replacing trailing arms question

[mrichter]

hey there, i just bought my first ever pathfinder. 2001 SE manual with 320,000km. bought it for $1500.

i have the 'death sway' issue, and am in the process of replacing the trailing arms with new ones, with new poly bushings as well.

should i be replacing the hardware as well (nuts and bolts) or is reusing the ones that are there, provided they don't break, still safe?

any help would be great!!

thanks

[atraudes]

Congrats on the purchase!

The FSM specifies that you should, and I'd absolutely recommend using new hardware regardless considering the age. The likelihood of something happening is pretty low, but I've heard stories of them breaking and it's just not worth the risk.

[Hawairish]

Actually, it's just the nuts that Nissan specs as needing replacement whenever removed. The nuts are called "prevailing torque lock nuts"...similar in concept to nylock nuts, only all-metal. Both styles only have their max torque-holding strength when secured the 1st time, which is why neither should be re-used.

Plus, the nuts are a PITA to remove, and you may end up damaging them and possibly the bolt to remove them (I had to Dremel one off on my truck). That said, I'd recommend 8 nuts and at least 1 new bolt (more if your vehicle is prone to rust/corrosion).

Also, buying new control arms and putting poly in them is as labor intensive (and it IS labor intensive without a floor press and the right collar) as just reusing your stock arms and putting poly on them. The new arms will already have rubber bushings, and you'll effectively void any warranty on them by removing them, of course. If your arms are re-usable, I suggest just buying new poly bushings. Automotive Customizers ("AC", 4x4parts.com) sells a generic type as well as SuperPro bushings, which are a premium brand. Whiteline also produces both OE-style and split-style poly bushings:
http://www.whiteline.com.au/do_segue4.p ... F1995-2004

I have SuperPro bushings up front and generic poly (eBay) for the rears.

[mrichter]

hey guys, thanks for the advice.

atraudes,
thats sort of what i had seen around the forums. the arms are clearly stock. i was able to pick up a complete kit off eBay for $50

Hawairish,
the arms themselves look pretty old and the only thing i am worries about, is the "eye" where the bushing is elongating, as i am not sure how long it has been driven with rotted out bushings. also, i have the technology and access to the tools to do both. i picked up the arms (dorman) and a complete bushing set, again off eBay, for $275 CAD all in to my front door.

thanks guys for your input, i do appreciate it all, and will definitely be back with more questions i am sure.