2002 Nissan (Skyline G35/350z?) suspension repair

[Neurotic]

Hey guys,

Photos below: Got this car from the auctions, grey import, has skyline printed all over but rego doesn't specify model, it's listed only as 2002 Nissan sedan so I'm not sure what model I should be looking at for parts etc. It's obviously been modified by previous owner, suspension has been lowered, possibly chopped, don't know for sure. Local mechanic sent me this photo after I took it in for a service and told me the front suspension (mainly bushes) are destroyed, and the steering column is about to fall off...

He's said it'll take 6 weeks to source bushes/bushings for repair from Nissan, but doesn't seem sure about what parts will suit...

Any advice on what model's parts will be compatible and where to source them? Possibly quicker/cheaper? Or a recommendation for a more specialised mechanic?

Any help would be much appreciated, I'm at a loss!

Thanks

[GTSBoy]

Just a V35 Skyline.  That's pretty much the only identifier you need to buy parts for it.  You can find everything you need for it on eBay, if you have to.  You can get rubber or poly bushes from aftermarket suppliers without any pain (apart from $$ - there will need to be a lot of $$ spent to buy all that you need).

That lower inner arm bush is so completely flogged.  I have never seen anything like it.  I hope you did not pay more than $1k for the car, because if the arsehat who used to own it has treated the chassis that badly, then the poor engine and tranny are likely to be 5 minutes from death.

If it were me, I would immediately dismantle it and sell the parts.  Probably safer than contemplate driving it!

[niZmO_Man]

Ouch, looks like you have a high mileage flogged car, hope you didn't pay much for it. You can replace all those bushes (you should, it's a safety hazard and not roadworthy), but you will have to spend quite a bit of money (think $1k+).

[GeeDog]

I'm fairly sure this bush is a common issue on V35s - I replaced them on my 350GT back in the day. You can get aftermarket ones from Superpro & other brands. Superpro list a SPF3298K as the Front Control Arm Lower Inner Bush, and they are $120 or so on Ebay (for a set that will do both sides). You probably need access to a press to remove the old one & fit the new one (or some patience), other than that it isn't a hard job. You would need a wheel alignment after replacing it. Obviously check the other bushes while you are under there.

 

[Neurotic]

Thanks for the info, actually found that same part number on ebay for about that price after searching for hours!

I'll see if my dad can do it, he's got a workshop, otherwise I suppose it'll have to go to the mechanic, he can check out the rest and give me a list of what else needs sorting out.

Tyre place right next door to mechanic so I'll definitely get the wheel alignment afterwards.

 

[Neurotic]

7 hours ago, niZmO_Man said:

Ouch, looks like you have a high mileage flogged car, hope you didn't pay much for it. You can replace all those bushes (you should, it's a safety hazard and not roadworthy), but you will have to spend quite a bit of money (think $1k+).

Yeah the suspension is pretty messed up, whoever owned it didn't lower it properly, I want to put a new suspension kit on asap. I've driven it for about a year on crappy roads too...otherwise it runs awesome, so I'm happy to put some money into it.

[Neurotic]

6 hours ago, GeeDog said:

I'm fairly sure this bush is a common issue on V35s - I replaced them on my 350GT back in the day. You can get aftermarket ones from Superpro & other brands. Superpro list a SPF3298K as the Front Control Arm Lower Inner Bush, and they are $120 or so on Ebay (for a set that will do both sides). You probably need access to a press to remove the old one & fit the new one (or some patience), other than that it isn't a hard job. You would need a wheel alignment after replacing it. Obviously check the other bushes while you are under there.

 

 

9 hours ago, GTSBoy said:

Just a V35 Skyline.  That's pretty much the only identifier you need to buy parts for it.  You can find everything you need for it on eBay, if you have to.  You can get rubber or poly bushes from aftermarket suppliers without any pain (apart from $$ - there will need to be a lot of $$ spent to buy all that you need).

That lower inner arm bush is so completely flogged.  I have never seen anything like it.  I hope you did not pay more than $1k for the car, because if the arsehat who used to own it has treated the chassis that badly, then the poor engine and tranny are likely to be 5 minutes from death.

If it were me, I would immediately dismantle it and sell the parts.  Probably safer than contemplate driving it!

 

9 hours ago, GTSBoy said:

Just a V35 Skyline.  That's pretty much the only identifier you need to buy parts for it.  You can find everything you need for it on eBay, if you have to.  You can get rubber or poly bushes from aftermarket suppliers without any pain (apart from $$ - there will need to be a lot of $$ spent to buy all that you need).

That lower inner arm bush is so completely flogged.  I have never seen anything like it.  I hope you did not pay more than $1k for the car, because if the arsehat who used to own it has treated the chassis that badly, then the poor engine and tranny are likely to be 5 minutes from death.

If it were me, I would immediately dismantle it and sell the parts.  Probably safer than contemplate driving it!

Cheers, yeah I'm not super pleased about how much it'll cost to sort out.

Yeah the mechanic was shocked, it was good timing...had just started feeling jolts over bumps etc. I think it's only so messed up because of the crappy home job suspension, which will be the next project...haven't had any dramas at all with the engine or transmission, not even a hiccup, otherwise I wouldn't even consider doing anything with it. 

Yeah, it's parked up, won't be going anywhere until it's safe.

[GTSBoy]

Nah, chopped springs and worn out dampers won't really accelerate the wear on major bushes.  They just die because they're soggy, boggy OEM elastomer things that are only supposed to last 5 years.

[Neurotic]

22 minutes ago, GTSBoy said:

Nah, chopped springs and worn out dampers won't really accelerate the wear on major bushes.  They just die because they're soggy, boggy OEM elastomer things that are only supposed to last 5 years.

Ah ok cool, hopefully once I replace them they'll last for that long again at least ? 

The ones I'm getting are Superpro polyurethane, hopefully they'll be alright.

I do want more height though, I can't get down the angle into my carport lol 

[Ben C34]

3 hours ago, Neurotic said:

Yeah the suspension is pretty messed up, whoever owned it didn't lower it properly, I want to put a new suspension kit on asap. I've driven it for about a year on crappy roads too...otherwise it runs awesome, so I'm happy to put some money into it.

You have owned it for a year and don't know what it is?

[Neurotic]

1 hour ago, Ben C34 said:

You have owned it for a year and don't know what it is?

It's a silver nissan car

[GTSBoy]

8 hours ago, Neurotic said:

It's a silver nissan car

This is both hopeless and possibly the most lovable post made on SAU in years.

[Neurotic]

1 hour ago, GTSBoy said:

This is both hopeless and possibly the most lovable post made on SAU in years.

Hahaha brrrrrruuuuum! ? ?

[Neurotic]

Bushings ordered and on their way, fingers crossed they're the right fit. Looking like I might have to have a go replacing them myself, with some help from co-workers and youtube lol. I'm super keen just to get under the car and see what it looks like...I'll post pics when I do and you guys can play where's wally with what else looks like it's about to break/explode/fall off if you like ??

Rawr!

[Neurotic]

Oh might just add...another minor issue, one of my bonnet brackets is bent/warped, can I get a replacement or could I bash it back into shape without destroying it because it's obviously weak enough that it's buckled ? 

Thanks ?