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Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Brakes & Suspension (http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspension/)
-   -   Front lower contol arm bushings blown? (http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspension/120667-front-lower-contol-arm-bushings-blown.html)

gomer_110 03-26-2017 05:22 PM
Front lower contol arm bushings blown?
 
So in prepping the car for the up coming autox season I noticed the front lower control arm front bushings on both sides had black "gunk" around them. I didn't see anywhere in the surrounding area that this could have come from. Does anyone know if these bushing are fluid filled like the factory diff bushing is?

Also has anyone found any good off the shelf aftermarket replacements? The only aftermarket option I've found for the front lower arm bushing is SPL which I can't use due to the rules for my class (sphericals aren't allowed).

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3940/3...75f18117_z.jpg

Rusty 03-26-2017 11:29 PM
The bushings are liquid filled. 2 options. Replace with a new OEM arm, or install the SPL's and cheat. Don't tell anyone.

gomer_110 03-27-2017 08:45 AM
Well $hit. I guess the pre-season prep just got a lot more expensive. :crying:

I guess at least I'll have the old arms to use for making custom poly bushings. :ugh2:

Justint5387 03-27-2017 09:33 AM
https://www.energysuspensionparts.co...ssan_370z_2013

Halfkiddio 03-28-2017 08:56 AM
The same thing happened to me. I chose to go with the SPL replacement route.

nghtlurkr 05-21-2019 03:55 PM
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but after researching, and without any evidence... has anyone blown their impact bushings yet (rear facing bushing on the front lower control arm)?
Or those who have upgraded to SPL impact bushing replacements and have you destroyed them during the process?

My question is; are these indeed liquid filled as well? or just the smaller front-facing bushing of the front lower control arm?

I've been researching for some impact bushings alternatives without having to run spherical bearings (SPL) for personal preference.

Rusty 05-21-2019 04:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by nghtlurkr (Post 3854241)
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but after researching, and without any evidence... has anyone blown their impact bushings yet (rear facing bushing on the front lower control arm)?
Or those who have upgraded to SPL impact bushing replacements, have you destroyed them during the process?

My question is; are these indeed liquid filled as well? or just the smaller front-facing bushing of the front lower control arm?

I've been researching for some impact bushings alternatives without having to run spherical bearings (SPL) for personal preference.
Posters 1 and 5 have blown the front, rear lower impact bushing. The rear lower impact bushing is silicone filled. The front, lower front bushing is not. The bushings get destroyed during the process. My thread will help you out.

http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspen...uspension.html

sirnixalot 05-21-2019 04:50 PM
SuperPro does those bushings as well


https://www.suspension.com/superpro/spf3885k


https://www.suspension.com/spf3886k

nghtlurkr 05-21-2019 08:40 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3854247)
Posters 1 and 5 have blown the front, rear lower impact bushing. The rear lower impact bushing is silicone filled. The front, lower front bushing is not. The bushings get destroyed during the process. My thread will help you out.

http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspen...uspension.html
I read your suspension overhaul, but it completely skipped the bushing removal as you took it to the shop. I'm well aware that they get destroyed in the processing, that's why I'm asking for those who did destroy them, witness fluid leak out.

Posters #1 and #5(if the same as #1) has the front-facing bushing blown and leaking (as seen in the provided picture) I do not see any leaking evidence of the rear-facing bushing. The picture itself proves your claim the opposite. Unless you are mixed up?

Quote:
Originally Posted by sirnixalot (Post 3854256)
These were one of options I was looking at, but the eccentric part of the bushing throws me off. Both OEM and SPL have it centered. I can probably use it's eccentric character to skew my arms in a way I would prefer, but still in thought.

gomer_110 05-21-2019 09:37 PM
If I can remember when I'm working in the garage next I'll take a look at my old arms and see if I can find anything more conclusive than my picture in post #1.

This reminds me I still need to get a full set of those SuperPro bushings to rebuild my original set of arms.

Rusty 05-21-2019 09:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by nghtlurkr (Post 3854296)
I read your suspension overhaul, but it completely skipped the bushing removal as you took it to the shop. I'm well aware that they get destroyed in the processing, that's why I'm asking for those who did destroy them, witness fluid leak out.

