This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine, requiring control arm removal and pressing new bushings into place.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (2 bushings per arm) × 2 — Moog K200924 or equivalent
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Separate the sway bar link from the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm ball joint area to support the control arm and relieve tension on the components. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension, supporting the weight of the control arm and knuckle assembly.
   ⚠️The jack must remain in position throughout disassembly to prevent sudden release of spring tension.
3. 3

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the lower ball joint at the steering knuckle. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the ball joint stud. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the ball joint castle nut completely. Keep track of any spacers or washers.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Insert the tool between the knuckle and control arm, and apply pressure to pop the taper loose. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
   ⚠Ball joint may separate suddenly. Ensure floor jack is supporting the control arm weight.
5. 5

   Mark control arm orientation
   Before removing the control arm mounting bolts, mark the orientation of the control arm and note the position of any eccentric washers or cam bolts used for alignment. Take photos for reference during reinstallation.
   ℹ️Proper orientation is critical for maintaining suspension geometry and alignment.
6. 6

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two control arm mounting bolts that secure the control arm to the frame. These are typically a front and rear bolt. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove both bolts completely. The control arm may need to be maneuvered slightly to clear the frame mounts.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm and guide the control arm out of the vehicle. The arm should come free once the jack is lowered and the arm is pulled away from the frame mounting points. Place on a clean work surface.
8. 8

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing press kit, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Position the control arm in the press with the bushing over an appropriately sized receiving cup. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is completely removed. Repeat for both front and rear bushings. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush.
   ⚠Ensure press adapters are properly aligned to avoid damaging the control arm.
9. 9

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of dish soap or bushing lubricant to the new bushings (do not use petroleum-based products on rubber bushings). Position the new bushing at the bore opening with the correct orientation per manufacturer instructions. Using the press and appropriate adapters, press the new bushing into the control arm until fully seated and flush with the control arm. The bushing should be centered in the bore. Repeat for the second bushing.
   ℹ️Some bushings have directional orientation. Verify correct positioning before pressing.
10. 10

    Reinstall control arm to frame
    Position the control arm back into the frame mounting points, aligning with the marks made during removal. Insert both control arm mounting bolts and thread them by hand. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Tighten bolts just enough to hold the control arm in position.
    ⚠Control arm bolts must only be snugged at this stage. Final torque comes after vehicle is lowered.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the castle nut. Torque the castle nut to specification and align the next slot with the cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the lower control arm. Install the sway bar link nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely so the full weight is on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on wheels
    With the vehicle's full weight on the wheels and suspension at normal ride height, torque the control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical for proper bushing function and longevity. After torquing, finish torquing the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    ⚠This step is critical. Control arm bolts torqued with suspension unloaded will cause premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if replacing both lower control arm bushings
2. Apply anti-seize compound to ball joint studs and control arm bolt threads during reassembly to aid future service

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Check that steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to either side
• Visually inspect all fasteners to ensure proper installation and torque
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension geometry may have changed during bushing replacement
• After 50-100 miles, recheck all fastener torque values, especially control arm bolts and ball joint nut

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