paulpearl

So my 01 has 172,000 and looks and runs like new. The major problem I know have is both front lower control arms are bad (says the dealer) and need replaced. I have noticed the clunking for about 3 months and my front tires are wearing bad on the inside. I have done most of the maintenance on the car but am not sure about this. The mechanic had me under the car while i got an oil change and showed me the "play" in the arms. Could this just be the bushing worn out or do they really need replaced? I replaced one of them 3 years ago at the dealer. I was quoted $1000 at the stealer and found the cheapest mechanic with after market parts for $600. This also includes replacing the link pins. I'd like to keep the car and get new tires after this....any thoughts THANKS

03VQMAX

iTrader: (46)

The oem part is the complete control arm, now you can do what many members do, which is to install Energy suspension bushings along with Moog ball joints. On that one, you have to find someone who actually knows what they are doing.

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

Damn labor is outrageous where you are I can get both front ones done for 160 but thats switching to the ES Bushings, but for a straight swap would be less...good luck on what you decide.....

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

The dealership will tell you to replace the entire control arm, but I'd bet the only problem is the ball joints which can be replaced separately. The dealership will of course deny this

paulpearl

Thanks for the info. I am definetly going to look at just replacing the ball joints. I find it hard to believe that the entire control arms need replaced since I just replaced one of them 3 years ago. I will have a local mechanic look into this for me. I will keep everyone posted......

ImStricken

buddy, here you go. i will be ordering this soon.
now go find a small shop that will do this for you for $100

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-03-NISSAN-Maxima-FRONT-LOWER-CONTROL-ARM-RIGHT-RH-/380366706416?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Year%3A2002|Model%3AMaxima&hash=item588f9f56 f0

im gonna do all the work myself, but for those that need a little help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTIePKbH3hY

most ball joints are sealed in and cant be fixed. the bushing can be replaced tho

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Moog-...item2eb734a566

Sneaky Green

http://www.fcpimport.com/products/ni...kit-maxima-sk2

my 2 cents

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

A shop that will replace 2 LCA's for $100 , man those are good drugs you're on dude.

The ball joints are not 'sealed in', they're just a press-fit. You need a ball joint service tool and some knowledge. I've done a few of them, and I can guarantee you Knight_yyz has done his fair share also.

Yes the bushings can be replaced, but they're a pita as I've read, those though, I haven't done so can't comment.

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

Oh and OP, I would agree that if a component on the LCA is bad and causing strange tire wear, it's likely the ball joint.

The only other thing that would cause excessive uneven tire wear is a bent LCA. The bushings relate more to handling qualities and 'feel', worn LCA bushings won't cause uneven tire wear unless they're completely toast, and that's quite unlikely

Now, the part that is important here is this, can you replace a press fit ball joint yourself? Or do you need a shop to do it?

If you need a shop to do it, get quotes for the ball joint job, and for the LCA job. It's easier to replace a LCA then a press fit ball joint, so if the cost of labour + ball joints exceeds the cost of labour + LCA's, or if the cost is close, then do the whole LCA.

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

[quote=TunerMaxima3000;8190376]A shop that will replace 2 LCA's for $100 , man those are good drugs you're on dude.



It all depends on where you at, and if the mechanic is trying to get over on you, my mechanic swapping out 100-120, and 160 switching out the bushings which people say is a PITA....

ImStricken

i apologize for using the wrong terminology. 20yrs in this country, and i still sometimes make mistakes. your 100% correct- they are pressed in.

and i have two shops that i called, that said $100 as long as i bring in the part. both are Russian run/owned shops- so maybe they take off a few bucks when a fellow Russian calls in. but i cant imagine it being much more than 10-15 bux off.
if i not mistaken you are in Canada? i sure service and parts there are priced out differently

denvern

I just went through something similiar.
Do you have Bridgestone G019 Grid tires? I had severe cupping along the inside of the tires. Dealer said LCA however got a second opinion (had no knocking sounds) and found out those tires are prone to cupping.

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

The oem bushings which are the pivots of the LCA are liquid filled. So if you take a pry bar and attempt to move the LCA it will be a piece of cake. If you go to a dealership you can only buy the control arm. If you want to replace the ball joint you can do so but the dealership does not sell them separate. SO you get spicer or moog or TRW aftermarket ball joints. The rubber pivot bushings are not a dealership or an aftermarket item, unless you are will to zip cut and press out the old ones and replace them with urethane. This is an excellent handling modification but not something most people could do in their driveway.