Well after doing a lot of work to other members Maximas it was time to start off the week of working on my own. I installed the ES FSB frame mount and endlink bushings, part #'s 7-5118G and 9-8106G respectively. This was a good start to the week of modifications. This weekend i plan on putting on the VI to go along with the JWT ECU i have been running in my car for the past week. The car pulls like crazy with the ECU i cant imagine what it will be like with the VI. and i will be dynoing with the JWT ECU and VI this sunday, so i am excited for that. anywho, that is for another thread later.

As for the bushings, the install was not bad. Took about 1.5 hours from the time i started jacking up the car to the time i took it off the stands. A few tips for someone who may be putting these in in the future. Take BOTH (left & right) frame mount brackets off first before taking off the endlink. there is not enough play in the endlink to do each side at one time. I got tired of using force in such a small area so i pulled out the air tools. the frame mount bolts were pretty well on there. i am sure they will come off with a normal ratchet but since i have air tools at my disposal i just went the easy way.

As for the ride, as soon as i pulled it out of my driveway and hit the lip that meets the road i noticed a more solid feel to the front of the car. Going down the steering is a little more sound and solid. the little jitters in the wheel have been reduced. taking turns feels solid. if i had to describe the feeling in a few words they would be....Solid feel, more control, front end secure and more smoothness.

i took some pics of the install, they can be found here...
http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...=214548&page=4

this is a great little mod for those picky types like myself who just wants their car to be the best it can be. i payed $21 shipped for everything and have 4 extra endlink bushings to boot. The bushings were $7 for the frame mount and $7 for the endlink and $7 for shipping across the country. but i am very pleased with the result.

--Paul

 

Cool, didnt realize that they were that cheap. That is now on my list once i fix this tranny problem. Check out my 5speed trouble thread and see if you have any ideas.

Thanks,
Justin

 

So I read your post and think, cool, I will call the parts store and get a set for my MAX - wrong! I tried AutoZone and Advance/Discount Auto Parts - neither one could get (or even order the parts). I'm at your mercy - who'd you order them from??? Be Safe, Mark V.

 

http://www.suspension.com/s.b.bushings.htm

i called instead of using their order form.

 

Some people have reported more NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) with these. How much would you say that has changed on roads that are less than ideal?

 

I installed my FSB and endlink bushings and there is less NVH at all conditions. People who are experiencing problems probably installed them incorrectly (not enough lube, not tightening suspension bolts with suspension at static ride height or simulated static ride height, FSB facing the wrong way, etc).

 

i experience less NVH. its a lot smoother and controlled.

 

No increased vibration here either. Car might push/understeer just a touch more but hardly noticable. Just installed the ES control arm bushings but no telling harshness on those quite yet. Poly steering rack bushings up next...

 

To anyone interested....please don't change the Control Arm bushings. They make the ride really harsh and the steering wheel vibrates a lot more.

 

I don't know what suspension mods you all have, but after installing my bushings (FSB and endlink) I could noticeably feel imperfections in the road more than before the bushings.
-hype

 

But that is a more sporty feel.

 

I never said I don't like it Feeling the road more can be described as an increase of NVH though.
-hype

 

curious...what is NVH?

something vibration right? hehe


and also, I'm with hype...I got a lot more road feel, which is good for some surfaces but horrible on others (small potholes, uneven roads, speed bumps).

 

Damn Paul I thought you were not going to do a VI? So you really like the JWT ECU? Does it give good low end gains? This is next for me.

Also glad to see you like the brushings.. I may do this if someone is kind enough to let me come over and use their tools.... and heater.

 

NVH = Noise, Vibration, Harshness (at least that's what I've always know it as). The bushings help round out a suspension setup, but I think the more suspension mods you have the more you'll notice the results.
-hype

 

lets see i have FSTB, B+G springs, KYB AGX struts, on 17 inch wheels. the bushings really make the front end feel like its more secure and well put together. just my .02

 

has anyone else done the control arm bushings and had unsatisfactory results like TurDz? I was able to purchase the Energy Suspension bushings from www.suspension.com I was very satisfied with pricing and customer service. Anyone have any suggested tips for changing out the front end links and sway bar frame bushings?
Be Safe, Mark V.

 

I got a question, what kind of tools do I need? all I need is 14mm ratchet set to install them?

 

yes i believe so...some extensions will come in handy.

 

check out http://www.courtesyparts.com/ they sell the energy suspension kit for the Max...

 

one word...ripoff.

 

I couldn't find part# 9-8106 on the website. It said NA under the endlink column. It only had part numbers for the control arm and fsb bushings.

 

try calling suspension.com (I believe I spoke with Bruce) he can help you with parts numbers and selection. Be Safe, Mark V.

bigmaxhi wrote <I couldn't find part# 9-8106 on the website. It said NA under the endlink column. It only had part numbers for the control arm and fsb bushings.>