In this video, I replaced the front upper control arm on a 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab XE 4x4. Torque specs: Upper control arm bolts 94 ft/lbs, upper ball joint nut 58 ft/lbs, wheel lug nuts 95 ft/lbs.
Replacement part experience: I thought it is appropriate to post about some brand experience of replacement parts I have. I used this video when I replaced my upper control arms (both sides) in September 2021. It's now June 2023, and one of my control arms has completely worn out (18 months in use, roughly 120tkm, 80k miles). I installed an upper control arm by SKP on one side, and MOOG on the other side. The SKP one is the one that wore out (both bushings are worn and lose, ball joint is completely lose and worn out). Moog was about twice as expensive, but it shows that it is worth its price.
In my opinion sir what I've done is I mark the spots on the control arm pivot points for alignment purposes and I out the bolts in first so putting in the ball joint will be less of a headache
If you replaced the shock anyway, why not just leave it out to install the control arm? Wouldn't it not being in the way have made everything that much easier?
Yes, having it out of the way would make it easier. I was just showing that it wasn’t necessary to remove it. Also, I often make videos on vehicles when I have numerous tasks to do on them. That’s why you sometimes see parts replaced, or other (unrelated to the video subject) parts of the vehicle disassembled in the background.
So tell me if I'm wrong but on your torch, it looked like you had a flame coming out of the connector to the fuel valve... scary it it goes south. Good work though
Unfortunately, this is to be expected...especially with these trucks approaching old age. That's part of the reason why I included the footage of cutting the control arm out with a cutting torch.
Do you know what the steel hanger that is wrapped around the frame and welded, comes down and forms a hook to support the torsion bar and the rear of the lower control arm is called? Mine is cracked. I can't locate one. It would help if I knew what is was called. Thanks
I know the bit you are refering to... Its the mounting point for the lower rear control arm bush. But not sure if that is a replaceable part as its a part of chassis. To change it will be epic... Removal of torsion bar... Maybe even rear cross member.. Lower control arm, cut off mount and weld replacement from junk yard. Maybe just weld the cracks?
I don't have any for the lower ball joints on any Nissan yet, they don't come into the shop very often. I'll be sure to shoot a video if I ever get one of these in for lower ball joints!
These are Mevotech control arms. I couldn't get any OE Nissan parts, so I went with Mevotech as I've had good experiences with them in the past. Wish I could say the same with Moog - I basically avoid Moog at all costs.
@@AKJeeper interesting comment. My Moog lasted, while my SKP wore out in just 18 months. I guess there's a hyrarchie here. I wish I had read this a bit earlier, because I just ordered Moog again.
Unfortunately, I do not. I did the front rotors, calipers, and pads (as well as re-packed the wheel bearings with grease) on the truck in the video, but did not have the time to film any of it. I'll try to get a brake job on one of these Nissans the next time I get one in the shop.
Replacement part experience:
I thought it is appropriate to post about some brand experience of replacement parts I have. I used this video when I replaced my upper control arms (both sides) in September 2021. It's now June 2023, and one of my control arms has completely worn out (18 months in use, roughly 120tkm, 80k miles). I installed an upper control arm by SKP on one side, and MOOG on the other side. The SKP one is the one that wore out (both bushings are worn and lose, ball joint is completely lose and worn out). Moog was about twice as expensive, but it shows that it is worth its price.
Success, thank-you kindly, especially the tip for lifting the hub up before torquing and the torque specs 👍
Thanks for posting. I hope you make more videos! Very well put together
Thanks for all the info! Especially the Torque specs. Next time I'm up in Alaska, we should rip some bikes around and throw some lead down -range.
You're welcome. Glad the video was helpful! And yes - I'm always down for riding bikes or sending lead downrange!
In my opinion sir what I've done is I mark the spots on the control arm pivot points for alignment purposes and I out the bolts in first so putting in the ball joint will be less of a headache
Thank you. Im doing an xterra right now. This helps
You look like you know what you are doing. Thank you.
If you replaced the shock anyway, why not just leave it out to install the control arm? Wouldn't it not being in the way have made everything that much easier?
Yes, having it out of the way would make it easier. I was just showing that it wasn’t necessary to remove it. Also, I often make videos on vehicles when I have numerous tasks to do on them. That’s why you sometimes see parts replaced, or other (unrelated to the video subject) parts of the vehicle disassembled in the background.
So tell me if I'm wrong but on your torch, it looked like you had a flame coming out of the connector to the fuel valve... scary it it goes south. Good work though
My cameraman noticed it just as I was finishing cutting. The valve has since been replaced!
@@AKJeeper glad to hear. Love the video 👍
Looks like a big job my might be doing an about another 6 months I got.
What happens if I am trying to replace the upper arms but I don’t mark where the washer and bolt was?
You will definitely need to have the wheel alignment done on the truck when you finish the job.
I am just having same problem with upper control arm coming out and had to arc it out stubborn bolt
Unfortunately, this is to be expected...especially with these trucks approaching old age. That's part of the reason why I included the footage of cutting the control arm out with a cutting torch.
Thanks good video.
Do you know what the steel hanger that is wrapped around the frame and welded, comes down and forms a hook to support the torsion bar and the rear of the lower control arm is called? Mine is cracked. I can't locate one. It would help if I knew what is was called.
Thanks
I know the bit you are refering to...
Its the mounting point for the lower rear control arm bush. But not sure if that is a replaceable part as its a part of chassis.
To change it will be epic... Removal of torsion bar... Maybe even rear cross member.. Lower control arm, cut off mount and weld replacement from junk yard.
Maybe just weld the cracks?
I think you are looking for a torsion bar arm anchor bracket
That’s my problem also but I don’t have a cutting torch so I’ll have to go to a repair shop
great video ! very informative ! thank you for posting! i wonder if you have one for the lower control ball joints !! on this xterra !!
I don't have any for the lower ball joints on any Nissan yet, they don't come into the shop very often. I'll be sure to shoot a video if I ever get one of these in for lower ball joints!
What brand did you use? Any feedback?
These are Mevotech control arms. I couldn't get any OE Nissan parts, so I went with Mevotech as I've had good experiences with them in the past. Wish I could say the same with Moog - I basically avoid Moog at all costs.
@@AKJeeper interesting comment. My Moog lasted, while my SKP wore out in just 18 months. I guess there's a hyrarchie here. I wish I had read this a bit earlier, because I just ordered Moog again.
Very good video do you have anything for front brakes and calipers replacement
Unfortunately, I do not. I did the front rotors, calipers, and pads (as well as re-packed the wheel bearings with grease) on the truck in the video, but did not have the time to film any of it. I'll try to get a brake job on one of these Nissans the next time I get one in the shop.
Thanks man
Just buy new cambolts, and saw those suckers
That’s what I would recommend doing, unfortunately in this case new cam bolts had several weeks of lead time, so I had to try to rescue the old ones.