Status 4 June 2000

Does your tension rod bushings look like that?

Then it's time for some new ones! This is a very common problem. The rubber cracks and oil sips out. There is an after market replacement available though. It's made by Energy Suspension and is stiffer than the OEM ones. It's available through Courtesy Nissan and is ~$50 (part no.7-7105G).

Now, the removal of tension rods is quite easy. Two bolts holding it to the lower suspension arm and one bolt going through the center of the bushing. To get the center bolt out you have to undo some screws holding the plastic cover under the intercoolers. Depending on which way the bolt comes out, you have to either remove the front sway bar or loosen the screws holding the low intercooler pipe on the pass. side (R-side).
To get the old bushings out and install the new ones you need a press, otherwise it's a PITA. When you press the new ones in just lube it well and remove the metal pipe that's in the middle of the bushing. When you remove the pipe (it's not the right word, I know :) you allow the bushing to contract more thereby making it easier to press it through.

I also replaced the rear transmission mount. Mine was cracked and since it's one of the three points that holds the engine and transmission in place it's very important that it's OK. I had too disconnect the exhaust from where it bolts up to the down pipes. Since I was using a lift I got a long bar to hold the transmission up while replacing the rear mount. I've put it just behind the transmission mount and lowered the car a bit, thereby letting the transmission rest on the bar. Just don't put the bar under the oil pan!! The rest was just simple hand work...
The price for the rear transmission mount is ~$35 (part no. for an AT TT is 11320-40P00).

Now, the last thing I have to fix is the AC. I had some problems getting the main shaft seal for the compressor causing the delay. We'll see this week if I manage to get one.

Oh yeah, one more thing! I should be getting the MAS-sensor tomorrow! I'm very curious if it will cure the hesitation problems I'm having. I managed to compensate the hesitation by adjusting the airflow signal through the AFC but it's just curing the symptoms not the disease.

Later,
Maciek