Control Arm Bushes

[sneakymoose]

Hi Guys,

Need some advice regarding my 2003 Patrol GUIII ST. Took it for a service today and they reckon it needs new control arm bushes and this will cost me $440. Now I would like to know if I'm being ripped off here, or if this is just what it costs!

Other things he said needed doing were rear rotors need machining ($141) i guess that is a fair enough price (?), and the engine needed de-greasing ($47). Is there any mechanical reason for why the engine needs to be de-greased or are they simply trying to get more money out of me!

Forgive me I am not very knowledgeable on Patrols, which is why I came here for your help!

Many thanks,

sneakymoose

[Woof]

Hey mate, it is always a good idea to post up an introduction before asking any questions, just gets everyone on side from the start.

[YNOT]

Which control arm bushes, front or rear?
There is a fair amount of labour involved in removing control arms (especially front) to press in new bushes.

Does your mechanic only want to machine the rotors and not replace the pads? That would be pointless as the pads have worn to the shape of the rotor, if you only machine the rotors and refit the pads you will not get full pad contact.
If you're going to the trouble of machining/replacing rotors it would be a good idea to replace pads at the same time.

$141 to machine rotors is a bit over the top when you can buy brand new rotors for $114; http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Rear-Disc-Brake-Rotors-Nissan-GU-Y61-Patrol-1997-2010-/130521799074?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e63b499a2

$47 to degrease a motor is way over the top, that should have been done as part of the service.

Find another mechanic.

Tony

[sneakymoose]

Thanks for the response Tony.

It is the front that needs doing (apparently) but I would like to check myself that they actually need changing. If i was to jump under and have a look is it easy to tell if they're shot?

As for the rotors I'm pretty sure that price was just for the machining of the rotors. I've got no problems fitting new rotors and pads myself. There's no brake shudder or anything so once again I'm not really sure if its necessary.

Might try a second opinion. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in Brisbane?

[YNOT]

It's usually the bushes at the diff end of the front radius (control) arms that wear out and split. If you get underneath with a torch and a large screw driver lever the radius arm to the side and look for cracks in the bushes, they can be hard to see at times.

For $200 you could have brand new rear pads and rotors and fit them yourself, and that's using good quality Bendix 4WD pads; http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rear-Bendix-4x4-Disc-Brake-Pads-Nissan-Patrol-Y61-GU-/120725875586?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c1bd2ab82

Take a rear wheel off some time and have a look at the brake pads, if there's heaps of material left (minimum approx 3mm) and they are not shuddering as you say, then I wouldn't worry about it for now.

Are you north or southside?

Tony

[sneakymoose]

Hey Tony,

I think I will try to take a look at the pads and bushes myself before taking any further action. And I would much rather fit new discs and pads myself for $200, rather than get the old ones machined for $140. It would give me a chance to bleed the brakes also as the brake fluid test apparently 'failed' in the service.

I'm in Southside - If you know of any good mechanics I would rather give him my business if those bushes need changing as I would probably not want to try it myself. Looks like bushes are around the $110 mark on ebay so unless its a couple of hours work $440 may be reasonable...

Many thanks,

sneakymoose

[Bigrig]

Hey Tony,

I think I will try to take a look at the pads and bushes myself before taking any further action. And I would much rather fit new discs and pads myself for $200, rather than get the old ones machined for $140. It would give me a chance to bleed the brakes also as the brake fluid test apparently 'failed' in the service.

I'm in Southside - If you know of any good mechanics I would rather give him my business if those bushes need changing as I would probably not want to try it myself. Looks like bushes are around the $110 mark on ebay so unless its a couple of hours work $440 may be reasonable...

Many thanks,

sneakymoose

Hey mate - try AutoArt in India street Capalaba - ask for Derek and let him know Scotty referred you from the forum. He does mine and a bunch of others on here and never had an issue - top bloke who doesn't overcharge and only does what needs to be done (doesn't sting you for unnecessary garbage).

[sneakymoose]

Thanks, will definitely keep him in mind. Might give him a call and ask for a second opinion on those bushes! Looking forward to servicing those brakes, strangely enough.

[YNOT]

I have a brake fluid moisture tester at home if you were curious to test it yourself, but brake fluid is one of those things that if you're not sure about it, just replace it.

Tony

[sneakymoose]

Yeah going to have a crack at changing the rear rotors and pads today and just bleed the brakes whilst im at it.

Don't have a workshop manual so hopefully its not too different from other cars i have worked on!

cheers!

[YNOT]

PM sent

Tony

[sneakymoose]

Cheers Tony,

Managed to get everything done no worries. Wheels were a bit of a struggle to get off (kinda seized to the rotor) but other than than actually easier than my falcon...Thanks for helping me save a bit of coin!