Control Arm Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear control arm bushings on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8, requiring control arm removal and installation of new bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing set (inner and outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if replacing ball joint) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If control arm bushings are heavily corroded, apply penetrating oil to control arm bolts and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes before beginning
4. Verify you have replacement bushings and pressing tools available before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground. Raise the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack at the rear differential or frame rail. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the rear axle. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Remove the rear wheel completely.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the control arm mounting point to support the axle and take tension off the control arm. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension, simulating normal ride height.
3. 3

   Remove control arm frame bolt
   Locate the front control arm bolt that connects the control arm to the frame bracket. Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt and nut. The bolt may be tight due to weight loading; ensure the axle jack is properly positioned. Remove bolt completely and set aside.
4. 4

   Remove control arm axle bolt
   Locate the rear control arm bolt that connects the control arm to the rear axle housing bracket. Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove this bolt and nut. You may need to adjust the floor jack height slightly to align the bolt for removal. Remove bolt completely.
5. 5

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Once both bolts are removed, pull the control arm away from the mounting brackets. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the arm if bushings are seized. Inspect the arm for damage, cracks, or bending while removed.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing press kit, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Note the orientation of the bushings before removal. The inner sleeve may need to be cut or collapsed before pressing if seized. Clean the control arm bore with a wire brush after removal.
   ⚠Wear eye protection when pressing bushings as metal sleeves can fragment under pressure.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of dish soap or bushing lubricant to the outside of the new bushings and the control arm bore. Position the new bushing with the correct orientation (note any offset or directional markings). Using the press, carefully press the new bushing into the control arm bore until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Repeat for second bushing location.
8. 8

   Install control arm to axle bracket
   Position the control arm with new bushings back into the vehicle. Start by inserting the rear bolt through the axle bracket and control arm. Thread the nut on by hand but do not tighten yet. The floor jack under the axle may need adjustment to align bolt holes.
9. 9

   Install control arm to frame bracket
   Insert the front control arm bolt through the frame bracket and control arm. Thread the nut on by hand. Adjust the floor jack under the axle to simulate normal ride height, ensuring the suspension is at normal operating position before tightening. Do not torque bolts yet.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the wheel back onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands so the full vehicle weight is on the wheels but keep the floor jack nearby. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on suspension
    With the vehicle now on the ground and suspension at normal ride height, torque both the front frame bolt and rear axle bolt to specification. This is critical - control arm bolts must always be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension to prevent bushing preload and premature failure.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on suspension will cause the new bushings to twist and fail prematurely.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at proper ride height

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues from the rear suspension
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check control arm bolt torque to ensure fasteners have not loosened
• Verify no clunking or binding sensations when going over bumps
• Schedule an alignment check if vehicle pulls to one side or if multiple suspension components were serviced

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