I have a shot control arm bushing on FL that is ruining my alignment and making my car unsafe to drive. My rear control arm bushings are also cracked. Is it cheaper to replace the control arms themselves or to just look at replacing bushings. I would prefer OEM parts at this time but if thats not possible oh well.

 

Looks like control arms are the more viable option. I think i will go with that but feel free to chime in. I am new to the platform

 

If you're doing it yourself, then bushings are the cheaper option, but you'll need to press out the old ones in order to get the new ones in. Install is more involved.

Replacing and upgrading the control arms with aftermarket is an easier install. Plus, if they're adjustable, you get the added benefit of getting the alignment dialed in exactly how you want it since OEM FUCAs aren't adjustable.

 

So i have been told that the issue is with the front control arms only. Specifically the forward front and rear front bushings on the passenger side and the rear front on drivers side (their words). I am new to all of this and not exactly sure what parts need to be replaced. I know there is an upper portion that looks like a wishbone and two lower pieces that are separate and straighter. I am thinking they are meaning the upper piece as that looks to have two bushings in a forward and rearward position. However I'm not 100% sure and am on a bit of a budget so I only want to get what i need (unless it would be a safety risk not to replace all of it). I would take a look at my manual but Haynes kind of screwed me over.

Any help in this regard would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Here's a DIY on how to remove the OEM bushings if you're sticking with the OEM FUCAs. https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...g-removal.html

Here's one for the lower arms: https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...translink.html

And here you go for the compression rods: https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...g-install.html

I replaced all the bushings on my G at one time with Whiteline bushings. I later went to aftermarket adjustable FUCAs. Should have done that in the first place.

In your case, you should replace both bushings on both sides of the FUCAs if your're going this route. The bushings are cheaper than getting replacement FUCAs, but only if you have the necessary tools (i.e., a shop press or reciprocating saw).

You obviously don't need to replace ALL the bushings from the DIYs at the same time if you're on a budget.

I would toss your Haynes manual and reference the FSM moving forward. Attached is the FSM for the front suspension.

 

Thank you so much for your response. This has been very very helpful. I do not currently own the tools to replace the bushings myself so i think i am just going to buy some new FUCAs as I want to get my car back on the road as soon as possible. That job seems pretty straightforward for someone new to this sort of thing, though i will do more research just to be sure i dont cause myself more issues down the line.

And thanks for linking that PDF. I will certainly be giving that a look over and trying to learn all i can from it.

Thanks again!

 

Glad to help. Here's a write-up on how to install the FUCAs. https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...hims-made.html

That particular thread pertains to SPLs so some of the steps may not be necessary. It's pretty straightforward and you can do it with basic hand tools.

I went with the FUCAs from Z1. They're under $300 for the pair. Just make sure that after install, you take it to a reputable alignment shop and not your basic "toe and go" place otherwise, they won't be willing to remove them in order to get them dialed in correctly. I went to a specialty alignment shop that gets cars ready for track days at VIR and they did an excellent job. Good luck!

 

One last thing. I need to replace my shocks (two are leaking and one is blown out) and thought it would be a good idea to do these at the same time. Do you have any recommendations on what to run? I was thinking of getting some Koni Yellows as ive heard good things. I will be mainly driving my car on the street but taking it to autocross events from time to time and might track it here and there

 

Koni Yellows are good. If you're staying at OEM ride height, I would also suggest the Bilstein B6s which may be a little more affordable. If you're bringing it down and throwing on some springs which may drop it a little, then the Bilstein B8s. Just my 2 cents. There are lots of options as far as struts, but I would go with Koni's or Bilsteins.