So this is what happened, i had an oil leak, and the oil leak ate up the bushings. I'm ordering new control arms for like $100 for both. Now, since the oil leak is from the timing chain cover, i'm prob not going to fix the leak as its not THAT bad and its a pita to fix the timing chain leak. I've read that ES (energy suspension) bushings are polyurethane and oil won't destroy them? Is this correct?

This is really what i want to know. There is still going to be oil leaking, so how long will the reg bushings on the new control arm last? how long will a control arm with new ES bushings last? I don't want to be replacing the bushings on these control arms in like 4 months.

Thanks in advance!

 

And you're not fixing the oil leak why?

If it's leaking bad enough to cause the ca bushings to go bad, fix it. $100 for both seems like maybe an ebay price or something ... ???

 

fixing the oil leak will prob cost more than enough time and money than what i want to do with the vehicle. I'd have to spend at least 2 days fixing the vehicle and doing it at an apt complex is not gonna fly. I can change the control arms and such, but this is would be during the day when no one is usually around. Giving it to my mechanic will prob cost over $700. I have the dreadful evap light that never goes away, so every 2 years, i fear that it won't pass inspection.

The control arm is from worldsuspension off ebay. Read that it should work for what i need it to do for a few years. I want to be able to drive the car for around a year or so if i need to. But most likely i will get rid of the car before then. But as i'm typing this, i'm about to order the ES bushings just so i know they can last me a bit longer.

 

The ES bushings will last considerably longer than rubber, but ur new LCAs will come with bushings already mounted and ur probably going to cuss at how hard the front one is to get out (think burn,drill and grind) Good luck!

 

Fix the leak, put a regular control arm/bushing setup in.
Your vehicle will give you more ROI in the end.
Fix the evap issue too.

 

I removed Energy bushings to install new OEM arms with OEM bushings. The Energy's squeaked too damn much even though I used the grease that came with them. You won't notice any difference except for the lack of strange noises.

Dave

 

Yea same problem i had....Oil leak eroded the bushings on the control arm i replaced both of them a few months ago, and fixed the oil leak. your best bet is to fix that oil leak (Not really much of a bet) but you never know what other problems will present itself due to that leak. God forbid, you just mite end up with no motor few months down.

 

Dave - good to see you, it's been a while!
Interesting .... too much noise, I wonder why?

OP: I looked at the CA's on ebay that you mention ... I just have to remind you that you usually always get what you pay for. That being said, I have had to replace ball joints (on other cars) due to the CA coming from ebay. Probablly not the best quality, but then again, if you are gonna sell the car soon, let the new owner worryabout it. Up to you, but just bare in mind you might end up doing ball joints in 5 or 6 months.

 

Am sort of in the same boat. Although no oil leak, my 182k LCA's are worn & I too, have a set of $ 118 replacements. Mine came from 1A Auto off the net. Never heard of 'em until looking for parts. They had a second set, sold individually, that was bout $ 50 more. This was probably the better buy. But being the cheapskate, I now own a box that I haven't even opened yet. Probably Chinese, and I read some the stories. Hit or miss. Plan is to do it in about 2 weeks, I've read all about it (thanks org) & and am ready. I'm sure it will pass the upcoming inspection, but will see about durability.

 

I did exactly the same... I removed the ES LCA front bushings and replaced them with OEM 88 Maxima ones from the dealer (5 bucks each) and left the rear ones (U shaped) installed and haven't had trouble since.

 

nj max,

It took me such a long time to debate whether or not to keep the car. I've attempted at the oil leak by replacing valve cover gaskets last year. I was going to attempt to do the timing chain and water pump, but decided not to because of the horror stories that people had to open up to the timing chain cover again because it was still leaking. As of now, i live in an apt complex. I used to live at home at my parents house in which had a garage and driveway. I was able to leave the car disassembled if i needed to and work on it the next. If i give it to a mechanic, it'll cost too much money. I'll take a look to see how hard it is to take off the bushings, i might as well leave it that to save me some money and headache. But it seems to me that everytime i fix the vehicle, something else pops up. At this point, i might as well be making car payments towards a new vehicle. If someone knows a place where i can get the water pump and timing chain leak fixed for cheap, by all means, i'm all ears for it.

I guess the goal for me now would be change out the control arms and sell it and just drive my van for a while. I do'nt wanna sell the car, but eventually it will crap out on me. I'd rather get some $$$ for it now than have to spend more $$$ later