Took my 2008 Z into the dealership as it had the rear axle click. They fixed that under warranty (factory powertrain 60K) but at the same time found another problem I did not even knew existed. My rear diff bushing is leaking or blown and they would need to replace the whole rear sub frame for ~$1300.

Service tech said it is not a major problem but the issue would put more stress on the transmission components. I guess it is not covered under the powertrain warranty? I did check under my car and I do see dried up liquid near the bushing. I don't know how long it has been leaking or blown but about eight months ago I did hit a dip pretty hard entering a business and ever since there has been a banging kind of lose if I do over bumps hard. The sound over the last few months has been dissipating but could it be the rear diff bushing making this sound?

I need some options. I'm not going to replace the whole rear sub frame and I know after market bushings are made. Car is driven daily and I don't trade. It is an open diff also as my Z is a base model w/ 45K on it.

 

All u have to change is the bushing, you must be joking that you would even consider buying a new subframe

 

You weren't told this by a Nissan Tech were you??

 

Sounds as though they want your $$ and think you have deep pockets..

 

nissan will tell you that, because the bushings are pressed in, but you dont have to replace the whole subframe. i recently did mine and it is a PITA, you have to drop the rear end and the rear subframe some. getting the factory bushing out took the longest. me and a buddy knocked it out in under 5 hours and that is BSing half the time, along with beer breaks

 

i replaced mine with the whiteline poly bushings

 

Watch the linked video.

 

Thanks for the pictures and video guys

My bother who owns a 1991 300ZX Turbo knows a guy who can do the labor for ~$100 if I provide the part(s). Not sure yet if the labor is just for replacing the one broken bushing or for all three. So far I have only found kits with three or even more bushings. Is it best to just replace them all or is it OK to just get by with the one being replaced? Can anyone recommend bushings with links of the place to buy? Again, my Z is a DD that I sometimes drive aggressively but don't take to the track. Looking for bushings that will last also.

These bushings seem like a weak part of the car along with window motors, are they any other weak parts I should know about with my 350z?

 

you have to drop the rear end out completely so you might as well change them all. you will get a little more road noise but a little better response also. i bought the whiteline bushings from Concept Z

http://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/...1863.99.114.50

 

Thanks for this writeup!

I was wondering, I discovered my bushing was bad when I lifted the back and checked if my rear wheel bearings made noise( which they did not). ( I have been experiencing a howling noise from the rear at speeds, which gets louder the faster I go). Would this bad bushing be responsible for this noise? ( apart from my tires probably)