i need to replace the lower control arm bushings in my car is it advisable to change the entire control arm or just the bushings and also whats the difference with the GLE control arm compared to the SE/GXE control arm

 

Minor differences, the GLE's are softer for added comfort (bushings), or so they say. Doing the whole control arm is probably better because by the time you take the bushings off, it would have been easier to just do the whole arm, it sells for about 180 at www.pinnaclenissan.com

 

I bought a control arm off of Ebay for $85. shipped. I would look there first. It came with the bushings attached, but it did not come with the end link bushings. I replaced those also.

 

All the control arms are the same... you can press out the bushings if you dont want to buy a whole new one.

 

If you plan to do the work yourself, you may as well just get brand new ones. Otherwise, just get aftermarket ball joints and take them to a shop to get them pressed in. Having new control arm bushings is definitely as big of a deal as replacing the ball joint since they are probably spent as well. Since you own a 1995, you may as well buy FSB endlinks because I'd be willing to bet they are shot. You car will be noticeably smoother with new control arms--mine definitely was.

 

ok just the info i needed thanks guys

 

how about getting a used one from a junkyard

 

how hard is it to replace the entire control arm? Is it something that can be done on the driveway with the proper tools?

 

yep looking at it but depending on age might be hard to loosen some of those bolts

 

A lot of parts stores will sell control arms. I got a set in New York for $66 each. Brand new. GXE, GLE, and SEs use the same control arm. There is no difference.

The bushings alone are not hard to replace at all. If your control arm isnt bent and scuffed up I'd just change the bushings. If you need help with this just put up another post

 

The hardest part about replacing mine was getting the rusted bolts off.

 

umm seems like just bushing i might replace mines not bent so me and my friend will tackle on monday no skool yes

 

just get ES bushings and replace them. And whenever you replace bushings or the whole control arm do the aligment

 

Does anybody know the names of actual manufacturers of the non-OEM control arms? I'd be interested in their weights vs the Nissan iron unit.

Also, brand new on Suspension.com they're showing McQuay-Norris ball joints and tie rods avail for 4th gens. Don't know yet if they're better quality than OEM or not. Could be Nissan's supplier for all I know.
http://www.suspension.com/nissancars.htm

 

McQuay-Norris tends to be a pretty good part manufacturer as well... so is TRW... Most of these big companies just rebox parts they dont make. I used to work at an auto parts store so after being there for a while you'd get to see first hand what they were selling.

 

theres a set on ebay right now for a pretty good price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33583

 

Based on my reading, Nissan doesn't sell the bushings or ball joints separately, but aftermarket suppliers do. New control arms do come with new bushings.

I just ordered a pair today for $35/ea with 68k miles. Found them on www.car-parts.com. I have the Energy Suspension bushings, and if I wanted I think the ball joint wouldn't be a difficult install either. Outfitting a used arm with all new hardware is MUCH cheaper than even the best dealer price. It may also beat the best Ebay price.

Dave