My ES engine mounts should arrive this week, so I am trying to tie up some loose ends first.

I have a good press and torch to remove old mounts from sleeves.
I also have access to an engine hoist.
I also have all of the tools necessary to do the install.
Finally I have the FSM for torque values.

My only area I am not sure about is in supporting the engine during the install. I have a copy of the factory service manual and it mentions front and rear engine slingers. Essentially they are brackets that bolt to the engine where you have an attachment point to hold with the engine hoist. Do I need to order these from Nissan or is there a way to support the engine with a sling or such where I will not crush something or break something off?

If someone could give me a detailed idea of how to do this, I would greatly appreciate it!!

Elon

 

Cattman,

Thanks for emailing the motor mount instructions and the good install advice. Much appreciated.

John

 

6Spd Hayes. Just put a jack under the oil pan with something fairly forgiving underneath. If it only supports one side do the same except under the tranny.

 

just got my bushings today I cant wait to get them installed thanks Brian.

 

OK, I have some bad news. I have been trying to install my front sway bar bushings this week. They are by far the easiest of all the bushings to install; just jack up the front end, take off the wheels, and go to work on the bolts (only have to remove three of the four bolts on each side, all 14mm). After battling some rust, I got everything off and saw my somewhat deformed rubber bushings. I greased the inside of the new ES bushings and put them on the sway bar. The slit didn't close all the way but I thought nothing of it; I figured it would close up when I tighened the bolts on the bracket.

Nope. I think the ES bushings are the wrong size for the sway bar on my '99 SE. I think the FSB on my car is about 22mm. (I seem to remember a recent thread where someone mentioned that he measured his FSB and it came up 21 or 22 mm, but I can't find it now.) ES makes the bushings for a 20mm FSB, so this would make sense. My suspicion is that on 4th gen SEs, the sway bar is a couple millimeters larger than on GLEs and GXEs. I swear I've heard that and read that but it's never been expressed as a certain fact, just a "I think that's the way it is"...

I don't have a caliper to measure my swaybar properly, but here is a photo showing what I mean:



The good news for Cattman/ES is this probably only applies to some 4th gens (SEs and /or later 4th gens?), but in any case, I want to return these and get the proper size bushings!

BTW, if a few people with various 4th gens could measure their sway bars, we'd have more definitive info.

 

it's a FACT that SE FSB's are larger than GLE/GXE's.....that's always been known and i can probably bring up the thread that says it without stating "i think..."
and obviously, they were designed specifically for SE's as those are the models that come with manual trannies.

sorry for the luck though. sucks.

 

i am surprised that no one get em installed on a 2000 a/t

 

SEs and GXEs both came with manual trannies.

And if it's a fact, how come ES doesn't know? If you know and you tested the bushings (albeit for a 5th gen), how come you didn't advise your guy at ES?

 

i may be putting my foot in my mouth with this one...but i almost 100% sure that SE's were the only manual tranny models....i NEVER EVER saw a gxe that came manual. someone back me up here. it's been a known fact since i can remember. and i've messed aroudn with maximas for a good 4-5 years now.

when tested, i asked nate at energy suspension and he said that all their bushings were designed for MT vehicles and not for autos. were they sold as bushing for auto models? if so, then i'd confirm part no's with brian or with whoever you purchased them from. ES is well aware that the FSB's are thicker on SE models. if you look at my thread that started last year. i mentioned like 3 times that the major difference between auto's and MT were the shifter bushings and thicker FSB's.

 

You're completely wrong regarding 4th gens: GLEs (luxury edition) were the only ones without the MT option. I don't know or care about 5th gens but I would bet that the same applies.

I have a 5-speed, by the way, but what does transmission have to do with SE, sway bars, or bushings? Nothing.

Brian Catts didn't mention anything about there being any difference in the sway bar bushings, and Energy Suspension doesn't reflect it on their website either!

http://www.energysuspension.com/pages/nis2.html

 

as i said, these bushings were designed ONLY for manual tranny cars. i was told this by ES awhile back, this is why you dont' see the difference in their site. that site represents manual transmissions only.

and for now, i am goign to hold back from responding, cause i'm still a bit set back on the GXE's being manual trannies. FYI, no 5th gen GXE has had a manual tranny. that's the whole reason for the SE model existing, it was a sports model, so it these added options. stiffer suspension, thicker sway bar, body colored grills and molding, and the option of a 5/6 speed transmission.

