Replacement control arm bushing, or replace entire assembly?

[Fergie]

Hello all,

 

I'm relatively new to the world of R50s, even though we've had our 1996 since new and over 205k miles.

 

With that kind of mileage, I'm at the point that I would like to replace the bushing in the various wear parts of the suspension.

 

I've already installed a complete OME kit, and the ride is much improved. However, when I had the Pathy on the lift today, I saw that many of the control arm bushings are shot and in need of replacement.

 

I see poly kits on some of the Nissan and Pathfinder specific vendor sites, but I would like to know if it easier in the long run to just replace the entire control arm than bother with 2 bushing per arm.

 

I also think that the top portion of the strut needs replaced, but I haven't found the correct name or PN for it.

 

So, to sum it up:

 

1. What are your thoughts on replacing the bushings vs replacing the entire CA?

 

2. What is the name for the top part of the strut that need replacing?

 

And three, what is the best online source for OEM parts? The local dealer is incredibly expensive on Subaru parts, so I know they will be on the Nissan parts as well.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

G

[Rebelord]

For parts, this thread: http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/18653-genuine-nissan-parts/

 

I would replace the bushings with the polyurethane ones. But you will need a press to do them. If your just going with a shop, find a good one that can do them. Otherwise, you can just replace the whole assembly, which will be good itself for another 100k or so.

[Fergie]

For parts, this thread: http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/18653-genuine-nissan-parts/

 

I would replace the bushings with the polyurethane ones. But you will need a press to do them. If your just going with a shop, find a good one that can do them. Otherwise, you can just replace the whole assembly, which will be good itself for another 100k or so.

 

Are the two-piece bushings like the ones in the link below any good?

https://www.4x4parts.com/nissan/pathfinder-complete-trailing-arm-bushing-kit-p-6250.html

 

or

 

https://www.4x4parts.com/nissan/complete-pathfinder-split-design-trailing-arm-bushing-kit-p-6244.html

 

THanks for the link on the parts

[bushnut]

the strut part you are looking for is called a strut bearing or commonly called a "Top Hat"

I've got the same issues as you with regards to bushing issues. I'm going to go with the poly split design ones from 4x4 parts and take 2 days replacing everything. It might be more in my time invested but I'll save a boat load of labour cost.

[Fergie]

Thankfully, a god buddy owns a shop in town to which I have free access when the rack is open.

 

I've never used spilt bushings before; is their life any less due to the two-piece design?

 

On the 4x4parts page, I don't see any rear sway bar bushings for the R50. Am I missing it or are these only available from the factory?

 

On the strut bearing, are there any additional associated parts with it, or need to be replaced in conjunction with it?