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-   -   Rebuilt the control arms with ES and Moog (https://maxima.org/forums/4th-generation-maxima-1995-1999/710386-rebuilt-control-arms-es-moog.html)

JSutter 07-06-2022 10:01 PM

Rebuilt the control arms with ES and Moog
 
I took the hardest path and rebuilt the original LCAs. I hope this combination lasts and I never have to do that again.

Moog made in Japan ball joint
Moog front bushing
Energy Suspension rear bushing

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....5d0ae8a3d3.jpg
Trashed, it fell apart.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....3412029f1b.jpg
Other side needed more effort to remove.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....33b63c48df.jpg
Front ES bushing new compared to used (off my old car). It didn't last so i did not use ES front bushings.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....9dc13c2b29.jpg
Pressing out the BJ on a spare control arm, rear pivot ended up being junk.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....4c60d8be5c.jpg
Pressing out front bushing.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....7fd8dd3a5a.jpg
New parts I used. Moog front bushing, BJ, ES rear bushing.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....5c0955cad3.jpg
Pressing in the new.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e5d2953745.jpg
Pressing in the new.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....a462782bf3.jpg
After all the work, cleaned up and painted.

KP11520 07-07-2022 09:36 AM

Impressive JS! Wish I had a garage so I could invest in a press. Looks like the Harbor Freight 20 ton? But this is a 12 ton?

After Moog discontinued their Problem Solver line of Control Arms for 4th Gens, you did the only thing that should net years of solid reliable performance. Everything else available now is sub par.

Can you feel a difference with the ES bushings? Some say it's a bit more unforgiving and that transfers to your teeth on rough roads. LOL The Moog Ball Joint with the grease fitting is still the best choice.

Nice work!

JSutter 07-07-2022 11:21 AM


Originally Posted by KP11520 (Post 9247502)
Impressive JS! Wish I had a garage so I could invest in a press. Looks like the Harbor Freight 20 ton? But this is a 12 ton?

It's a 12 ton, barely big enough to get the control arm situated to get the front bushing out. It was given to me so I am not going to complain. It's rather small and doesn't take too much space.


After Moog discontinued their Problem Solver line of Control Arms for 4th Gens, you did the only thing that should net years of solid reliable performance. Everything else available now is sub par.

That's what I was worried about. Rockauto has all kinds of LCAs available. I just don't trust them after reading horror stories about them.


Can you feel a difference with the ES bushings? Some say it's a bit more unforgiving and that transfers to your teeth on rough roads. LOL The Moog Ball Joint with the grease fitting is still the best choice.

It's still on jack stands. I'll find out later.

Nice work!

I had one of the made in USA BJ with the grease fitting, but couldn't find another. I had them on my 98. They are beefy.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....6f08c517f5.jpg
I had to order multiple times to get a matching pair.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....7d0186ce92.jpg
Customer return? Looks like a cheap brand, not Moog.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....11f8365664.jpg
Made in Japan.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....5008cfb330.jpg
Made in Korea.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e514b02530.jpg
Made in USA.

95naSTA 07-07-2022 12:01 PM

Rebuilding is the way to go. I cracked an aftermarket LCA. I believe it was MOOG.

KP11520 07-07-2022 06:09 PM

JS, When you try to push up that bushing into the cavity recessed into the bottom of the car, Lube it up with some water based FUN lube.

And it will still be a struggle. LOL Like a Madonna song! Touched for the very first time.

Can't believe the Ball Joints all had the same part number! Hello! Do these even look alike?

The Moog CK line of Lower Control Arm assemblies were unfortunately discontinued years ago. They only have the RK value line of LCA assemblies and they aren't even close to the strength of the CK line. I can believe these could crack with a deep pot hole.

And why JS rebuilt his! Smart..... Very Smart!

95naSTA 07-07-2022 07:20 PM

I went back and checked. They were Moog CK620352/3. This was back in 2014.

KP11520 07-07-2022 09:32 PM


Originally Posted by 95naSTA (Post 9247523)
I went back and checked. They were Moog CK620352/3. This was back in 2014.

Did you drive over an IED in Afghanistan or Philly? LOL

95naSTA 07-08-2022 05:39 AM

Lol. Philly is not kind in many ways. I had another buddy with the same type of LCA failure on a different aftermarket part which prompted me to get those CKs.

The roads are one of the reasons I ran slightly oversized tires on 18s 255/50/18 and 245/45/18.

JSutter 07-08-2022 09:59 AM


Originally Posted by KP11520 (Post 9247521)
JS, When you try to push up that bushing into the cavity recessed into the bottom of the car, Lube it up with some water based FUN lube.

ES provides lube. They went in easy.

As for solid poly bushings adding harshness or vibrations, sure do. I have ES engine mounts, those things transmit vibration l like crazy. I also have Koni and Eibach suspension so ultimate comfort is out of the question anyway. A short test drive felt fine and steering is much better over the worn out POS bushings.


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