I was going to replace my ball joints this weekend along with my struts. There are so many cheep ones out there, especially on ebay. I went that way with my 95 eclipse's control arms because the oem one were so expensive. Ended up replacing them one month later because the boot cracked to pieces. This is why i purchased from MSA, 1st they did not send me the ones pictured, they had a zirk fitting and snap ring holding the boot on. The ones i received have no zirk fittings and the boot is just pushed on, nothing securing it. They also come from "Korea" , i work for a Korean company that manufactures weather stripping for Hyundai and we make junk !

Not sure if i should just send them back, the last time i contacted them via email i never got a reply and the last phone call i made the sales guy would not let me finish explaining my problem, sounded like he did not have the time to listen :mad:

I have personally had great service when calling MSA. I would call back and explain the situation again. You may also check what's available at your local auto parts houses.

What you received certainly does not sound like what is pictured...

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SSSC01A02/23-4301

Many cars these days do not have 'serviceable' ball joints, or are 'sealed for life'.

Or try the other usual places for OEM stuff like Courtesy Nissan.

Here are a few pictures, definitely not what is advertised, i only have such little time to work on this car and when things like this happen really upset me. Sorry about the picture quality, i did not want to remove it from the plastic sealed bag since i will be returning them :mad:

Edited December 12, 200915 yr by kjphilippona

Is the ball joint dust boot failure common? Mine more or less melted (turned into sludge) in a few years on only one thousand miles. Very disappointing.

I too have had good dealings with MSA. But thru trial and error I have learned to be real careful about "after market parts". I don't care where they come from. Not that there are not quality aftermarket parts out there. I have never gone wrong with an OEM Nissan part. They may cost more ( wherever they come from) but in fact you do get what you pay for. As far as the rubber dust covers, mine have been on forever it seems like and they are still ok. I do have another set in my garage however. I have had Z cars for over 35 years and just prefer OEM parts when I can get them. Merely my opinion. Good luck.

Ball joints and tie rod ends are still available from Nissan.

Is the ball joint dust boot failure common? Mine more or less melted (turned into sludge) in a few years on only one thousand miles. Very disappointing.

I'd suggest going with a urethane dust boot cover for the ball joints if you have that problem. Energy suspension sells them in packs of 2 for about 5 bucks. They sell them as tie rod end dust boots but fit over ball joints without any problems.

The melting point of urethane is 118F, so you shouldn't have a problem. I couldn't find the melting point of rubber just the boiling point (128F compared to urethane at 362F).

My question is, has anyone used these ball joint on their Z ? I only purchased from them because they were highly recommended by this board and even advertise MSA on the home page. My take from the posts is that everyone buys only OEM parts for their Z, and that all aftermarket parts are junk. I guess i will have to hold off on doing any work on my car until i save up some money :disappoin. I still have not received my club cd, so could someone help me with the p/n of the OEM ball joint for my '77 280z.

Edited December 12, 200915 yr by kjphilippona

Those look like a typical aftermarket sealed ball joint, as used on many new cars today. While it's possible they may not be quite as durable as the factory parts, it is equally possible that they might be as good or better. Hard to say for certain.

I do suspect that at worst, these parts will likely last several tens of thousands of miles. Yes, you may wish to monitor the condition of the sealing boots, but I'd guess that they'll be quite fine for several years at least for a normal daily or weekend driver.

Unfortunately, Rubber is a product of oil (Pertolium product). The Urethane is more chemical resistant than the rubber counterpart. SO the $5 set from ES is abetter bet and they look pretty cool too.

Dave

I need help too. Courtesy Nissan does NOT carry the Nissan OEM ball joints anymore (at least it's not on their website).

Can someone recommend a good source. Where can I get Spicer ball joints?