Well, this is a 1992 SE. Here is the background of the vehicle as far as I know.

It sat unused for approx 6 months, was started every few weeks but not driven.

The engine runs strong, idles decent (every once in a while it runs like a dog but that will be another thread).

When going down the highway the ride is reasonable smooth with a slight pull to the left.

When taking corners it starts doing strange things. When turning to the right over those long overpasses at 40mph, a pretty loud thumping starts and sounds like it is from the left rear of the car all thru the turn. I can't feel the thumping in the steering wheel or my seat, just hear it.

When turning right at slower speeds, halfway thru the turn it feels like the rear of the car slips to the left.

When taking a left turn at 10mph (a hard turn) it almost feels like the right rear tire binds up or hits the undercarriage. This makes another thump but only one time.

The only thing I can think of is sepparation or dry rot in the rear tires.

What I would like to hear are some things I can check to see if the problem is more severe, troubleshooting steps and offers for people to come and fix my vehicle for free.

Well, 2 out of 3 is alright I guess.

Thanks in advance,
Jason

 

Jack up the rear end and take a look. I would first inspect tires ans wheels because they are easy, then I'd take a look at the rear sway bar..I be this is your problem..broken mounts. Also check the suspension bushings back there. While you have the wheels off the ground, carefully push up and pull down on the wheel. If the whoel wheel and strut assembly moves, you have bad strut mounts. Now grip the wheel on the sides and wiggle backe and forth/top to bottom. Play here shows wheel bearing wear. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

That is just the answer I was looking for. Will check all that this weekend.

 

I just don't know what it is or how to fix it.

Here is the bushing that is blown, I just don't know what it is called.

http://elsewhere.dnsalias.com/jason/busted.jpg

Can someone tell me what this is called? Its the rubber part that is busted, lets the wheel wiggle left and right alot.

Thanks
Jason

 

That's your rear control arm. It has a few other common names too. You can get the from www.courtesyparts.com for relatively cheap. Make sure you specify that it's the toe adjustable one.

 

I am about 10 miles from courtesy nissan in richardson. My question is how hard is it to replace these? Do they just sell the bushings or is it the entire assembly? Should I replace both sides or just the side that is bad?

Is this something that a person who can't recognise a rear control arm can do with a few tools?

Jason

 

Oh yeah, it's not hard at all to do. You'll need either two big sockets (I believe 19mm, maybe 22mm) or a big socket and matching wrench. Just loosen the lug nutso n the wheel, jack up the car, place a jackstand, remove lug nuts and wheel, and break loose the two LONG bolts that holds both control arms on. Do not remove these bolts as the strut will shoot down and you'll need to jack it back up to realign the bolt holes. I believe the side you have circled there is the nut side for both bolts, so that'll be easy as you just remove the nuts and tap the bolts into their holes, then yank the control arm and swap in the new one. After all is said and done, you will need an alignment.

It's not too difficult to do.

 

I could not for the life of me get the inner nut loose, I sprayed it, yanked it, nearly gave myself a hernia I think but it would not come off. The front part of that bolt has this flanged washer on it that is kinda like a outdoor hose faucet handle and you can't get a crescent wrench around the bolt head. I had the 22mm socket on that side (has to be a pretty shallow socket) and a wrench on the other, a mini breaker bar on the wrench and someone helping me and we could not get it to move.

Going to take it to a shop and just rent a mechanic for the 10 minutes it will take.

The outer one came off without a problem.

So I put the outer back on and will hopefully get it taken care of today.

The actual part is the Left Rear Adjustable Parralel Control Arm. nissan part number #55120-85E10 cost is around $70.