Fixed! Front tie rods and caster arm bush

Pic 1: The Paraut and Nissan parts

As a follow-up to my previous blog entry on "Loose front tie rod and leaky caster arm", I've finally got it all fixed.

For my replacement parts, I've seriously considered purchasing aftermarket adjustable caster arm to replace mine but took a step back in fear of harshness and/or noise as the ER34 is driven on a daily basis. It's not a weekend car nor do I drift the vehicle. Hmmm......

So what parts did I get?? Here it is.....

1) Paraut tie rod
2) Paraut tie rod end
3) Nissan rubber bushing for Nissan R32/R34/etc...

After installation, I took a spin around the block and all seems to be fine. Got my alignment redone and thankfully it's now solved. :)

PS. If you need these parts, gimme an e-mail.
(local or overseas readers welcomed)

Pic 2: Paraut tie rods

Pic 3: Paraut tie rod end

Pic 4: Nissan bearing

Pic 5: Old tie rod (tie rod end are removed)

Pic 6: Leaking caster arm bush (replacement next to it)

Pic 7: Old tie rod

Pic 8: Old tie rod end (Note cracked bushing)

Pic 9: New tie rod and tie rod end (RHS)

Pic 10: New tie rod and tie rod end (LHS)

Loose front tie rod and leaky caster arm

Pic 1: Front wheels can wobble left and right

A couple of months ago, my rear HICAS tie rod ball joint gave way (read here). Now looks like the fronts are facing the same predicament.

Just like last time, my front wheel can wobble to the left and right when it's jacked off the ground. Not exactly very confident inspiring. So now I've known that culprit of the ticking sound from DILYSI #11. To top that off, I found my front left caster arm bush to be leaking as well.

Oh darn it! Looks like old age is catching up with the ER34. :(

Here are some pictures of the parts that needs to be replaced. I'll update more when I get my replacement items. :)

Pic 2: Front tie rod and tie rod end

Pic 3: Leaking caster arm bush

Rear HICAS tie rod balljoint

Pic 1: The ER34 rear left wheel can wobble left and right

A while ago when I drove on smooth cement roads, i.e in carparks and such, there's a tiny metallic sound coming from the rear wheel. Thinking I got a nail on the tyres, I took the ER34 to the tyre shop for an inspection. Somehow there’s no nail on the tyres BUT one shocking thing I discovered is that the left rear wheel are able to wobble left and right.

Yea, you read that right, a wheel that can wobble is not something you would want to have in your ride. Trust me. The amount of confidence while driving suddenly drops to zero! I consulted a few reputable mechanics and the issue was identified as a faulty HICAS tie rod balljoint. Initially I was searching high and low to replace the whole HICAS tie rod. I thought it comes in a set together with the balljoint. Luckily for me, I found out that one can just get the balljoint thus eliminating the need to change the whole tie rod.

Phew.....there must be some savings there. :P

Pic 2: The faulty balljoint joining the HICAS tie rod to the knuckle

Pic 3: The balljoint with the HICAS tie rod end removed

Pic 4: This is how bad the state of the balljoint is

The trouble with driving a JDM is the difficulty in finding replacement parts for wear and tear items. Performance parts are almost everywhere but wear and tear parts are a scarcity. :( 

After delaying for 2 weeks I finally found someone with a spare rear knucke of the ER34. This lucky find eliminates my backup plans of ordering the balljoint from overseas. The knuckle is made of aluminum and it's amazing that a car introduced 10 years ago already have it; what more in a mass produced vehicle.  

Pic 5: The donor knuckle

Pic 6: Balljoint is in a very good condition

 

To change the balljoint, a whole lot of stuffs got to be removed. The wheel, brake caliper, rotor, wheel hub, wheel bearing, tie rod, etc... all have to be taken out. Gosh, this is probably the 5th time this was done.


After taking out the knuckle, it's apparent how bad it was; the rubber bush was torn exposing the insides, and the free play is beyond tolerable amount. The donor balljoint was in a pretty good nick and in it goes into my knuckle. Everything was assembled back and a quick shake of the wheel indicates no more wobbles. Finally I got another headache fixed.


After a quick alignment job, the ER34 is back to it's old form and ready to rip the road again.

Yay!!! :)

Pic 7: So many stuffs have got to be removed out

Pic 8: With the 'new' balljoint installed....finally

Pic 9: The 'wasted' balljoint