Lower Control Arm Bushings

[eQlipse]

I need help finding lower control arm bushings for my '97 Q45T. The local dealer as well as Scottsdale informs me that the entire control arm assembly needs to be purchased. While Scottsdale would save me $120 over the local dealer, I see no need to purchase the entire assembly when the bushings only need to be replaced. Any leads on where I may be able to locate these bushings? I've checked Energy Suspensions website but to no avail. I'll be calling them tomorrow to see if I can get a parts number & price. In the mean time any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[elwesso]

So they wont sell you just the bushings?? That sounds really weird.....

[sijoko]

Are you referring to the tension rods? They have fluid filled bushings.

[Tgvince]

The Tension rod bushings are available wthout the rod. I just replaced one on my 97. They are about $38 shipped. As for the control arm...Not sure.

Terry97 Q

[DAEDALUS]

I remember them looking pretty difficult to R&R...I replaced the entire arm when I did my rear suspension. There's also bushings in the 2 or 3 (HICAS or non) upper links in the rear suspension that aren't changeable either. The bushings (and balljoint) in the steering knuckle are replaceable though, and the parts are pretty cheap.I'll take a look again at the old parts if I remember later.

[eQlipse]

These are the lower control arms & not the tension rod bushings. I didn't get the chance to talk to Joe when I called Scottsdale. I figured he probably could point me in the right direction even if they don't sell the bushings separately. Just seems I should be able to get the bushings without the entire assembly.

[texasoil]

Infiniti does not supply replacement inner bearings(rubber/steel assemblies) for the Q45 lower control arms.

I HAVE heard that aftermarket urethane ones for a 300Z will fit. The suspension system is identical on the front end. They will be harder than OEM for sure.

[sijoko]

Doesn't the 97 Q have a MacPherson setup in the front? If so, then it would be different from what is on the Z32.

The 90-96 Q have front and rear suspensions that are very similiar to the Z32. Many of the Energy Suspension bushings for a 300zx will fit the 1st gen. Q45, some with slight modification.

[eQlipse]

Infiniti does not supply replacement inner bearings(rubber/steel assemblies) for the Q45 lower control arms.

I HAVE heard that aftermarket urethane ones for a 300Z will fit. The suspension system is identical on the front end. They will be harder than OEM for sure.

I got a second opinion & turns out it's actually the ball joint that's bad on the driver's side. And of course I'll have to buy the entire assembly. $372 from Scottsdale for both sides saves about $120 from Infiniti of Orland Park. Guess I'll be ordering today.

[DeltaSteve]

i know with some cars, the bushings need to be pressed into (and out of) the control arms, which is a pain even if you have an Arbor Press or something. i would just buy the assembly anyway.

[Q45tech]

Very common when the suspension gets over 120-150k depending on roads and how well you keep tires in balance [every 3,000 miles?]

Failure to balance or use tires that stay in balance longer just wears out everything else faster.

The 97 Q has 6-7 years on the suspension........the warranty was for 4 years --- pretty good.

[eQlipse]

Very common when the suspension gets over 120-150k depending on roads and how well you keep tires in balance [every 3,000 miles?]

Failure to balance or use tires that stay in balance longer just wears out everything else faster.

The 97 Q has 6-7 years on the suspension........the warranty was for 4 years --- pretty good.

Then I guess it is time for some suspension work. I'd already planned struts & coil springs this fall. I guess I'll be starting sooner than expected. It's time for new tires & alignment also. 68k when I bought it 1 & 1/2 years ago & 119K currently. 60 miles one way to work 4 days a week will do it I guess.

[zekedog]

Hello from Nashville. Just got through replacing upper control arms on my 95T. Local Infiniti dealer pointed out that the passenger side upper arm bushings were shot and the strut was leaking. Replaced the upper arms and the factory struts with Tokicos all the way around. The job was a lot easier than I was expecting. (Thanks to the tips in the forum). Anyway, I now have a clunking noise in the front drivers side when hitting any size bump at low speeds. Very obvious. I jacked the car back up. Checked the torque on all bolts I touched. Nothing. I can actually shake the wheel enough to hear the new noise. Looks like I can see a little play in the lower control arm at the ball joint. I'd appreciate any advise and any tips on replacing the lowers. Thanks. Kevin 95T,Black,50k miles.

[squeefoo]

Zekedog

300ZX balljoints will fit. Just remove the LCA and have them pressed in at a shop. Otherwise it's $ 100.00 - 150 for the arm.

Why not do the bushings at the same time? Only prob w/ urethane is it's harsh when it's cold, sure makes the expansion joints seem bigger.

Just in case check the kingpins too.

[Q45tech]

King pin bearings [2], lower arms, tension rods, upper links, all rubber sway bar bushings/seats/boots........the entire front end.......springs and sway bars [metal parts are usually good forever]. Everything else gets changed periodically.

[natsoundup]

I had the same clunking...

replaced the "top hat" for the strut...I think a 40-50 dollar part.

[DAEDALUS]

The metal part? Was the old one visibly much different from the new one?

[Q45tech]

Metal hat has a glued in rubber isolator with metal center inserts, I recently had to replace both of mine.

Just like the passenger front brakes wear/warp faster the passenger side suspension get subjected to much more road abuse thus faster failures.

The Q design [twisted angle upper link] to simulate the actions of an upper A type wishbone member is under extra wear stress........why they last 30-40k as opposed to 100k [LS400] but the part is cheap and easy to change.

The Lexus design/part last 3 times longer but costs $900 to change.

The Q front suspension is much cheaper to keep right for 250,000 miles assuming you buy the parts at a discount and have a discount tech [yourself] change them.

Interestingly, the LS400 eats multiple rear suspension bushings whereas the Q has very good life......especially passenger rear.

[Trung1130]

I've started to develop the clunking sound on my right passenger on the 94 QT. Called Scottsdale Infiniti and they dont sell the 94-96 bushings separately. But I did order new brake pads all the way around. Let's pray I wont need new rotors. But I plan purchasing the Stillen big brake upgrade in about 6 months, hopefully by then I will be able to get the 17" I35 rims so I can have rims that will fit over the new brake upgrade.

[natsoundup]

If you think it's a top hat....I have ONE with about 2k miles on it...that I am doing as my part out.

the original lasted 166k.