My mechanic tells me an oil leak has damaged my control arm bushings.

So, can someone give me some advice on how hard/easy it is to do this myself? Are the bushings available or do I have to buy the whole control arm assembly?

Anyone know anything about urethane bushings? I hear they don't require a press to install which is nice but don't know if there is a dropoff in performance or longevity.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

It certainly can. the OEM bushings are made of cheap, soft rubber, and they will break down in oil or power steering fluid (the two common fluids that ALWAYS drip on nissans, particularly over the passenger side control arm bushings).
I see this all the time in 3rd gens.

Here's a writeup I did on it about 300 years ago..
http://blehmco.com/faq/control_arm_b...placement.html

to keep it from happening again, I suggest:
1. fix the leaks
2. buy Energy suspension polyurethane bushings. The polyurethane will not break down in oil like natural rubber, and you get a nice improvement in steering feel as well.

 

you should find a more knowledgeable mechanic.

 

i meant something else and i am the mechanic

 

Then you should proof read your posts before clicking submit.


Not sure what else you could have meant and you didn't correct yourself, so I'll stick with you should find a more knowledgeable mechanic.

 

Sounds crappy. Definately get the leak fixed first!

 

ES Bushings are nice, but a little hard to install. Plan on around 4 hours it you DIY.