Control Arm replacement or....

[Uluahunter]

Aloha Everyone,

I'm a proud new owner of a 2003 Murano SL FWD. I am also a newbie to this forum and have been spending late nights up reading through all the threads...great information! Since we purchased our MO, we've been base lining it to start with a clean slate. So far we've exchanged all fluids (except transmission and transfer), replaced belts, bought new tires, flushed the fuel system, replaced all brake pads, resurfaced all rotors, had her detailed and tinted and professionally restored the headlight housings (bad, bad haze on them). All the mechanical work was done at Sears Automotive.

Our issue at hand is now with the control arms. Sears advised us that they weren't able to properly align our MO due to control arm wear in the bushings (both sides cracked and shifting). I believe that this is true because I can feel and hear clunking in the front suspension whenever traveling over speed bumps or on a rough road. I have not had the MO up on a lift or jack myself yet, so I can't visually check for my self. My question is...do we have to replace the entire arms or can just the bushings be replaced. I came across bushing replacements in JC Whitney's catalog that are supposedly guaranteed to fit the 2003 Murano, but I've heard differently on bushings not being able to be replaced (http://www.jcwhitney.com/professional-g ... id=1365788). I'm confused...why would bushing replacements be available and guaranteed to fit if they are supposedly not replaceable. The cost difference is significant ($25 for a pair of bushing replacements vs. replacing the entire control arms @ $380-$400 for both sides). I also realize that replacing the entire arm would include new ball joints, which in the long run would probably save me headaches. I really appreciate insights or opinions from the members here on what is or isn't feasible.

Thanks in advance,

Brant

[Desert Rat]

what's your mileage? New bushings would need to be pressed in. Not sure how much faith I'd have in JCWhitney parts fitting like they should. I'd bite the bullet and stick with OEM, and get the new balljoints. Hang on to your receipt, as I believe Nissan will warranty replacement parts like that for a considerable time. Do inquire about that.

That also said, shop around. There are dealerships that do wholesale parts online.

You can PM me and I can turn you on to one here in Phoenix that ships nation wide.

[rioredstang]

Take it to another alignment shop for a second opinion!!!! I don't trust some aftermarket tire stores. Check with your local shops to see who is the most trustworthy alignment shop around. I was in that business for 20 years and I have seen the tire stores sell everything but what you need.

[Uluahunter]

Thanks for the replies!

@ Desert Rat - The mileage is 110,XXX miles. I figured that the replacements would need to be pressed in, and I don't have the proper tools to do it myself anyway. I've been shopping around online and found the cheapest price to be around $380 shipped (for both side arms). Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on that.

@ rioredstang - I know what you mean...I had a really bad experience at Sears with our last service and I vowed never, ever to go back to that location. But due to time and lack of options, I was kind of forced to go back to Sears. We had originally intended just to price around for new tires, but it turned out to be a full maintenance package deal. After waiting for our MO all day, we went to pick it up and that's we were told that they weren't able to do the alignment because the control arms' bushings were cracked and shifting...needless to say I was pissed, again! Our intent was to baseline the car so we would know that all the require maintenance had been done when we first got it...peace of mind and safety for the family. I went searching for an old brake and suspension shop that I used to go to, but I think they either moved or went out of business. I guess I'll have to make more phone calls to find a trustworthy shop. Also thinking about replacing the arms myself and just having the alignment done professionally.