 

Yeah the GXE has a manual trans option.

 

Would this Maxima SE be in the 4th generation?... I wouldn't mind swaping my I30's FSB for a SE's if it happens to be larger than my I30's!

 

Regarding VQuick
Wait does this mean that they are specifically made for the 4th generation... but within the 4th generations there's a model that happens to have bigger/smaller sway bars which then makes the ES bushings for the sway bars a bit of a gamble? There's a chance they might not fit... So is the bushing too small for your SE? or too big?... I can't really tell by lookin at the image you posted..

 

Sorry. In that image, the bushing will not close fully around the sway bar, there is 6mm of space or so. Not usable.

As far as I can tell, the Energy Suspension part 5118 is meant to be FSB bushings (2) for 1995-99 Maximas. On their site, they list the sway bar size as 20mm. I'd heard that 4th gen Maxima SEs have slightly larger FSBs than 4th gen Maxima GXEs/GLEs, and the only conclusion I can draw is that ES designed the part based on a bushing for a GXE or GLE, not a SE (and I assume the stock rubber bushings are different for SE vs. the others).

 

I test drove an '00 GXE on tuesday that had an MT. It was stock too.

All this really doesn't make sense to me. I know the SE has a thicker sway bar. I never thought of that when ordering these. That said, why does the SE have thicker bar? The SE only comes in MT which means they are all much lighter up front than the GLE. The reduced weight would allow the same diameter sway bar to do more work. Also, if the SE was the Sport Edition why would a larger FSB be desired? A larger FSB would promote understeer and take away from the "sporty" feel.

This all really sucks. ES should have known this. A simple call to Nissan reveals that the FSB frame bushings have different PN's. Tom, you should contact Brian and get a refund. If worse comes to worse you can at least replace with OEM for a slight improvement over your 80K bushings.

 

OMG Broaner you're off your rocker just as much as PoLo!

---> 5-speed Maximas can be SE or GXE
---> SE Maximas can be 5-speed or auto

Y'all need to dust off your Maxima primers and review all the lessons!

 

Opps. Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking. Then it really doesn't make sense. If anything the SE should have a smaller diameter FSB to make it feel more edgy/sporty. I guess Nissan realized that the stupid consumer mistakes flat cornering for sporty. Idealy each of the following models would have the following sway bar(Just applying arbitrary numbers to make this easy).

SE MT = 20
SE Auto = 21
GXE MT = 22
GXE Auto = 23
GLE = 24

 

OK, um this is from the 1998 factory service manual. Apparently, 20mm is wrong for all 4th gens...21mm is the size but ES thinks it's 20mm...

 

Sorry its take so long for me to see this, I've been pretty much offline for the last day or so. I probably have emails I haven't read yet about this, so if you've written directly, don't think I'm ignoring it.

Maybe the best way to start this out is to say that I didn't realize the potential for fitment issues here, but I'm sure we can get all this straightened out. I've never had an indication from ES that these were for a specific vehicle, but obviously they are not designed for either manual or automatic transmissions since they fit both (in the GXE), they are designed for GLE and GXE Maximas and that information has not been provided anywhere.

As I try to piece together the preceding dialogue, I'm hearing 20, 21 and 22mm and various theories (and misunderstandings) about what's really out there. This is my understanding of what is what - feel free to correct me.

1. The FSB frame bushings for the 95-99 Maxima are 20mm
2. The FSBs on all 95-99 GLEs and GXEs are 20mm, irrespective of transmission type
3. The FSBs on all 95-99 SEs are 22mm (I think), irrespective of transmission type. The circumference of a 20mm bar is 62.83mm, a 21mm bar is 65.97mm and a 22mm bar is 69.12mm, I'm trying to guess how large the gap is in the picture. Seems bigger than 3mm, but since the bracket isn't around it (that would have been a more useful illustration of what I'm looking for) it may have sprung open slightly, so its hard to tell.
4. The Australian bushings I've looked at have a 22mm front swaybar frame bushing listed for the A32, so that seems to lend more credibility to the bars here being 20 and 22mm rather than 20 and 21mm.
5. Finally, to the guy who wanted to get the thicker bar for his I30, you've got the good bar already if you've got the 20mm bar, but I would not be at all surprised if the "t" version of the I30/I35 had the 22mm bar found on the SE. If someone could confirm that it would be great.

