Used Front Strut and Control Arm

[slybydesignq45t]

There is a junk yard in my area that is selling a Front Strut and Control arm for $161. They have a regular 1994 Q45. I have a 1994 Q45T. Will this work? The one I have is squeaking so bad its embarrassing. Its loud and spraying no longer helps out. What do you guys think. I know band new for both will run me over twice as much. Do you guys think I can get away with buying these two used? I may even pick up some extras while I'm there.

[maxnix]

No struts on the front of a G50. Are you contemplating a used shock absorber? If you like repeated labor and uneven handling due to different wear rates.

Read all the posts on here about maintaing suspension systems. Used parts are never recommended unless they are non wear items.
Modified by maxnix at 1:05 PM 7/11/2008

[Q45tech]

Rubber components have a limited quiet life and there is lots of rubber isolators in suspensions.

If you want things to be like new you have to use new but many people seem to worry about costs because they don't want to spend the necessary $1500 per year and every year in new parts from INET dealers.

Rubber is often years not miles as exposure to air and normal winter/summer heat cycles after manufacturer.

Common noise problems are upper links and shock tower upper shock support bushings.

Applying the wrong silcone lubricant will destoy rubber faster than doing nothing. Tire dressing or Wurth Products only.

[slybydesignq45t]

So what do you guys think? I have to register, and title the car next week, which includes smog and license. Thats gonna be pretty pricey here in California. I can drive the car like this, but it sucks and is sad to see a clean car with a loud squeak. Do ya'll think I can get away with used parts for now? Just to hold me over till I get the money up. I have to move at the end of this month so my money is designated for the move right now. I just wanted to stop this loud noise. I sprayed the rubber part but it does need changing. My mechanic said they will charge me $160 in labor. Should I call the junk yard and ask for something else more specific and will the parts be interchangeable between a regular 1994 Q45 and Q45T?

[Rex]

Is this for 1 side or both sides??

If for both and you can confirm the condition of the parts, not a bad price, but if you can't tell how old/worn they are, they're probably not worth it.

unless you like busting your knuckles, just get the new parts .

[slybydesignq45t]

Thanks Rex. I can easily inspect the parts when I'm there. They are off of a used Q45 so I don't expect them to last for ever. I figured if I buy used it may last me at least till the end of the year. This buys me time to save up my money and do things right. Its only for the passenger side. I only get squeaks there, other then that the other parts are fine.

[Rex]

Brand new FUCA (Front Upper Control Arm) and shock isn't much more than that. And this is very DIY (Do It Yourself) with some basic tools. If there's a squeak over slow bumps, you may be able to just change the FUCA. Heck have you even looked to see if it's an aftermarket one with a zerk (grease) fitting?

In short, if you're going to go with the used parts, I wouldn't pay more than $100 tops.

Check ebay, you'll see new single front shocks for $97 shipped. Just be aware you do not want 90-93 fronts, they have a smaller lower mounting hole.

[slybydesignq45t]

Thanks again Rex. I am not afraid of doing the work my self. I have some tools, but is keep reading about pressing something in. All in all, I may just drive to the yard to inspect the used parts and see what these guys have to offer. I will only go there with about $80 cash and see what I can get away with.

[Rex]

If it's the FUCA, you're looking to replace, check our Classifieds and see if anyone's parting out a good condition Q45. A breaker bar and/or torque wrench is the only "special" tools you'll need. Unless you're replacing "bushings", you won't need to "press anything in".

[slybydesignq45t]

Awesome, great info Rex. I do need to replace control arm bushings. After taking it to two different places they both said its only the control arm bushings, but those aren't sold separately so I'd have to purchase the entire arm. It is the shock absorber on the passenger front side that is making the noise at the upper point where it connects to front of the car. Sorry for not be more tech savvy with my description. I'm sure when I go tomorrow morning they will easily tell I'm on my way from a block away...LOL

[maxnix]

Study the FSM and go new. Bushings are easily pressed by any machine shop for little dinero.

[Slipdrive]

Aren't tokiko blues about 150 a set for the fronts? So why pay 161 for a used one?