Cradle bushings

Post by **Jim Sottosanti** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

Cradle Bushings on 93 J30...I'm getting some clicking and squaking sounds from the rear....dealer claims this fix is $1400...is there a workaround for this? Is this a suspension or exhaust related issue?

Post by **Q45tech** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

The rear subframe bushings are silicone filled thus not replaceable without changing the whole subframe which takes 2 good techs around 6 hours.

You should be able to get one from Scottsdale for around $500 [freight?]....we changed mine in 4 hours total but I worked and the other tech worked harder. Need a transmisssiom table jack and a lift easier to change the diff over to new subframe on the ground and move the completed assembly up [balanced on the table] while simultaneously lowering the body via the lift....the two meet around 3 feet of the floor allowing enough room to replace all the bolts.......disconnecting/reconnecting all the ABS and brake lines is a pain!

Post by **Jim Sottosanti** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

I was afraid that's what I was going to hear.....but I'm not sure that the dealer is diagnosing this correctly....the car's only got 90k on it. When I grab the muffler and move it back and forth slightly, I get the same sound. Going to try and get a 2nd opinion. Thanks again.

Post by **Professor_Mike** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

Some subframes have made noise before 60K. If it is the subframe bushings there is usually a smooth spot from the bushing rubbing the area above the bushing.

Post by **Jim Sottosanti** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

Thanks for the info.....is there a way to treat the area above the bushings to bypass replacing the entire subframe? These bushings are obviously a "wear" item, and I'm amazed that Nissan/Infiniti would design this assembly to require a $1000+ repair due to a worn piece of rubber.

Post by **Professor_Mike** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

Saw someone shim one once. You would have to find exactly where the noise is and shim accordingly. Don't know how this would effect tire wear.

Post by **Jim Sottosanti** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

Thanks...finally a chance at a fix under $1400. Going to have a suspension specialist look at it this week.

Post by **Q45tech** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:10 am

"These bushings are obviously a "wear" item, and I'm amazed that Nissan/Infiniti would design this assembly to require a $1000+ repair due to a worn piece of rubber."

Then don't buy any car with a rear subframe or a front one for that matter or any Lexus, or MB, BMW, Audi cause you will faint at their parts costs for the exact same item!To meet the current NVH standards of ride isolation this has become standard practice.

Cradle bushings

Cradle bushings

Thanks for the info

Nissan Forums

Infiniti Forums

Datsun Forums

Technical Forums

Classifieds / Marketplace

Nissan Motorsports

General Forums