Not much I can offer as a solution until I read the responses to this email, revise my grasp of the facts if necessary and contact ES on Monday. That said, we'll work something out. If worse comes to worse, let's just say that I'm glad this is a $9 part instead of an $80 part...


The 22mm solution

There is a 22mm bushing available for the 95-99, by Pedder Suspension of Australia. I have a pair in front of me. We haven't stocked them yet because we've been busy with other things. I also wanted to figure out the demand and what ES is going to do before committing to being a distributor, because their bushings are all more expensive than the ES bushings (when you compare the ones they both make). In addition to the 22mm bushings, they make several bushings sets (mostly for the rear suspension) for the 95-99 that ES does not make at all.

The Pedders bushings are more expensive due to the weakness of the US$, but they encourage a comparison with the ES bushings - I have no basis for knowing that they're superior to the ES bushings, but I've met their engineers and they claim that they perform better, so who knows. I can say that the urethane compound seems to be harder on the Pedders FSB bushings.

To illustrate, the ES bushings we're discussing are regularly priced at $10, but the Pedders 22mm FSB frame bushings are $33. They're not all 3x more expensive, its pretty variable. I've mentioned this in other posts, but the other bushings they sell are (with approximate prices):

front control arm bushings - $60 (ES price is $30)
front swaybar mount bushings - $33 (ES price is $10)
front swaybar link bushings - $17 (ES price is $8)
front alignment bushings* (slotted to allow caster adjustment, I think) - $75
rear swaybar link bushings* - $33
rear swaybar mount bushings* - $13
rear control arm bushings* - $100
rear trailing arm bushings* - $65

*I don't know of another source for this bushing

I'd really like to get some reactions to these. As I note, the Pedders parts have a higher price structure than ES, which is clear when you look at the ones they both make. They may or may not be better than the ES, but for some part #s, they appear to be the only source (anyone know of others other than the "cast yourself" approach?)

I do not have any of these Pedders bushings in quantity, but I do have one set of each for the A32 Maxima SE (22mm FSB frame bushings included). I will sell them at a discounted price to someone willing to install them all, note any fitment issues, and if they work out well, write up the result for publishing on Maxima.org. This requires someone who really knows suspensions well, is proficient at running their car through the twisties, and can do a decent writeup of the installation and road test. They should also live somewhere that isn't too cold right now, both for road conditions and the stiffness of the mounts.

Write to me via email or PM if interested, I'll have to think about a price, but would be around 35-40% off those prices.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

Thanks, Brian! That's very interesting and wow, those rear bushings are pricey. I wouldn't be ready to buy all those and do a write-up but I'm sure someone will. I'll probably just buy new Nissan bushings (the SE is listed as separate from the GXE/GLE, I noticed) for the FSB, unless you think you're going to have the Peddars part in stock soon.

I'll try to take some better photos of the bushings on my FSB, including photos with the bracket on top of the bushing.

 

I hate to sound ignorant but does anyone have install tips on for lower control arm bushings? I tried to install them today. I assume the entire control arm must come off to remove the OEM bushings....right? I could not get the entire arm off because I could not get the impact wrench on the lower ball joint bolt due the axel being in the way. Can I just pop the ball joint out from the bottom using a ball joint fork? Even if I was able to get it out....how do I go about removing the OEM bushing? Is it like the motor mount...requiring heat and a hammer? Can I use a drill to remove the OEM's. And finally, how easy/difficult is it to press the bushing into place? Is it something requiring a machine press? This project sounded easy and it's killing to have those bushing just sitting the box. I apprecitate any redirection and advice.

 

Well, I need help here, I already put in the Motor Mounts, The Shifter Bushings and now all I have to put in is the rear trailing arm bushings, front control arm bushings and the Lower Tie Bar Bushings. One question to everyone here who has the Matt Blehm Stage II Lower Tie Bar Installed, does anyone know the size of the bolts that are used there?

 

On the 4th gen I believe the front two are 22mm and the rear two are 27mm but I could be wrong. The 5th gen is probably similar. HTH.

 

I also need 2 other bolts, the ones that are near the front section of the Stage II Lower Tie Bar mounts. I believe they are part of the lower control arm, each side has 4 bolts and are a little bit longer then the ones that secure the lower tie bar

 

Lots of things...

