1994 lower control arm for an Infiniti is the the same as the 1996??

[bigdog76]

I am looking into replacing my lower control arm in my 1996 infiniti Q45 with a 1994 is this the same part?

I know I should not do this but I cannot afford the real deal now so what the heck.

My buddy is installing the tension rod upper control arm and lower all for $100that sounds fair considering he is also pressing the bushings in the tension rods for me and saving me $100 per side.

[AZhitman]

Same part.

Keep in mind, the TR bushings are silicon-filled and easy to damage.

[bigdog76]

How long do the lower control arms last mileage wise?

I have 230,000 on mine pretty shot I shall say I think they are original.

If I buy a used one what mileage should I stay under?

[AZhitman]

LCA's are fine, but the bushings are shot in short order. I'd replace the bushings in them, regardless.

Replace the upper links while you're at it - they go out even faster.

Alignment afterwards for sure.

[maxnix]

Used ball joint isn't worth it unless you like repeated labor, poor alignment and more rapid wear on the other new components you've just replaced.

[bigdog76]

Everything Nissan says they dont sell just the bushing in the lower control arm.It comes a complete assembly.

Where do I get just the bushing to press into it???

It is a ball joint in the lower control arm or a bushing that fits in it?My buddy is going to press the bushings in the tension rod maybe I can have him do the same with the lower control arm if I can get ahold of just the bushing for it????

[bigdog76]

The clanking that I hear going over bumps at low speeds is this coming from the shot out bushing on the lower control arm??

I am in the process of replacing the tension rod bushing, and upper control arm assemblies, is there any other bushings I need?

[AZhitman]

That's because it's not a "backyard buddy" job.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're not going to do it right, just "baby it" until you can afford the LCA's, upper links, and UCA's with bushings.

He can do the tension rods, tho. It's a PITA, and I'd use aftermarket ones (300ZX TR bushings from Suspension Techniques are a good call).

[bigdog76]

I am going to replace the bushing in the tension rods with OEM and I am going to replace new upper control arms with OEM.

Thoses are going to be new from Joe at Everything Nissan.

Now I mis understood. The lower control arm comes as a complete assembly no bushing can be pressed into it correct?

If I buy a used LCA It might not be worth it. I found some for $60 bucks for the pair. Less than 120,000 on them. Mine have 230,000 I was thinking that might buy me sometime.???? Thoughts?

[Q45tech]

A tuned bushing is usually not symetrical in that the rubber hardness may vary in different directions. Many suspension bushings are installed in just one correct direction and 360 degree position................why oem bushings are press fitted correctly only at factory.

As new means with brand new parts not jury rigged look alike parts that fit but may lack the atributes.

[AZhitman]

Correct. At least not by a local shop.

A used LCA may buy you some time. Or, if they have a useful life of, say, 80K miles, there's no difference between "shot" and "really shot".

Don't forget upper links. Muy importante.

[bigdog76]

Q45tech. Your saying that press fitting the bushing dont come out the same as the OEM tension rod with bushing in them from the factory?

Or are you referring to the LCM bushing?

[AZhitman]

He's talking about the LCA bushings.

TR bushings are standard across the radius.

Still a PITA to swap, and I still recommend the urethane vs silicone. Cheaper, easier, and more durable. Dennis will disagree, but I understand why.

[bigdog76]

Where can I get the bushing for the LCA then?