Trailing Arm and Panhard Bushing Cost

[vmodi]

Just took my R50 in to the shop for an estimate for replacing the bushings for the death wobble. They quoted as follows:

 

- Rubber bushings

- 4 bushings for the trail arms

- 2 bushings for the panhard

- Total estimate between $700-800 incl. parts and labor

 

This seems very high but please share thoughts? They also said no to use polyurethane bushings since he said it cracks in about a year. The rubber bushings, he said, will last 6-7 years.

 

Please help!!!

 

Thanks,

Vinit

[giddyuppony]

Well i just ordered the parts from AC for $186.66, that doesnt include the panhard bushings( they are $60 more, and they all polyurethane. From what I have read the poly bushings are better, and I never heard anything about them cracking, but someone else who has them might wanna put some feed back in. Also the poly bushings are cut in half, so from an install stand point its going to be a lot easier.

I would say $800 is a little high, but it depends on the hourly rate.

[fleurys]

it cost me 500$ for the link bushing just in time... so i say it's about right.... If i knew that at the time (that it was going to take that much time), I would have bought the stronger links from tmorgan which you can change yourself and beef up your setup at the same time... now you know... the question is now : what are you gonna do about it ?

[piste]

For the work they'll be doing the price is actually quite good. Dealers will charge in the vicinity of $500 just to replace two links...they usually will not replace just the bushings as they say they'd have to charge more...or maybe they are just lazy. Either way...I've done this job myself...twice...first time I replaced the entire links. A few weeks ago I finished the second replacement...went with the one piece poly ones from AC..just did lower links and panhard rod ones...uppers were done by dealer a year ago with replacement links. I've NEVER heard/read of poly ones cracking...in fact many peopld swear they'll last a long long long time...AND provide "better" ride than rubber.

 

So bottom line...the price for the work quoted is good. Panhard rod usually doesn't need to be done...but I just did mine since I was in the mindset. If you decide you want to go poly...ask the garage if you can supply thme and have them put them in instead of the rubber...or do it all yourself...lots of threads on here about how to do that. Whatever you do...be VERY careful dealing with AC (4x4parts.com)...be sure of your order in advance...hope you don't have to change/return anything...shop around on their prices where there are alternative sources (which in the case of poly bushings there are not many/any)...double check any technical info you get from them...and watch them like a hawk.

 

ETA: Question...your subtitle states "$800 for labor" but your post states $700-$800 parts and labor" Which is it?

Edited July 15, 2010 by piste

[180sx]

Poly bushings can go bad fast IF they are not greased when installed. I have seen a case where they pretty much shredded because no grease was between the bushing and the sleeve. As long as you grease em a little, your good to go!

 

Jose

[vmodi]

Good news!! My local mechanic agreed to replace both the trail arm bushings and the panhard bushings for $600 cash. Its a lot of money but saves me a headache as I am not inclined to do this.

 

Hope this works out, spent a lot of money on the R50.