1. I just put mine on this afternoon and they looked exactly the same as VQuick's pic. Doing this work again has revived memories of the past. Slightly less than a year ago I replaced all the FSB bushings(Frame and endlinks.) I now recall that the OEM bushing had this gap too. The stiffness of the urethane would increase the gap even more than OEM due to the bushings inability to close around the bar. I just tightened that bia down and the gap was gone. Someone is barrowing my torque wrench at the moment :cough: so I cannot say whether or not the gap will be eliminated when the strap is torqued properly. I think these will work fine for the people that already have them. I do feel however, that it is important to get the correct sizes for future customers.

2. Both fsm's I have(98 and 95) have the FSB listed as 21mm.

3. Gary, it would be much easier to remove the spindle from the axle. Get the whole spindle off and out of the way. Then pop out the steering tie rod. Then unbolt the six bolts that look like they are holding the LCA. Then go to town with the torch. On the big rear bushing I found that despite it not being pressed, the sleave had seized to the shaft of the LCA. I heated it up a bit and twisted the bushing with a clamp. It slid right out. The front is much more challenging. I got the sleave out with some burning but I have not yet gotten the outer sleave out. I'm working on that but I haven't really spent more than an hour on it. My failed attempt is largely due to me not having a vice to hold it securely.

 

Hmm. I didn't tighten the bracket all the way down for fear I'd damage the bushing; that was how bad the gap looked. Maybe I'll try again and try to reposition the bushing or something.

 

OK. Sorry the alarm. I can say pretty conclusively that the Energy Suspension front swaybar bushings will work for any 4th gen Maxima.

1. With some careful positioning of the bushings, and tightening and loosening and retightening several times, I was able to get the ES bushings installed to my satisfaction on my '99 SE. When the bracket bolts are properly torqued down, there is no gap on the outside of the bushings but there is a gap on the inside. This is because the bar angles up just inside of the bushings. The stock rubber bushings work the same way but of course they're more stretchy. I'm pretty sure that the few-millimeter gap I have on the inside is not going to pose any problems as there's no way metal is going to contact metal.

2. I saw the FSB on Broaner's '95 GLE, yesterday, and it *looks* exactly the same as the FSB on my '99 SE, and furthermore, the FSM lists the FSB diameter for all models as 21mm. So my fitment experience should be the same for any 4th gen.

So in conclusion, sorry for the alarm, Cattman and everyone! These bushings should work well! They may well be 1mm too small but they will stretch enough for that not to be an issue.

 

ES1114 Motor mount inserts 1995-03 Maxima - $79.95

is this group deal still on? also, if i have soft possible shot mounts, would the above motor mount inserts fix that or should i just buy new mounts.

 

yeah the prices have changed since I last checked my post.. I'd say stick with ES...
BTW gonna purchase the bushings pretty soon, finally tax season :

 

Yep, its still on and we have everything in stock.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

In the market for suspension upgrades. I assume the prices on the 1st page are still current? Do you have any pictures of the products out?

 

Have any on you 5th gens owners that ordered the rear trainling arm bushings, have them intalled yet? I was looking at where they go and it looks like a pain in the a$$. Would like to hear if any of you have had your bushings installed yet.

 

hey, i'm looking for the poly urathane motormount inserts for a 95 5 speed gxe. i think mine's the 22 mm kind. ya'll still got them? let me know if you have them in stock and price me a shipping to baton rouge.

thanx alot cattman

 

If this is still on I would like to get the bushings for a 95 Maxima. Everything except the motor mount bushings. So I guess that would leave front control arms and front sway bar. If I am missing something, please let me know. Please let me know payment details.

 

How much for all bushings except the motor mount? (I have an auto) shipped to 33066

 

Hey Brian, What's up. Glad too see that you finally got these.
Is there a package deal for all except the motor mounts for my 2000.
Gabriel

 

Hey Brian, I'm just getting around to installing these. It'd be awesome if you could inform ES that more lube should be supplied with each kit or package. Its kinda annoying to have to skimp on the stuff cause there isn't enough. Other than that the install is going well.

 

Cattman, will you guys produce motor/tranny mounts for the Automatics?... I believe either my motor mount or tranny mount is going bad, and all I thought about was damn I wish ES would have mounts for the automatics. Anyways just an idea, I'm sure there's alot of automatic drivers here that are willing to buy better upgraded mounts and bushings.

 

I am still looking for any successful Front control arm bushing install stories on a 5.5 gen. I would greatly appreciate any detailed how-to install instuctions. If it's going to include a torch, a hammer, and a bushing press then I am looking for professional install price stories. I hate having these bushings just sitting the box. I may just look to resell them. I appreciate any help.