Control Arm Bushing - Front Lower

Replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring control arm removal, bushing press-out, and installation of new bushings with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front lower control arm bushing kit (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under manufacturer-approved jacking points.
5. Remove front wheel completely.
6. Spray all suspension 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. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the lower nut securing the link to the control arm. Swing the link up and out of the way or disconnect it completely from the sway bar if necessary for clearance.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm ball joint area to support the arm and relieve tension on the bushings. Raise the jack just enough to contact the arm but not lift the vehicle.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut if equipped. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the ball joint nut from the ball joint stud. Insert a ball joint separator tool between the control arm and knuckle, then tighten the tool gradually (avoid hammering the aluminum knuckle) to separate the ball joint taper from the steering knuckle. Lower the jack slightly to allow the control arm to drop away from the knuckle.
   ⚠The ball joint will separate suddenly when the taper breaks free. Maintain control of the separator tool and keep clear of pinch points.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the front and rear control arm mounting bolts that secure the arm to the frame or subframe. These bolts pass through the control arm bushings. Remove both bolts completely, noting their orientation and any washers or spacers. The front bolt may have a cam adjustment; mark its position before removal if camber adjustment is present.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, lower the floor jack and remove the control arm from the vehicle. Maneuver the arm past the steering components and brake lines. Inspect the arm for damage, cracks, or deformation that would require replacement of the entire arm.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Place the control arm in a hydraulic press or secure it for use with a bushing press tool. Position the appropriate press adapter against the old bushing outer shell. Press the bushing straight out of the arm bore, being careful not to damage the arm material. Repeat for the second bushing. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust, corrosion, and old bushing material.
   ⚠Ensure the control arm is properly supported in the press to prevent it from shifting during bushing removal. Use eye protection as metal debris may be ejected.
7. 7

   Inspect control arm bushing bores
   Examine the bushing mounting bores in the control arm for cracks, elongation, or damage. Check that the bores are round and not deformed. If damage is present, the control arm must be replaced rather than re-bushed. Measure the bore diameter to confirm it matches the new bushing specifications.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of dish soap or bushing installation lubricant (not petroleum-based grease) to the outer shell of the new bushing and the control arm bore. Position the bushing at the bore entrance, ensuring correct orientation per the bushing manufacturer's markings (many bushings have a specific front-to-back or top-to-bottom orientation). Using the hydraulic press and correct installation adapters, press the bushing straight into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with or at the specified depth in the arm. The bushing should bottom out evenly. Repeat for the second bushing.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based grease for bushing installation as it will degrade rubber bushings. Pressing the bushing crooked will damage it and the control arm.
9. 9

   Install control arm to frame
   Position the control arm back into the vehicle, aligning the bushing bores with the frame mounting holes. Insert the front and rear control arm mounting bolts through the frame brackets and bushings. Thread the bolts in by hand but do NOT torque them yet. If cam bolts are used, align them to the marks made during removal. Leave the bolts snug but loose enough that the bushings can still rotate slightly.
10. 10

    Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to lift the ball joint stud up into the hole in the steering knuckle. The jack should compress the suspension to near normal ride height. Install the ball joint nut onto the stud and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots if equipped, or use a thread-locking compound if specified.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link back into the control arm mounting hole. Install the lower nut onto the link shaft. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading the lug nuts on by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to snug. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle completely so full vehicle weight is on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight fully on the suspension, crawl under the vehicle and torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical: the bushings must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent pre-loading and premature failure. After torquing, bounce the front suspension several times and re-check the torque.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts at ride height will cause bushing bind and rapid wear. This is the most common installation error.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque the wheel lug nuts to final specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both sides require bushing replacement.
2. Vehicle should be driven cautiously for the first 50-100 miles to allow new bushings to seat properly.

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and verify no clunking, binding, or unusual noises from the front suspension during turns and over bumps.
• Check that steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to one side.
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment, as suspension disassembly will have altered camber, caster, and toe settings.

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