Hi Folks,

I was recently at the dealer and my car has been tram-lining quite a bit. They informed me I need both ball joints replaced which is about a $2500 job.

I am trying to source the left/right lower control arms since the ball joint is very rarely pressed out/replaced. I am also having a hard time getting OEM replacement struts/shocks only. I have Swift springs already for about 2 years now. The fronts have developed more bounce and decrease from what they initially were when the Swifts were installed.

Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket brand where I can still save money and have oem quality?

btw, 2011 g37 xs sedan. I don't know about the 4 wheel steering. I would assume no?

 

There's not much available for the X in the aftermarket shocks, Koni might be able to work but you'd need an adapter for that front mount, they are a high quality damper for sure, that's something you'd have to contact the company about.

Not sure if KYB or Tokiko makes an X version, but might contact them and see. Might even be worthwhile to take it to a Nissan dealer and see what they say, for $2500 I'd get a second opinion. Tramlining can have various causes, how many miles on your current tires?

 

There is 1-2 mm of play in the ball joints. There should be 0. The alignment is out of spec and inner wear on the tires due the alignment and ball joint issues.

I am fine with OEM shocks/struts but I want them without the full assembly since I have the Swift springs. I don't know if it is Monroe/tokico or KYB for that.

I am looking at Rock Auto's lower control arms and they carry MEVOtech and Beck Arnely? Are those quality brands? I am not familiar?

 

I am finding the AWD is a b*tch to find parts for. Everything is RWD

 

For the record AWD suspension parts are harder to come by:

Here is are the KYB's which are 10% better rebound than OEM per tire rack rep. Also I have the MevoTech lower control arms specific to the AWD Xs sedan.

Rock Auto has the availability and great prices. Parts geek had good prices, but were for RWD and no AWD availability.

Part Number Part TypePrice EACore EA QuantityTotal No Vehicle Specified
-KYB 340011 Strut $76.79
-KYB 340010 Strut $76.79
-KYB 349089 Rear shocks Shock Absorber 109.58

2013 INFINITI G37 3.7L V6
MEVOTECH CMS301033 Control Arm $124.89
MEVOTECHCMS301032 Control Arm $124.89

 

I wouldn't put Mevotech anything on my car.

 

^ Great.. just ordered. It stated better the OEM quality. I figured since Rock Auto carries it that it would be equal or better to OEM?

 

Well, it is Mevotech's "best" line so hopefully no issues. Rock Auto carries everything.

 

We'll see. Just spoke with their customer service. They do rate them equal or better than OEM quality. They pull products with excessive warranty claims so hopefully will work out.

 

G/L through this, I'd still contact a Nissan dealer and see how much they'd charge to do the R&R unless you're planning on doing this yourself. Nissan shop rates can be quite a bit less sometimes. Although I doubt they'd do the install since it's not going to be an OEM part???

 

Thanks Newt, Yeah I have contacted a few local shops and they were sourcing the parts direct from the dealer.. no thanks.

They said about 450 labor cost on top of my parts which were 530.00 then I will need an alignment after. 1200 1300 isn't as bad when you compare it to the dealers pricing and that didn't include new shocks/struts!

 

Wow.. only two and half years with my Swifts and oem suspension and they were toast..

Just had the KYBs installed and the front end is not sagging and man is it firm. I still need the alignment but what a difference so far.

560 parts w/ ovednight shipping and 600 in labor for the lower control arms and suspension. Hope the KYBs hold up longer than Oems. They are noticeably firmer than the oems ever were.

 

Did you get a chance to see the old LCAs? Just curious what condition those bushings were in. Glad you're back to a happy place.

 

I did not. I saved the old suspension and the fronts clearly lost rebound speed. The dealer said it was the ball joints specifically, but when replacing you have to do the whole unit(lca).

 

Only the dampers control rebound speed. The control arm is toe, really bad ball joints look like lots of negative camber.