joproyo

I just took my car in for a routine service recently and the mechanic told me that the control arm bushes needed replacement, I was quoted at $1500 (Australian) to get them replaced, which seems pretty absurd to me. I would like some tips on how to replace them myself, I do not have a drill socket but do have access to spanners and other wrenches.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

Look at some YouTube videos to see what parts you'll need to replace and how to do the job, then decide if it's something you want to tackle. You can either buy new bushings or replace the whole control arm depending on how worn out yours are. I recently replaced my complete control arms versus just the bushings. It wasn't too expensive either. Good luck, hope this helps you.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

The bushings can be replaced and they are cheap. The tools and time are not cheap, you will need a hydraulic press. However, the ball joints are not replaceable so be careful of wasting your time on refurbishing an old control arm.

LtLeary

+1 What Maxgig said. Very easy to do with basic hand tools. Ball joint separator is handy but not absolutely required..

ColombianMax

iTrader: (7)

If you are keeping the car long term, avoid using any aftermarket lower control arms. Definitely stick to original Nissan one. They are more expensive but you will not be replacing them any time soon like you would with some aftermarket ones. Anyone who disagrees can fight me lol

joproyo

I couldn't find any youtube videos with just basic tools, I don't have a drill socket which is the main thing, as I don't think I can unhook the bolts with just basic spanners

joproyo

The car has 215k kms so im not sure how long more the car has got in it tbh, if you guys think it'll last much longer then i'll fork over the money, but given the transmission problems of this gen maxima i'm not too sure it's got much life

LtLeary

I just turned over 484,000 miles on my 7th gen. I put TRQs on after my second set of oem control arms bushings gave up the ghost. That was over 100,000 miles ago and they are still doing well.

ColombianMax

iTrader: (7)

I definitely need to see a picture of that instrument cluster/odometer and hear a little background because 484k miles is VERY impressive!

How long have you owned it and how many CVTs have replaced?

LtLeary

Original cvt and engine. I bought it new. I think the last pix was 400k. Will put a new one up at 500k.

ColombianMax

iTrader: (7)

We are talking miles or kilometers?

LtLeary

Miles!

the loaner

Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance.
This is my second Nissan CVT. 412000 miles on an Altima before I traded it in still running strong. 332000 miles on my current Maxima. Both original trans and motors.

LtLeary

Preach it!

ColombianMax

iTrader: (7)

Very impressive!

I am a strong advocate for maintenance. I tend to meet or beat the maintenance interval schedules provided by the manufacturer. When my 7th Gen still had a CVT, I would change the fluid every 25-28k miles or 24 months which ever came first and did it religiously. Same goes for all other maintenance that most people neglect.

My 95 Maxima made it to 368k before it rusted completely but mechanically it was like new.

I bought my 2014 with 28k and have been meticulous with maintenance on it and hope to get a **** ton of miles out of it. I'm at 136k now. 2nd owner.

Les7311

Hey. I want some of this fun.

here’s the vid to replace the LCA, full assembly.



am on my second set