Replacing two front struts, do upper control arms too?
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Replacing two front struts, do upper control arms too?
Getting the two front struts replace soon as car is approaching 200k miles. Should I get the upper control arm on each side replace too since the shop is in there replacing the front strut. Will replacing the front upper control arm help with handling or anything?
#2
Head a da Family
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#3
Suzuka Master
I would get the upper control arm done also, they are cheap like $100 for two new OEM .
#4
Race Director
OP, if you do replace them, give us a report on the condition of the old ball joints for a reference. Sub'd for info.
#6
Suzuka Master
also check the lower ball join, along with the LCA bushing. After you replace all of that the handling can be restore to new, it will soak up the bump better than your current one.
#7
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
There is no mileage designated for replacement, so I would only replace items that are needed.
Why replace something that isn't needed? If nothing is worn, the only change will be the shocks,
and depending on the shocks purchased, the ride could be better, or worse.
I've got an '08 knock around car that has OEM parts that haven't been changed, 264,000
miles no problem, and the RX7 TII has 210,000 all original suspension.
The daughter sold her 2000 Maxima last year and purchased an Audi, no suspension changes
in the 16 years of ownership and 274,000 miles.
Just don't throw money away if it's not needed.
Why replace something that isn't needed? If nothing is worn, the only change will be the shocks,
and depending on the shocks purchased, the ride could be better, or worse.
I've got an '08 knock around car that has OEM parts that haven't been changed, 264,000
miles no problem, and the RX7 TII has 210,000 all original suspension.
The daughter sold her 2000 Maxima last year and purchased an Audi, no suspension changes
in the 16 years of ownership and 274,000 miles.
Just don't throw money away if it's not needed.
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#8
There is no mileage designated for replacement, so I would only replace items that are needed.
Why replace something that isn't needed? If nothing is worn, the only change will be the shocks,
and depending on the shocks purchased, the ride could be better, or worse.
I've got an '08 knock around car that has OEM parts that haven't been changed, 264,000
miles no problem, and the RX7 TII has 210,000 all original suspension.
The daughter sold her 2000 Maxima last year and purchased an Audi, no suspension changes
in the 16 years of ownership and 274,000 miles.
Just don't throw money away if it's not needed.
Why replace something that isn't needed? If nothing is worn, the only change will be the shocks,
and depending on the shocks purchased, the ride could be better, or worse.
I've got an '08 knock around car that has OEM parts that haven't been changed, 264,000
miles no problem, and the RX7 TII has 210,000 all original suspension.
The daughter sold her 2000 Maxima last year and purchased an Audi, no suspension changes
in the 16 years of ownership and 274,000 miles.
Just don't throw money away if it's not needed.
I wouldn't replace parts just because they're 200K miles old.
Though, if OP is looking to save time on labour costs by avoiding future repairs or if OP wants the car to be "restored", then looking into new components from Acura will be a good idea.
I would be leary of buying aftermarket components for ball joints, tie rods, bushings, etc.
#9
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
There is no mileage designated for replacement, so I would only replace items that are needed.
Why replace something that isn't needed? If nothing is worn, the only change will be the shocks,
and depending on the shocks purchased, the ride could be better, or worse.
I've got an '08 knock around car that has OEM parts that haven't been changed, 264,000
miles no problem, and the RX7 TII has 210,000 all original suspension.
The daughter sold her 2000 Maxima last year and purchased an Audi, no suspension changes
in the 16 years of ownership and 274,000 miles.
Just don't throw money away if it's not needed.
Why replace something that isn't needed? If nothing is worn, the only change will be the shocks,
and depending on the shocks purchased, the ride could be better, or worse.
I've got an '08 knock around car that has OEM parts that haven't been changed, 264,000
miles no problem, and the RX7 TII has 210,000 all original suspension.
The daughter sold her 2000 Maxima last year and purchased an Audi, no suspension changes
in the 16 years of ownership and 274,000 miles.
Just don't throw money away if it's not needed.
#10
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
^Has some merit, but the factory units wear, that's why we replace them and a great many aftermarket parts come with lifetime warranties that probably doesn't matter as the car will be gone before the component fails again.
On item I would do if the upper BJ was to be replaced, is to do a replacement with an after market adjustable unit. That way the camber could be adjusted if necessary.
On item I would do if the upper BJ was to be replaced, is to do a replacement with an after market adjustable unit. That way the camber could be adjusted if necessary.
#11
Race Director
Certainly can't go wrong with preventive maintenance. Is it really needed? Maybe, maybe not.
Turbonut brings up a good idea about going with the adjustable UCA if doing a replacement.
Re: the UCA and LBJ, I've seen no evidence to suggest "notorious for failure" on the 3G TL. Just saying.
That could very well be because you are slammed, dunno. I'm at 255K and my LBJs are still not loose. I just checked them 2 weeks ago when I installed my PCI compliance bushings.
Turbonut brings up a good idea about going with the adjustable UCA if doing a replacement.
That could very well be because you are slammed, dunno. I'm at 255K and my LBJs are still not loose. I just checked them 2 weeks ago when I installed my PCI compliance bushings.
#13
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
This says it all!
Our '04 TL just turned 100k miles and there isn't one item that needs replacement on the car.
Parts and accessory stores just wait for the people that do what is noted above preventive maintenance,
the unnecessary replacement of good parts.
Before anyone gets their pants twisted, timing belt and plugs are on the list, probably in next month or so.
Our '04 TL just turned 100k miles and there isn't one item that needs replacement on the car.
Parts and accessory stores just wait for the people that do what is noted above preventive maintenance,
the unnecessary replacement of good parts.
Before anyone gets their pants twisted, timing belt and plugs are on the list, probably in next month or so.
Last edited by Turbonut; 03-27-2017 at 05:24 PM.
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wusty23jd (03-27-2017)
#14
Burning Brakes
This says it all!
Our '04 TL just turned 100k miles and there isn't one item that needs replacement on the car.
Parts and accessory stores just wait for the people that do what is noted above preventive maintenance,
the unnecessary replacement of good parts.
Before anyone gets their pants twisted, timing belt and plugs are on the list, probably in next month or so.
Our '04 TL just turned 100k miles and there isn't one item that needs replacement on the car.
Parts and accessory stores just wait for the people that do what is noted above preventive maintenance,
the unnecessary replacement of good parts.
Before anyone gets their pants twisted, timing belt and plugs are on the list, probably in next month or so.
#15
Struts are a load bearing member of a car's front suspension... the TL does not have front struts, it is a double wishbone with front shocks...in the form of a coil over setup