So I have an appointment for my car on Tuesday the 23rd. Being that they will be removing a lot in the back, what might I have them do besides the new Diff Bushings, Sub-frame Collars, and Diff Fluid. Perhaps they can do some rear suspension stuff at the same time.

I am sure my mechanic will suggest it if needed. But I wanted your thoughts.

 

What made you decide to replace the bushings? How much labor are they charging?

There's not really a whole lot to remove. Disconnect axles, speed sensors, vent hose, driveshaft, part of the rear exhaust and that's about it...

 

I noticed the fluid of doom on my diff cover back in October I believe. Would like to get it more planted. Don't know how planted it was originally, since I bought it from the dealership.


Expect 450, but he doesn't know about the sub-frame collars. So perhaps 500. He gives me a discount if I pay with cash as opposed to CC. So might go back to 450. He usually doesn't do Infiniti's, mostly European, but his work is very good and I have used him for a long time.

 

So your main bushing is probably blown, and you're going into this with realistic expectations for labor costs. Sounds right to me.

Subframe Collars? Would you believe me if I said this was the first time I've heard about this? LOL

Are you referring to these? - https://www.z1motorsports.com/transm...r-p-12015.html

 

I am going with basically what he quoted for the job. About 3.5 hours before the diff fluid change. I have heard between 10min and 30mins for Sub frame collar.

Yes, that is the one. Much more economical than getting the sub frame taken out and having the bushings replaced.

I might be the first one here who has gotten the collars installed. Bought everything on BF and been busy with work. I was tempted to forgo the collars and get the finned diff. But since I don't really push my car often, figured I would get more use with the Collars.

 

Let us know what you think of the subframe bushing inserts. I will probably add those myself this year.

It sounds like you don't need a finned diff cover, but maybe a rear diff flush, muffler, midpipe, sway bar, endlinks? (Off the top of my head that is about all I can think of that is back there.)

 

Getting the rear diff flush. I haven't ordered sway bar links, probably could get them soon enough though. I wouldn't mind getting a rear muffler section (after the x pipe), it looks like the most restrictive part of the exhaust.

The prices aren't bad, very tempted. Don't know if mine needs them at only 173k on the odometer.




These look like them.

My mechanic doesn't like to use parts that he didn't get himself, but he is putting in the diff bushing and I plan on telling him about the sub-frame collar. Don't know if I will be able to differentiate one part from another since planning to get them all installed at once.

 

I'd see if he could do the subframe collars since he's back there. Everything else is relatively simple to DIY.

I paid $500 for the bushing + install in December-2016. Shop wanted $90 + fluid to do the differential fluid, so I passed and did it myself.

Interested to read some more feedback on those subframe collars.

 

Me too

 

Three

 

Hopefully he won't try to charge me too much for the sub-frame collar install. I spoke to him today and told me if they were his parts he would warranty it for 12 months. I told him I trust his work. I plan on getting the sway bar links from him if they need it. His work has always been good. He has been a mechanic for about 40 years.

Since the diff bushings are being replaced and probably sway bar links , I would think it would be hard to figure what that one thing did. I am excited to have it done. Afterwards I plan on getting the Alignment it has been needing it.

 

Subframe collars are a cake walk and it’s a noticeable difference keeps everything planted.

 

Tools needed besides jack?

 

Hands tools

 

We're talking the collars, right?