Has anyone got the lower control arms off of ebay. And if so what did you think?

 

I've purchased some from an ebay company,they were as described...

This org member has control arms and many other items for the 3rd gen maxima,just click the link in his signature.

http://forums.maxima.org/member.php?u=22341

 

who me?
http://www.internetautosupply.com/ca..._998_1452.html

be careful with the ebay arms. I found out that the cheaper suppliers were having issues with the bushing coming apart, the sleeve for the bushing being welded on wrong. I stopped using them because of that.
yes mine are a bit more, but you get a better part from someone who actually has some clue of what they are doing.

 

I got some from this seller: http://stores.ebay.com/Arm-Can-Auto-Parts. Seemed trustworthy due to so much feedback, and the parts looked good when I got them.

I have some issues with the driver-side bushings right now, but I'm not sure if it was an installation issue (I didnt install them), or the fact that one of them had oil getting on it for a few months until I repaired that issue.

The conclusion is that my experience with eBay LCAs wasnt conclusive, but internetautomart has yet to give me bad parts.

 

Crap I got the ones from ebay last week. I should have asked first or got the ones from internetautomar.

 

i got 2 lcas 2 tie rod ends(inner and outer) and the ball joints were already on the lcas all for $155 shipped from worldsuspension on ebay.

 

Thats where I got mine from. What do you think of them?

 

I got mine from worldsuspension..They were fine...but polyurethane has taken over my car since then..

 

I think there just as good as the expensive ones..

 

So tell us about your experience with the "expensive" ones..

 

well i bought the oem ones from nissan for an arm and a leg and 4 months later.... i ordered the cheap ones.

 

So oem control arms directly from nissan failed within 4 months of installation?

 

yes

 

Ok...

 

When exactly should control arms be replaced? Is it just for the sake of a mod, or are they replaced when there's actually a problem?

 

when your driving and it steers itself/clunks/is less responsive

 

But why replace the whole control arm if it's just worn out bushings?

 

I think it's because the bushings are a PITA to replace. That's why, if people do change just the bushings, they go with the 2-part polyurethane bushings. They not only provide firmer support for better performance, but they are resistant to corrosion by leaking fluids and are much easier to install. To replace rubber bushings properly I think you need a special press.

 

you dont need a press but you do need a sh!tload of patience. and no you do not have to cut the bushing to get it in.

 

time.
it takes over 2x as long to do the bushings as it does the whole arm, plus the arm comes with a new ball joint.

 

Either way...don't get the 3rd gen poly bushings. They're absolute crap. The rear bushings are a two piece bushing with a sleeve and poly insert, and that insert likes to separate from the sleeve. I had a thread about it somewhere.

Anyways, just buy the 4th gen set from energy suspension. It includes all 4 bushings you'll need, and some poly grease. Plus you'll pay $40 for the set, whereas the 3rd gen bushings cost $40 each for the rear bushings and $30 each for the front bushings. If you compare $140 to $40 it's kind of a no-brainer for virtually the same product.

This is the exact kit I bought, and I'm happy with it. 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima - Energy Susp Front Suspension Bushings

 

I get that, but it just seems kind of a waste to junk whole arms because of bushings alone. Not to mention like $50 you'd save by only buying bushings. But than again, it's coming from a guy who has too much free time on his hands.

 

I will tell you what if you want my old a arms you can have them for what it cost to ship them to you. And if that came out sounding rude it was not intended to.

 

if the arm isnt raised to the operating range when you torque
down the nuts like the fsm says
im guessing when you put the car back down it twists
and or rips your new bushings

 

What shape are your LCAs in? I might be interested if they are fairly clean (little or no rust) and not bent.

 

No rust but I know they need new ball joints and bushings. I can clean them up and paint them if you want. But before I do that I will take pics for you. It will be next week before I get the old ones out.

 

I already have new ball joints and ES poly bushings to install. I just wanted to minimize down time by getting some other arms to install them in. Pics would be great. Thanks.