Hey I apologize in advanced if there is a thread out there. I couldn’t find any. But I have a 2003 enthusiast I just bought. It has 212,000 miles! I know sounds crazy to buy it with that many miles. But it was a 1 owner car old guy who kept it in garage and had 4 folders filled with everything he has had done. Now he only did reg Maintance. Doesn’t look like he didn’t anything that wasn’t broke. The car runs great!(knock on wood) but I can hear some noises from underneath the car. Usually only in drive way when coming out of first I hear a little pop or clank and in the rear it sounds kind of like metal on metal. Like when you jack a car up and you hear it settling. But my question is what would you guys recommend changing as far bushings tie rods etc. im on a budget so I can’t do everything at once. I was thinking maybe the u-joints and for the rest the stabilizer bushings. But with 200k+ what should I replace first? Other than the suspension noises the car drives like dream. I don’t hear any suspension noises at high speeds it’s only when pulling in driveway or parking lots. And suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanx!

 

Welcome- but I'd start by critically examining all four folders of maintenance to determine where to start. Did the previous owner follow all the mileage related maintenance items? Research which parts were replaced. Shocks (dampers) are a component that won't last forever, no matter how well the rest of the car has been maintained. Lots of threads on here about the preferred replacements, so search.

 

Front LCA bushings would be the first thing I would look at

 

Replace all the bushings. Yes, all of them. Subframe, diff, control arms, rear knuckles, compression rod, etc. Do em all.

Learn about your car, fight ages of corrosion with propane torches, cold chisels, mallets, and a sawzall. Hate the BS bezos.com bushing press you bought. Fight on, succeed, realize you have done right by your car.

Expect to break fasteners. Make friends with Nissan parts USA and McMaster Carr. Grade 12.9 fasteners or nothing at all.

Poly is good for the street for everything but the compression rod bushing. Go stock or solid there. Do your tie rods, lower ball joints and upper front control arms at the same time. These things are all wear items and 200K+ miles is outside the window.

Get an alignment.

 

Will do… thanks for the help.

 

You can bet the rear end bushings is shot.