. You may want to consider getting new dust boots as well when doing this service.

Remember to get an alignment afterwards.

[positron1]

Your're going to need a really big wrench for that inner tie rod nut. The only thing I had was a pair of vise-grips(car was all jacked up and couldn't go to the parts store) and it was a PITA to get on and off with those. When you put the tension rods back on you have to have the wheels touching the ground and install the bushing part of the rod to the tension rod bracket from under the front of the car or you'll risk busting the new bushings. I learned the hard way and with a set of Nismo tension rods to boot. Didn't do enough research which is not like me. I'll go spherical bearing next time.

[RamonetB]

Well, work is progressing slowly. The bushings in the tension rods have pretty much disintegrated. An ugly mess.However, I'm have a HUGE problem getting the control arm ball joint spindle to separate out of the steering knuckle.

Any tricks to this or should I just cave and get a ball joint separator?

Thanks guys!

[180fan]

Pickle fork.

[positron1]

Just get the pickle fork from AutoZone on the loan a tool and a 3lb. hammer. Stick that fork in there and one good hit with the hammer and it'll pop right off... at least mine did.

[RamonetB]

Pickle fork worked great for the tie rods. But it was no good on the steering knuckle.

All is well though, as I unbolted the knuckle with the arm attached from the strut and cross member. One quick hammer stroke broke it free.

Unfortunately, as far as the tension rods go, the driver's side bolt that goes through the bushing and tension rod bracket had rusted into one nasty piece with the metal cylinder in the bushing. Stripped the bolt and broke two sockets trying to get the thing to move. In the end I had to cut it out. I STILL can't get the darn thing out of the bushing. That's okay, though since it's getting pressed out for a new bushing anyway. I just need a new tension rod bolt. I'm hoping the nissan dealership has one in stock. I want my car back together.

Anybody got a spare they don't need?

Thanks for all your help guys!

[positron1]

I'm looking at a Nissan parts manual and the part number on that bolt is 54475-15U00 ....$4.90each Bolt, Bracket

Just go to any Nissan parts website and enter the number.

[RamonetB]

Thank you so much!You guys rock. Part should be in Weds.

After doing some more searching, it turns out this bolt seizing is a common problem. Joy.

[RamonetB]

A great hearty "Thank you" to all you guys!Repairs are done and she drives better than ever! (Although she's pulling left know after an alignment, but only when the steering wheel is straight. I've taken her back in as I don't think they quite did it right).

Next up, front bumper removal! My nose is slightly smooshed and I want to fix that.

Thanks again guys!

Ho Ho Ho!