Replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 1966 Corvette, requiring removal of the lower control arm assembly to press out old bushings and install new ones.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing set (inner and outer) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K6117/K6118
• Lower ball joint castle nut × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (1/8 inch) × 2 — Standard 1/8 inch split pin

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle at frame rails and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm ball joint area to support the arm and compress the coil spring slightly. Raise jack just enough to take weight off the control arm but not lift the vehicle further. This relieves tension on the mounting bolts while keeping spring compressed safely.
2. 2

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   Locate the stabilizer bar link connecting to the lower control arm. Remove the nut securing the link to the control arm using the appropriate inch socket (verify size, typically 1/2 to 9/16 inch). The link typically has a stud that passes through the control arm with a nut on the bottom. Swing the stabilizer bar link away from the control arm.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt passing through the lower control arm. Remove the nut and bolt using a 3/4 inch socket. The shock absorber will remain attached at the upper mount and can hang freely.
4. 4

   Separate ball joint from spindle
   Remove the castle nut securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle using a 3/4 inch socket. Remove the cotter pin first. Insert ball joint separator between the control arm and steering knuckle, positioning the fork around the ball joint stud. Strike the separator with a hammer to break the taper free. The steering knuckle will separate from the ball joint and remain suspended by the upper control arm and tie rod.
5. 5

   Remove control arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt that passes through the frame bracket and the rear bushing. This is a single through-bolt with nut on the inboard side. Remove the nut using a 21mm socket while holding the bolt head. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware. The bolt head is typically accessible from the frame side.
6. 6

   Remove control arm front mounting bolts
   The front of the lower control arm is secured to the frame with 2 bolts passing through the front bushing assembly. Remove both bolts and nuts using a 21mm socket. With all mounting points disconnected, carefully lower the floor jack while guiding the control arm down and away from the coil spring. The spring will remain captured between the upper control arm pocket and the frame.
7. 7

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Once spring tension is released, pull the lower control arm forward and downward to remove it from the vehicle. The arm will clear the frame bracket and can be taken to a workbench. Inspect the arm for cracks, damage, or excessive wear while it is removed.
8. 8

   Press out old front bushing
   Secure the control arm in a shop press with the front bushing positioned over a receiver cup large enough to accept the bushing outer shell. Select a driver adapter slightly smaller than the bushing outer diameter. Press the old bushing straight out of the control arm bore. The bushing consists of an inner sleeve, rubber element, and outer shell bonded together. Clean the bore with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
9. 9

   Press in new front bushing
   Position the new front bushing at the control arm bore opening, ensuring correct orientation per bushing manufacturer instructions. Some bushings have offset voids that must align with load direction. Place the control arm on the press bed with the bushing supported on the open side. Use a driver adapter that contacts only the bushing outer shell, not the rubber. Press the bushing straight into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm housing.
10. 10

    Press out old rear bushing
    Position the control arm in the press with the rear bushing over a receiver cup. The rear bushing typically has a longer shell that passes completely through the arm. Press the old bushing out using the same technique as the front. Clean the bore thoroughly and remove any corrosion or debris.
11. 11

    Press in new rear bushing
    Install the new rear bushing into the control arm bore, ensuring proper alignment. Press the bushing until it is centered in the bore with equal protrusion on both sides, or until fully seated per manufacturer specifications. The bushing inner sleeve must be free to rotate and not bound in the pressed position.
12. 12

    Reinstall control arm to frame
    Position the floor jack under the ball joint end of the control arm. Maneuver the arm back into position, threading it past the coil spring and aligning the front and rear bushings with their respective frame brackets. Install the front 2 mounting bolts finger-tight only. Install the rear mounting bolt finger-tight only. Do not fully torque any fasteners at this stage.
13. 13

    Reconnect ball joint to spindle
    Raise the floor jack to lift the lower control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. The jack pressure should compress the suspension to normal ride height position. Insert the ball joint stud through the knuckle and install a new castle nut. Tighten the castle nut until snug, then continue tightening to the next castle slot that aligns with the stud cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
14. 14

    Reattach shock absorber and stabilizer link
    Align the lower shock absorber eye with the mounting hole in the lower control arm. Install the shock mounting bolt and nut, tightening securely. Reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the control arm and install the retaining nut.
15. 15

    Torque all fasteners at ride height
    With the suspension loaded at normal ride height (jack supporting lower control arm), torque all control arm mounting bolts. This is critical: control arm bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent binding and premature failure. Torque front control arm bolts to specification, rear control arm bolt to specification, shock absorber lower bolt to specification, and stabilizer link nut to specification. Lower jack, install wheel, lower vehicle, and torque lug nuts to specification (verify; approximately 70 ft-lb) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both sides
2. Control arm bushing fasteners must be torqued with suspension at normal ride height, not with vehicle on jack stands with suspension hanging
3. New cotter pins must be installed at ball joint castle nuts
4. Test drive vehicle and listen for abnormal suspension noises
5. Have front end alignment checked immediately after completion, as camber and caster settings will have changed

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
• Check that ball joint cotter pins are properly installed and bent
• Bounce front end of vehicle and verify no abnormal noises from control arm area
• Verify steering knuckle moves smoothly through full suspension travel with no binding
• Check for any fluid leaks around shock absorber after reinstallation
• Road test at low speed and verify proper suspension operation and steering response

More procedures for this vehicle