Bushing replacement

[BiXLL]

I just ordered new lower control arms with bushings and ball joints for the front of my 240sx. I knew I needed new control arm bushings up there, as you could feel the play any time you braked, or went from fwd to reverse. My question is, will I know by feeling something is wrong when the rear bushings need replaced, or is it by site inspection that you tell when they need redone?

[gumby74]

After almost 18 years, it would not be a bad idea to replace them regardless of condition.A couple of years ago, I had the suspension disassembled to install adjustable links. The rear hubs and lca's were still running the old, soft bushings. I inserted a long bolt through the bushing and with the strength of my hands alone was able to twist and deflect the bushings in any direction by a good 1/8 of an inch. After pressing in the Energy Suspension bushings, all deflection (still using the long bolt and my infant gorilla-esque strength) was eliminated. On a daily driven street car, something like this is generally unnoticable, but sometimes, doing certain things you can pick up on the difference.I am not going to blow smoke in your eyes and tell you it is a night and day difference, or the ride will be transformed. At certain times, you may notice a change, and after a few days, you will get used to the difference and adapt accordingly. The only real time I am aware of the difference is when I drive my friends hatch with minimal suspension work done then jump into my car.