Posters #1 and #5(if the same as #1) has the front-facing bushing blown and leaking (as seen in the provided picture) I do not see any leaking evidence of the rear-facing bushing. The picture itself proves your claim the opposite. Unless you are mixed up?



These were one of options I was looking at, but the eccentric part of the bushing throws me off. Both OEM and SPL have it centered. I can probably use it's eccentric character to skew my arms in a way I would prefer, but still in thought.
Standard Nissan fashion. The rear bushings have 2 silicone filled chambers. Like I said. The front bushings are not silicone filled.

Other silicone filled bushings on the Z are. The rear diff bushing. The 2 front sub-frame bushings.

nghtlurkr 05-21-2019 10:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by gomer_110 (Post 3854316)
If I can remember when I'm working in the garage next I'll take a look at my old arms and see if I can find anything more conclusive than my picture in post #1.

This reminds me I still need to get a full set of those SuperPro bushings to rebuild my original set of arms.
Appreciate that. It seems obvious on the photo you posted on the OP that the front facing bushing is fluid filled. So that is answered and shown.

The one in question is the impact bushing. I know the vertical impact design of the bushing for the rearward is new, so it might be solid?
Previously I know that nissans used horizontal bushings, such as for the compression arms.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3854318)
Standard Nissan fashion. The rear bushings have 2 silicone filled chambers. Like I said. The front bushings are not silicone filled.

Other silicone filled bushings on the Z are. The rear diff bushing. The 2 front sub-frame bushings.
Are you just saying they’re filled with something else and not silicone? Cause again, in the OP you can see that the front facing bushing has leaked.

gomer_110 05-22-2019 06:30 PM
Made it out to the garage and cut into one of the front bushing with a razor knife, no liquid came out. Also dug around in the knife cut with a screw driver trying to further tear the bushing. Still no fluid.

I have no idea what the black residue in the OP was but it would appear it wasn't liquid filling from the bushing.

Brendan 05-23-2019 08:06 AM
My bushings look like this too. I'm going to clean them off to see if it comes back.:confused:

nghtlurkr 05-23-2019 12:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by gomer_110 (Post 3854530)
Made it out to the garage and cut into one of the front bushing with a razor knife, no liquid came out. Also dug around in the knife cut with a screw driver trying to further tear the bushing. Still no fluid.

I have no idea what the black residue in the OP was but it would appear it wasn't liquid filling from the bushing.
Oh wow, the black residue is what was confusing me as well... So you actually replaced what you suspected as shot bushings, but it wasnt actually shot.

what about your rear bushings on the front arm? Did those leak on you?

gomer_110 05-23-2019 06:07 PM
No sign on the original arms and I haven't seen anything on the arms that I replaced them with either with respect to the impact bushings

nghtlurkr 05-24-2019 12:43 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by gomer_110 (Post 3854866)
No sign on the original arms and I haven't seen anything on the arms that I replaced them with either with respect to the impact bushings
Alright, appreciate all the help with my concerns!

Dentt42 12-18-2019 02:17 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by sirnixalot (Post 3854256)
I've been glued to my iPhone and computer for the past 2 days working out my plans for suspension, and can't figure the rear inner FLCA bushing out. The Superpro version in the second link above is offset, and I'm honestly not sure for what purpose. I posted a question to Z1, and ultimately they advised contacting SuperPro, which I've done. Any ideas while I wait?

https://i.imgur.com/MiKFfOg.png

Kit SPF3886K

Jhill 12-18-2019 05:04 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dentt42 (Post 3895669)
I've been glued to my iPhone and computer for the past 2 days working out my plans for suspension, and can't figure the rear inner FLCA bushing out. The Superpro version in the second link above is offset, and I'm honestly not sure for what purpose. I posted a question to Z1, and ultimately they advised contacting SuperPro, which I've done. Any ideas while I wait?

https://i.imgur.com/MiKFfOg.png

Kit SPF3886K
Only thing I could see them doing that for is to increase positive caster and -camber by moving the lower arm out and forward but I think ideally you’d want to do it at the upper control arm.

Dentt42 12-18-2019 05:29 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhill (Post 3895711)
Only thing I could see them doing that for is to increase positive caster and -camber by moving the lower arm out and forward but I think ideally you’d want to do it at the upper control arm.
Understood. What would be a good replacement bushing besides an SPL? I don’t think Whiteline offers one.

