Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement
What are control arm bushings?
The control arm bushings are a component of the control arm, which lets the wheel travel up and down over bumps. The bushing in particular let the control arm pivot.
How do control arm bushings work?
Control arm bushings are found between the control arm and the body or suspension subframe. The bushings help distribute impact force and absorb vibration.
What are the symptoms related to a bad control arm bushing?
If the bushings are worn out, the suspension will make a squeaking sound when going over bumps. If they are severely worn, a knocking sound may be heard as the control arm makes metal-to-metal contact with the bushing bracket.
With severely worn bushings, tire wear may be uneven and the vehicle may pull to one side or wander.
Can I drive with a control arm bushing problem?
If the control arm bushings are worn, the result will be an annoying squeak when the car goes over bumps. In this case, the car can be driven. But if the bushings wear out considerably, metal-on-metal contact may occur and cause further suspension damage and inconsistent handling. This requires a repair.
How often do control arm bushings need to be replaced?
While there's no set schedule, the bushings may wear out and need to be replaced as a vehicle approaches 100,000 miles. Driving aggressively or over rough roads can decrease the lifespan of the control arm bushings.
On some vehicle models, the bushings are permanently installed in the control arms. If the bushings wear out, the entire arm will need to be replaced.
How are control arm bushing issues diagnosed?
A technician may diagnose a worn lower control arm bushing during a test drive of the vehicle. The condition may also present itself during a bounce test, where the technician will press down firmly on one corner of the front end of the vehicle to bounce the suspension and pivot the control arms. A severely worn control arm bushing may also show up during a four-wheel suspension alignment since the control arm determines the position and angle of the wheel.
How is a control arm bushing replaced?
The car must be lifted, and the wheel and tire removed. The lower control arm must be disconnected from the lower ball joint and the vehicle frame or body. An upper control arm is disconnected from the strut tower on the body and from the top of the steering knuckle.
It's common to replace related components, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar links, at the same time a control arm or bushing is replaced.
RepairPal recommendations for control arm bushing issues
RepairPal recommends inspecting (and replacing if necessary) the ball joint at the same time that the control arm bushings are replaced. Since the control arm determines the position of the wheel and tire, a wheel alignment is also recommended.
What to look out for with control arm bushing issues
Rubber bushings are adversely affected by heat, grease and oil. It is important to have the bushings periodically inspected to make sure they are free from grease or oil.
Can I replace the control arm bushing myself?
Replacing control arm bushings is generally an intermediate DIY repair. On some vehicles, the control arms come with the bushings already installed. On other vehicles, the bushings need to be pressed into their housings on the control arm before installation. In this case, the repair will be more difficult.
However, if you don't have the equipment needed to lift the vehicle, this job should be left to a professional mechanic.