Rear Suspension Problem.. Help?.. Please...

[E7-S14]

I posted this in the 240 forum because it got more viewers.. i thought i would get a more narrowed down answersince their seems to be more Suspension "gurus" in herei thought id post it in here.

i hate to post twice so i just got the link insteadhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/269102I know its alot to read.. sorry.. but i do need the help.

id hate to bring my car to a shop for something that might be unnecessary so i thought someone may have experienced this problem before and can shed some light on my situation.

thanks.
Modified by E7-S14 at 7:17 PM 8/5/2007

[E7-S14]

another question i have is what sort of problems would bad rear subframe bushings cause?

what sort of problems would bad rear ball-joints cause?

[gumby74]

Bad subframe bushings would result in movement of the rear axle line seperate from the chassis. Translation: there would be play between the subframe and chassis. This would cause thudding sounds, and occasional jerking while driving.Worn balljoint would result in the same thing on the corresponding side.

[E7-S14]

The Subframe bushings just might be ityour example of the sound and feel is pretty much dead on..

but could it be isolated?.. like 2 or one subframe bushings goes bad. would that cause isolated thudding and jerking?my guess is yes.. so i guess im gonna have to buy aluminm subframe spacers/bushings(are they the same thing?)?

but also the ball joint..

so it would be safe to replace the right rear balljoint and all subframe busings/spacers?

[gumby74]

ummmm.. collars and spacers are sorta the same, but they are not.In using aluminum bushings for the subframe, you are creating a solid mount. The driveline is a series of twisting, vibrating pieces and all this will become part of the chassis as a whole; instead of being isolated by the soft rubber bushings. The collars on the other hand are somewhere in between, but more to the harsh side in regards to performance.I dont know that the rear balljoint is available seperately, some guys have used the B13 Sentra front balljoint. You may have to search, as I am not positive on that.Jack up the rear of the car. Grab hold of a tire and shake it. You are looking for play and listening for any unusual thudding sounds. Your problem may just be worn control arm bushings or sway bar end links.Get under the car and try the same thing with the subframe craddle. There should be no noticeable play.

[E7-S14]

iv jacked it up and tried the tire shake..their is no play in the tire..up down right left..

about the cradle.. how would i test that?their are pics of my subframe bushings in the thread i linked to.

[gumby74]

You have to understand, I am feeling kinda lazy today.Chances are, if the car has been driven hard at all, the stock bushings are going to be on the worn out side. I would suggest going with the aluminum collars. Brand doesn't really matter. You can install them yourself in about an hour or so. See if that changes anything for you. Its not a bad investment for less than $100. I paid something like $60 or so for mine.As far as the rest of the suspension, it is about time to start considering wether or not to replace the bushings with new pieces or start looking at adjustable links.

[E7-S14]

Heres my Plan of attack

1st: Buy Aluminum Collers..try those out..

---If Problem continues2nd: Replace Subframe Bushings/spacers( what material would be best for this part)

---If Problem continues3rd: Buy Suspension Busings Kit..replace ALL bushings

somewhere in between that if i can afford.. ill go ahead and replace the balljoints just in case..

thanks for the help

oh and i don't have a rear swaybar by the way

[gumby74]

Thats a good start. I would, depending on budget, get the ES master set along with the collars. You may as well start replacing them as you go along. For the subframe bushings, assuming the collars don't help, go with urehtane or hard rubber (Nismo) versions. You may have to do some hunting as I know no part #'s.Be expecting more noise in the cabin. Nothing unbearable, just more noise, you will quickly get used to it.

[E7-S14]

yeah.. I've been looking into the ES bushings kit along with the Collers/spacersgonna run me Just North of 200.. if not less..so i think its a Very good investment..Ill (hopefully) be fixing my problem along with Considerably improving Performance..so its a win win in my book

I've heard that the Aluminum busings would be TOO harsh for DD..I've seen the Nismo's somewhere.. but i cant remember.. if it all comes down to it.. ill find them..

edit*wait their on SPL.. the NISMO busings..ha

[E7-S14]

well a lil update

after researching subframe problems moreI've realized that my problem is most likely my bushings

I ordered Subframe Spacers and Subframe collersI'm going to order Either Aluminum Subframe bushings or Nismo Subframe bushings...OR...Polyurethane subframe bushings?(do they exist?)

My questionsAre the Aluminum bushings THAT unbearable?. because I've heard of others with them for their DD's and they seem fine with it.

I've found Nismo subframe bushings on some sites, but i don't know if the sites are trustworthy.anyone know a trustworthy site that sells Nismo subframe busings?

I've heard of Polyurethane Subframe busings and I've searched Googleand no luck.. all i have found was Subframe align and lock kits.. i have a vague idea of what they do but I'm not completely sure.

I'm pretty sure from reading somewhere on this site that i cannot get OEM subframe bushing replacements. is that true?because every replacement parts website that I've checked doesn't have any

i know this is a lot to read so ill thank you Now.. for who ever can help.thanks

[gumby74]

If you found someone that sells the Nismo bushings, go that route.Energy suspension sells urethane spacers, similar to the aluminum collars. More recently though, I read that ES was offering full urethane bushings for the subframe. I did not really keep up with that as I went with the collars and am now happy.Now, if, on the other hand you can not find the Nismo bushings, I still maintain you should go with the collars. They are easy to install, will be removed with the subframe should you chose to go with full bushings, and lastly, they won't break the bank.

[E7-S14]

yeah. the collers get here next weekbusings also

im just gonna buy the bushings just in case

but i wanna find a good source to get them from.

[E7-S14]

and if i can get polyurathan bushings.. that might be the best way for me to go.or aluminum.. or Nismo