Replacing a bushing?

[Guest Flassh81]

So I know that the two bushings on the front end near my wheals need replaciing. I've been putting it off cause the mechanics have told me its a $500 job EACH. So right now I was wondering if anyone knows how I go about finding otu what parts I would need, and what kind of work I am looking at?

 

THere is plenty more wrong with this car, but lets start with the small things .

[jj big shoe]

There's lotsa bushings in the front end. What year? Try to nail down which ones or describe their location and I'm sure you'll get some info on replacement.

BTW, fire your mechanic. No bushing replacement should cost $1000.

[FLApathy]

yeah, thats a lot of freaking money, unless u slipped on ur keyboard

[Guest Flassh81]

Well i havent gotten under the car yet with a camera. But it is a big rubbery ball, similar to what you would find in your toilet tang i believe? (thats what it looks liek to me) and i was told it is cracked wich allowed a grease/jelly that is kept in there out. Its on the front end, right next to each wheal about. Not sure of that helps you out at all.

[FLApathy]

yeah, thats a CV boot, it covers the CV joint, its kinda filled with grease to lube up the CV joint, that price seems to make more sense now but even then me and jj could knock that out in like an hour

 

 

 

can u see them in this pic?

 

and is this what it looks like?

Edited April 19, 2006 by FLApathy

[k9sar]

if you have to replace your CV boots, you either need to pull your axle or get boot replacements that are split and can wrap around without pulling the axle. Or... you can do what I did and just wipe it off real good, slap on some good RTV rubber goop and cover it with dry dirt. No cracks... no leaks...

[Guest Flassh81]

that is the part i am talking about. And about a split replacement? How much do they go for? Do they work as well as a whole piece? And if i just resealed it, what am i putting BACK in it? anything?> should i clean out any dirt?

[KILLVOX]

This is where i got my CV boots.

 

http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/shop/i...bb7d2195cb0914b

[88pathoffroad]

I'd say if you have no experience with such work, shop around for CV axle replacement prices locally and just accept the cheapest quote.

[Mr. Pickles]

I'd say if you have no experience with such work, shop around for CV axle replacement prices locally and just accept the cheapest quote.

Yeah, $500 each is absolutely ridiculous. I bet most shops would do it for $200-300 each at most. Sounds like you're not up to doing it yourself, so shop around, ask friends about a mechanic, etc.

 

I did a split boot replacement myself probably 6 months ago, and so far its fine. No leaking, stretching, etc. But I doubted its strength and durability up front and ran a thick bead of silicone RTV down the seam before I was done. So far I've gone through mud, fresh and salt water, sand, snow, etc. So far, so good, but I doubt this is a long-term solution. I was under the buck at the time, and figured I'd just see how long it would last.

 

The replacement split boots ran about $25-30ea I think, I bought one from AC (4x4parts.com). But that said, the boot was actually kinda challenging to install. Nothing at all major or requiring special tools or skill, just frustrating as hell. You have to line the rubber boot up, then there are tiny nuts and bolts you thread through each peak and valley in the boot to hold it together while it flexes. Much cussing was involved here, hence my desire to go back over it with a heavy bead of silicone.

 

Either way, good luck!

Edited April 20, 2006 by Mr. Pickles

[Guest Flassh81]

so i spoke with a friend who is more mechanically inclinded. it seems the cv axle assembly is my best bet as he said if my boot was broken for a while, i may as well replace the axle itself. And seeing as it is all assembled for me, it may prove somewhat easier for me to replace.

 

I will be having some of my friends who are mechanics take a look and tell me if they think its simple enought ot take care of at my fire station, or if i should get it lifted at a shop.

 

Thanks for all the help guys...and the links..

 

IF anyone has ANYMORE links to useful Nissan sites, parts(exterior and performance,) id appreciate it.

[FLApathy]

simple enought ot take care of at my fire station, or if i should get it lifted at a shop.

 

fire station??

 

 

and i doubt it, u should probably let a shop do it

[Guest Flassh81]

i'm a firefighter. meaning i work with LOTS of former/on the side mechanics and have access to tools u would think to find only in a mechanics shop.

[Dave_C]

That price is absolutely highway robbery...you can get a new aftermarket CV from AC for less than $100...I was quoted $70 for replacement at a local shop bringing the grand total for shaft, shipping, and replacement at less than $200 per side...$500 each? I would love some of what that mechanic has been smoking...seems like really good sh*t.