Rusty 12-18-2019 08:19 PM
I've had no issues with my SPL bushings. :tup:

Dentt42 12-18-2019 10:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3895737)
I've had no issues with my SPL bushings. :tup:
I knew that was coming :icon17:

The arms themselves aren’t very expensive used, so reversing back to stock or another bushing type is no issue. Also, I’ve tossed around the idea of mixing bushing types, like SPLs at the hub-end of the rear arms and urethane on the chassis connections.

Rusty 12-18-2019 10:46 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dentt42 (Post 3895765)
I knew that was coming :icon17:

The arms themselves aren’t very expensive used, so reversing back to stock or another bushing type is no issue. Also, I’ve tossed around the idea of mixing bushing types, like SPLs at the hub-end of the rear arms and urethane on the chassis connections.
If I have a problem with parts. I post up. Look at my thread on the Bell diff brace. I ripped that part a new azzhole. Still haven't seen my review on the Z1 website on it. Because they won't post it.

The rear lower bushing is silicone filled. So if and when you remove it. Be prepared for a mess. ;)

Dentt42 12-20-2019 10:38 AM
With a decent turnaround time, I got a great answer from SuperPro. I'm confident I'm going to use their stuff now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brett @ SuperPro
Thank you for choosing our bushings for your 370Z.

The short answer is that the SPF3886K is meant to be offset from center. This allows the bushings to be oriented in their housings to add positive caster to the vehicle. The additional positive caster will improve on-center feel, weight up the steering some and provide dynamic camber gain with steering angle.

All of these benefits are present whether the car is driven entirely on the street or if it seems more spirited driving, track days, etc.

The only downside is that more attention must be paid during installation to orientate the two bushing assemblies correctly during installation as noted in the instructions.
https://superpro.com.au/find/superpr.../cid-999501122
EDIT: Clarication in teh SP tech's second email:

Quote:
Typically where we offer an offset (normally called a double offset in our terminology) kit – we also offer a standard alignment/geometry kit.

Having a look at our notes we only offer the additional positive caster/offset kit for the 370Z: (SPF3886K).

It is the better performance option when we offer both varieties of a given kit and most times the more popular option. In this case I’m not certain why we don’t offer a standard/non-offset version.

The catalog is correct – I didn’t pay close enough attention answering your last e-mail. The SPF3885K is not the standard version of the SPF3886K – it is the smaller bushing assembly for the forward location on the front lower control arm.

Rusty 12-20-2019 10:46 AM
Do you have adjustable upper control arms?

Dentt42 12-20-2019 11:45 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3896153)
Do you have adjustable upper control arms?
The whole suspension is stock, and I'm working out the battle plan to get it all taken care of in steps.

Also, it looks like there's a mistake about the two SuperPro numbers, and I'm waiting on a reply for that too. 3886 and 3885 are listed as two different positions on the site: front and rear of the same lower arm.

Rusty 12-20-2019 11:57 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dentt42 (Post 3896160)
The whole suspension is stock, and I'm working out the battle plan to get it all taken care of in steps.

Also, it looks like there's a mistake about the two SuperPro numbers, and I'm waiting on a reply for that too. 3886 and 3885 are listed as two different positions on the site: front and rear of the same lower arm.
You going to drive the car before you get the upper arms? I wouldn't until you get the arms. Because your alignment is going to be off.

Dentt42 12-20-2019 12:17 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3896162)
You going to drive the car before you get the upper arms? I wouldn't until you get the arms. Because your alignment is going to be off.
Most likely no. My plan is to buy good core (aka used) control arms, upgrade the bushings on them, and then I can swap them out with shorter downtime. This arrangement worked well on my previous project, a WRX, and it made for a lot less transportation issues and borrowing cars. :rolleyes:

NOTE: There was a small miscommunication in my emails with SuperPro, and it's been corrected above for anyone else that may be interested.

Tractionless 12-23-2019 06:02 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dentt42 (Post 3896166)
Most likely no. My plan is to buy good core (aka used) control arms, upgrade the bushings on them, and then I can swap them out with shorter downtime. This arrangement worked well on my previous project, a WRX, and it made for a lot less transportation issues and borrowing cars. :rolleyes:

NOTE: There was a small miscommunication in my emails with SuperPro, and it's been corrected above for anyone else that may be interested.
So all the Superpro stuff is for use with OE Arms etc. correct?

