Control Arm Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of rear control arm bushings on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, requiring removal of the control arm from the vehicle, bushing replacement, and reinstallation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the ball joint nut completely. Note: You may need to hold the ball joint stud with a wrench to prevent spinning.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure to avoid damaging the ball joint boot. If reusing the ball joint, avoid using a pickle fork as it may damage the boot.
3. 3

   Mark control arm position
   Using a paint marker or scribe, mark the exact position of the control arm relative to the subframe mounting points. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation and maintains factory suspension geometry.
4. 4

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Support the control arm with one hand or a jack. Remove both control arm-to-subframe mounting bolts. These bolts are under tension and the arm may shift when removed. Lower the control arm and remove it from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect control arm and clean
   Thoroughly inspect the control arm for cracks, bends, or damage. If any structural damage is found, replace the entire control arm rather than just the bushings. Use a wire brush to clean the bushing mounting areas and ball joint.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing press kit, carefully press out the old bushings from the control arm. Note the orientation of each bushing before removal. Apply steady, even pressure to avoid damaging the control arm mounting eyes. Clean all debris from the bushing bores.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the new bushings (do not use petroleum-based lubricants). Position the new bushings in the correct orientation matching the originals. Use the press to install the bushings until fully seated and flush with the control arm. Ensure bushings are not cocked or misaligned during installation.
8. 8

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the subframe mounting points, aligning with the marks made during removal. Insert the control arm mounting bolts and thread them in by hand. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the components. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height but the wheels are not yet fully supporting the vehicle weight. This allows access to the control arm bolts while the suspension is loaded.
11. 11

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on suspension
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and suspension loaded, torque the control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing with the suspension unloaded will cause the bushings to bind and fail prematurely. Torque in the sequence specified in the service manual.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at ride height with vehicle weight on suspension. Torquing with suspension hanging will cause bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Complete wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear control arm bushings
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Ensure new cotter pin is properly installed and secured

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Check for any signs of fluid leaks around the work area
• Visually inspect all torqued fasteners to ensure proper installation
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment - control arm removal will affect toe and camber settings

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle