I'm in need of ball joints and with 220,000km on the car, and I'm assuming the control arm bushings aren't in tip top condition any more.
My question is whether I'd be better off with a complete LCA with bushings and ball joint (found one here ---> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-96...spagenameZWD1V
let me know please if you think this is worth it or if OEM's worth the price)

Or would I be better off buying a bushing kit and ball joints?

I'll be getting bearings put in while I'm at it either way. They'll be OEM.

thanks

 

ok those are GARBAGE!! do not get them, they are cheap *** china made parts..

go to the dealer they are like 150 a piece, do it once and do it right my friend

 

thanks f550 I wasn't sure about them.
So that out of the way, what would you guys recommend? Bushing and balljoint replacement and just leave the LCA? or a set from the dealer? remembering that I'm in Canada and for some reason the parts from the dealer are at least 25-50% more here than in the states. I havent found the dealer in town where Im living for school yet but hopefully I'll get some numbers this week.

 

get the LCA it will come with balljoint and busings... except the swaybar bushing of course

 

I bought a driver side LCA about 6 months ago thinking I needed to replace mine, but ended up swapping out the swaybar bushings, and not needing the LCA. If you want the LCA, I'll sell it to you for 75.00 Right now it's just sitting in the plastic bag in my garage...

 

I've done both. Go with new Nissan control arms. I got mine from worldpartsexpress.com

Dave

 

is it oem?
does it include the bushings and ball joint?
Im interested though. PM me with the details.

 

I dont suppose someone has the OE part #'s handy ?
thanks. I see the consensus is to replace the whole LCA so that's what I'll be doing.

 

ouch,
dealer cost here in Canada:
LCA - $220.72 ea.
Wheel bearings - $104.70 ea.


I want OEM, but no fricken way am I paying that, the site that DAVE gave me doesn't confirm they are OEM, but they appear to be, just trying to get some conformation.
also, what on average did you guys pay to get the bearings pressed out and new ones installed (im doing both wheels). Tring to get a ballpark on it so I don't get screwed.
thanks for all the help

 

I used Energy Suspension bushings...about $50 bucks for both LCA's bushings only. I did the job myself...wasn't as hard as some people say IF you have the proper tools. Sorry, can't help in terms of what it should cost to get done.

 

That site sells only OEM parts. The Nissan stuff comes from Morries' Nissan of Minneapolis. If it makes you feel better you can enter the Nissan PN's directly. It will be the same parts and price if you browse thru their catalog.

 

^thanks man appreciate it, I just ordered 'em

 

Agreed....well said. OEM is the way to go for control arms/ball joints.

 

word of advise when you change out the LCA make sure to mark the three gusset bolts to the holes they came out of. I will admit I FU#$ED up and ended up stripping one of the holes and break the stud so i had to replace the whole suspension craddle. I couldn't tap out the stud in the hole. just take your time man....it doesn't take that long but if you get too impatient like i did you never know what could happen. (smackin myself on the head)