tension rod advice- front end vibration

[q45j30guy]

I think it is time to replace the tension rod bushings on my 96 J 30. A whole new rod with bushing will run me about $150/ea and a new bushing will run about $50/ea.

Question is how hard is it to replace the bushings? and is it just easier to spend the extra money and replace with complete rod assemblies?

I am trying to eliminate a vibration coming from the left front it is worst between 50-70 mph and goes away at 80 and returns when you let off the gas and slow down.

Wheels and tires have been ruled out. new front strut inserts and tie rod ends just installed did help some. I figured tension rods were the next to be replaced but any insight on others causes are welcome

TIA

[fourdrinie]

you need a press to get them out and get them in...you cannot do it by hand.Thus, you have to take them out to a machine shop to have the work done.It's that simple.

[yodawill2000]

Rotors maybe ??Cant see the rod causing that.

[q45j30guy]

there is no shaking while braking so I have not considered the rotors a source of the problem.

[yodawill2000]

Out of balance hub or rotor was where I was leaning.The tension rod wouldn't cause that vibration I wouldn't think.

[lifexpr08]

Hello there...Thank for this information. A repair shop diagnose my j30 by pumping the brakes while moving at a low speed and you can see the front wheels vibrating (someone has to look from the outside) also noises around the wheel area can be heard when doing this. I did not have any vibration at high speed but would sway a little (left or right) when I hit a rough road.

Question: I would like to change the tension bushing myself and you mention the need to press the bushing by a machine shop. Is there any thing else to do other than remove the 3 bolts and nuts and reinstall? do I need to support the wheels etc.?

thank you very much!

RD

[lifexpr08]

by the way my j30 is yet to be rapaired. I'm still waiting for the part. I drove it this morning at it got really worse. Now the wheels are vibrating really bad even in low speed.

[yodawill2000]

http://www.fuzzycats.com/docs/...t.pdf

[lifexpr08]

Thank you very much! I will start first thing am. I just have one other question on step 7 on removal. Is it saying to make sure you don't mix up the left and right bolts?

Thanks,

RD

[yodawill2000]

NopeThe left and right Tension Rod are a Tad different.

Note which is driver side and passenger side kinda thang'.

[lifexpr08]

thank you for your responses yoda.

[lifexpr08]

Finish the job in about four hours. Started at 9am and done at 1pm. The time include a 1/4mile walk to kragen for set of jack stand and back and about 3/4mile walk to an auto repair shop and back to extract and press the new bushing.

DYI- parts: bushing=$67(two), pipe for leverage=$10, press bushing=$20 (returned the jack stand, too tall) total job cost=$97

Repair shop estimate: $350 to $400.

Savings=$253-$303 with this website support, thank you!

No more noises going over rough surface, speed bump and driveway curb. Aslo, wheel vibration is gone and the sway.

Ron

[yodawill2000]

Good Job !!!!

[wingFeather]

When the tension rods are bad, it just seems to amplify any little vibration, and the front end feels loose (since the suspension is indeed loose on the X axis).

Another option is "racing" adjustable tension rods for a 240sx (they will also fit on a J30 with a simple notch ground into the mounting knuckle face). I was able to install these without paying a machine shop to press anything. Under $90!