Adjustable Upper Links Problems - 90 Q45t

[JohnPa]

I went the whole route: new upper links, new shocks, new sway bar bushings, new tires, alignment, etc. After about 3,500 miles the inside of the new front tires were worn to the point of needing replacement. I took it to a quality performance shop in Seattle, Group 2 Motorsports, for alignment on the latest equipment and found out that it couldn't be brought within specs. Same problem with the rear specs, but not nearly as bad.

On the rear, I installed a set of Stillen adjustable upper links from a 300 ZX with spherical, metal bushings, had the car aligned, and the problems were solved. The rear ride may be a little harsher, but I can live with it.

On the front, I also installed a set of Stillen adjustable upper links from a 300 ZX, complete with grease zirks for the poly bushings, and took it back for alignment. Seven thousand miles later, the tires are wearing fine. BUT, if I don't grease the fittings about every two weeks, the driver's side squeaks. Let it go three weeks and it begins to make popping noises in the front suspension. Oh, and did I mention that the ride has deteriorated measurably since installing the adjustable links.

What I would like to do is replace the poly bushings with some OEM style rubber bushings that won't squeak or ride harshly. Does anyone know where I can obtain such bushings? I feel like I'm caught between the proverbial rock and hard place.

Alternative ideas OK too...........John

[maxnix]

Stillen upper llinks are known to be trash.

SPL never restarted production of their superior design and execution.

[qship96]

Remove the Stillen front upper links,replace with factory links from Joe at 99 each.....and shim the upperlink mounting bracket to adjust camber as close to stock as possible and your problems are solved.

[96Qowner]

And spend $200 on a new pair of third link/kingpin assemblies - they're bent out of spec and causing trouble for your uppers.

[qship96]

Third links and lower control arm replacments are on my list for 2008-any idea how difficult install will be? I just did uppers,and am still chasing a suspension rattle that happens on bumps/dips in roadway that disappears when temps climb above about 45 degrees.

[JohnPa]

And spend $200 on a new pair of third link/kingpin assemblies - they're bent out of spec and causing trouble for your uppers.

Good advice. I wish I had the money I spent on the adjustable links, but live and learn. I'll bet it's going to cost me more than $200 though. I'll check into it.............John

[sijoko]

The Stillen front upper links were designed for a Z32 300zx. They don't hold up when used on a Q. I had them for over 2 years. Changed the bushings twice on them.

Finally, I sold them and went back to the stock upper links with washers behind the bracket.

The Stillen rear upper control arms are doing fine on the car.

[maxnix]

I wish I had the money I spent on the adjustable links, but live and learn.

Stillen upper llink problems documented here in previous posts.

Always good to search if you don't take time to read them all.

[JohnPa]

Stillen upper llink problems documented here in previous posts.

Always good to search if you don't take time to read them all.

Sorry for the late response, Holidays and all.

I really do try to search, but I have problems guessing the right terms to use. In this case, I bought the adjustable upper links without checking any posts, and now I'm paying the price!

I have actually looked before for any posts on replacement rubber bushings, not poly or the hardened NISMO bushings. No luck! Do you know of any threads that have an answer to this?

[JohnPa]

Third links and lower control arm replacments are on my list for 2008-any idea how difficult install will be? I just did uppers,and am still chasing a suspension rattle that happens on bumps/dips in roadway that disappears when temps climb above about 45 degrees.

I have had all of these components off and just followed the service manual. It helps if you have a complete set of hand tools, torque wrenches, and an air compressor/impact sockets to use on the bigger nuts. Also, I always replace any of the nuts and/or bolts as noted in the service manual. Hey, except for my current dilema, the results were great! Thanks for responding to my post.............John

[maxnix]

I really do try to search, but I have problems guessing the right terms to use. In this case, I bought the adjustable upper links without checking any posts, and now I'm paying the price!

A search on Stillen in archived post bodies should have brought one up.

Here's a hint: Go to Infiniti general and look for a post by Elwesso that has an attached txt. file of Q45tech's posts on Yahoo. Or email me and I will send it to you in a Word format along with his previous posts on this boards predecessor. It's good readin if you care about your car.

We should have visited when I was in Seattle this fall. I was slammed, though.

[T45]

When using the adjustable upper links with bearings instead of bushings the replacement tension rods with bearings must also be used.

If you put just adjustable upper links on with stock tension rods the rubber rod bushings allow the upper link too much movement and the bearings must take the force. By replacing the tension rods with bearing type the entire assy is running on bearings and will last much longer.

If it's not a track car or weekend touring car the bearings are not recommended. Poly is good for someone wanting better daily performance.