axis11

Control arms are not that expensive. But for some people including me, 75$ arm + 100$ labor is a lot. Cant get oem bushings, they will sell you the whole control arm. So I decided to find a cheaper way.

Nissan and other manufacturers have these hard rubber bushings used for shock absorbers and leaf spring bushings. At 1$ a piece, I said why not try them. I've replaced all of the front upper control arm bushings for a total of 4$.
It lasted more than three years and about 100K miles. They were not ripped or crushed but were a little bit loose or more like not tight anymore. Today I replaced one that was ripped. It was changed less than a year ago. So I lost a $ in less than a year. The mistake was I tried to make it so tight(using a hydralic jack to press fit the bushing) causing it to rip prematurely.

I took some pics as I go along the bushing replacement.






The ripped control arm bushing still attached.




Remove the nut on the ball joint two bolts holding the arm.





The bushing shown was not the actual bushing used but they look the same. I have run out of extra.






The bushing after inserting to the cylinder. you might need some grease to make things easier. When you buy the bushing, select a size that will fit a little bit tight on the cylinder and the control arm.



The bushing and the arm. One thing more needs to be done because the bushing is a little bit bigger and wont fit the arm. Its almost impossible to find an exact fit but a little bit bigger can be shaped easily to your needs.




Using a grinder and and a long nose pliers, I slowly reduced the diameter of the bushing to snugly fit on the arm. Dont hurry in grinding because if you remove too much rubber, the bushing might be loose and youve wasted a $ part and valuable time. Do it slowly, checking from time to time how much is left that needs to be removed. You would want it to be as tight as possible that you can be able to fit in the arm.










The bushing after being inserted on the arm. It took me 4 or 5 tries to get the good fit. I used grease to make it go easier and inserted by hand. Once a portion goes in, I stepped and jumped on it to make it go all the way.



Its a cheap fix and not very bad quality. You always have a choice and you are free which road you want to take. You can go the 1$ route or the oem and aftermarket route.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Uh. OEM please.

kyden

i would address that the ball joint doesn't look so hot either.

axis11

Actually I did replace the ball joint.I just did not mention replacing it as my concer was the diy bushing. It was not loose but the boot was torn and besides I have one spare balljoint. Im broke at the moment and OEM has to wait a little more time.

tron_

Haha pretty cool little DIY. I would have probably gone with OEM but if youre in a pinch I bet this works fine. How does it feel so far?

axis11

Can't tell the difference in ride quality compared to oem. I have been using it for years. Works fine on the front upper control arm. Tried also the rear upper and lower CA. Not good, very sloppy on corners. When there are people on the rear, wheels open up like a volkswagen beetle.