Does it allow for adjustment and/or is there and option to stay with oe non-adjustable geometry?

Thanks

240se 12-24-2019 10:42 AM
I'm really interested in the Superpro bushings. I daily drive my Z and do track days and I don.t have adjustable upper A arms. The extra caster may save the outer edges of my front tires.

Brendan 12-24-2019 06:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 240se (Post 3896861)
I'm really interested in the Superpro bushings. I daily drive my Z and do track days and I don.t have adjustable upper A arms. The extra caster may save the outer edges of my front tires.
Why would you get bushings as opposed to upper control arms?

cv129 12-24-2019 07:23 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 240se (Post 3896861)
I'm really interested in the Superpro bushings. I daily drive my Z and do track days and I don.t have adjustable upper A arms. The extra caster may save the outer edges of my front tires.
Do you think the dynamic camber gain via caster increase is enough? I have my doubt, but happy to be wrong.

Rusty 12-24-2019 10:09 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by cv129 (Post 3896907)
Do you think the dynamic camber gain via caster increase is enough? I have my doubt, but happy to be wrong.
:iagree:

Tractionless 12-27-2019 10:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brendan (Post 3896904)
Why would you get bushings as opposed to upper control arms?
For a street car at OE ride height the cost of UCA's doesn't substantiate the benefits on my end.

Dentt42 12-27-2019 02:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 240se (Post 3896861)
I'm really interested in the Superpro bushings. I daily drive my Z and do track days and I don.t have adjustable upper A arms. The extra caster may save the outer edges of my front tires.
I'll post my results up as I go, whenever that happens. The popular G37 site won't get the thread because I haven't been able to confirm my account there. :icon14:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brendan (Post 3896904)
Why would you get bushings as opposed to upper control arms?
Because of...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tractionless (Post 3897217)
For a street car at OE ride height the cost of UCA's doesn't substantiate the benefits on my end.
...^^this.

If I can get good results for less than $200 worth of parts, it's a good start over $800ish on upper arms that are decent quality. The huge gap between the very pricey SPL/Voodoo 13 arms and cheapie Chinese junk is frustrating.

Dentt42 12-27-2019 02:49 PM
While I'm here, on a scale of "garbage" to "forged by the minions of Satan and blessed by Archangel Gabriel", where would you guys put Megan Racing's arms?

Nissan 370Z 2009-2018 G37 2008-2013 Front Upper NEGATIVE Camber Control Arms - MRS-NS-0411

https://i.imgur.com/i6jKg8D.jpg

Tractionless 12-27-2019 03:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dentt42 (Post 3897262)
While I'm here, on a scale of "garbage" to "forged by the minions of Satan and blessed by Archangel Gabriel", where would you guys put Megan Racing's arms?

Nissan 370Z 2009-2018 G37 2008-2013 Front Upper NEGATIVE Camber Control Arms - MRS-NS-0411
My guess is probably not good by seeing prior comments on their products.

Rusty 12-27-2019 08:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dentt42 (Post 3897262)
While I'm here, on a scale of "garbage" to "forged by the minions of Satan and blessed by Archangel Gabriel", where would you guys put Megan Racing's arms?

Nissan 370Z 2009-2018 G37 2008-2013 Front Upper NEGATIVE Camber Control Arms - MRS-NS-0411

https://i.imgur.com/i6jKg8D.jpg
Chinese junk. Past posts on this is that they won't hold the camber setting. The ball joint keeps sliding in.

cv129 12-27-2019 09:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 3897341)
Chinese junk. Past posts on this is that they won't hold the camber setting. The ball joint keeps sliding in.
Just like the SPC FUCA (non xAxis version)....except for the one pair where someone welded a bracket and used a screw to push and hold the nut in its place.

Rusty 12-27-2019 09:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by cv129 (Post 3897347)
Just like the SPC FUCA (non xAxis version)....except for the one pair where someone welded a bracket and used a screw to push and hold the nut in its place.
Yeah, they welded a nut to the arm and used a bolt to hold the ball joint in place. Forget who that was.


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