Control Arm Bushing - Rear

Replacement of rear control arm bushings on a 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10, requiring control arm removal, bushing press-out/press-in, and reinstallation with alignment-critical torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing kit (upper or lower as required) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 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 on jack stands placed on manufacturer-designated frame lift points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all control arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark alignment reference positions
   Before removing any fasteners, use a marking pen to mark the position of the control arm relative to the mounting brackets on both the chassis side and knuckle side. This provides a visual reference for reassembly and helps the alignment technician establish a baseline.
2. 2

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support its weight. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the control arm, simulating ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping excessively when the control arm is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove control arm to knuckle fastener
   Locate the outboard control arm mounting bolt connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Remove the nut while holding the bolt head steady. Remove the bolt completely and note any washers or alignment shims present. Note the fastener configuration at this connection and verify against the factory service manual, as the specific bolt/nut arrangement varies by upper versus lower arm.
4. 4

   Remove control arm to chassis fastener
   Locate the inboard control arm mounting bolt connecting the control arm to the chassis or subframe bracket. Remove the nut while holding the bolt head. Remove the bolt completely and note any washers or spacers. Carefully lower the jack supporting the knuckle to allow the control arm to swing free.
5. 5

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the control arm out of the suspension assembly. The arm may require slight rotation or angling to clear the knuckle and chassis mounting points. Inspect the arm for cracks, bends, or damage while removed.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Secure the control arm in a hydraulic press or use a portable bushing press tool. Position the control arm so the bushing is supported on a receiving cup or socket large enough to accept the bushing outer shell. Using an appropriately sized driver that contacts only the bushing inner sleeve or outer shell (not the rubber), press the old bushing straight out of the control arm bore. Repeat for the second bushing if the arm has bushings at both ends.
7. 7

   Clean control arm bushing bores
   Use a wire brush and solvent to thoroughly clean the bushing mounting bores in the control arm. Remove all old rubber residue, corrosion, and debris. Inspect the bore for damage, scoring, or out-of-round conditions that could affect bushing retention. Wipe clean and dry completely.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin film of soapy water or approved bushing lubricant to the outer shell of the new bushing and the control arm bore (do not use petroleum-based lubricants that can degrade rubber). Position the bushing squarely at the bore entrance, ensuring any orientation marks or voids align per manufacturer specification. Using the hydraulic press with a bushing driver that contacts the bushing outer shell evenly, press the new bushing straight into the bore until fully seated and flush with the control arm. Verify the bushing is not cocked or partially seated.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to chassis
   Position the control arm back into the chassis mounting bracket, aligning with the reference marks made during disassembly. Insert the inboard mounting bolt through the bracket and control arm bushing. Install any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread the nut onto the bolt hand-tight only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
10. 10

    Reinstall control arm to knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the knuckle to bring the outboard control arm mount into alignment with the knuckle mounting point. Insert the outboard mounting bolt through the knuckle and control arm bushing. Install any washers or shims in their original positions. Thread the nut onto the bolt hand-tight only. Do not torque yet.
11. 11

    Install wheels and lower vehicle to load suspension
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is loaded with the vehicle's weight (wheels just touching the ground with full weight on suspension). The suspension must be at normal ride height to torque control arm fasteners. Alternatively, use a jack to simulate ride height load if final lowering will be delayed.
12. 12

    Torque control arm fasteners under load
    With the suspension loaded to ride height, torque both the inboard (chassis) and outboard (knuckle) control arm mounting bolts to specification. Torque the nut while holding the bolt head to prevent spinning. This critical step ensures the bushings are torqued in their neutral (loaded) position, preventing incorrect bushing preload and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final wheel installation and torque
    If vehicle was only partially lowered, now fully lower to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side control arm if both sides require bushing replacement
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification with suspension at ride height
3. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks only after all work is complete

Verification

• Visually inspect that both control arm mounting bolts are fully seated and torqued
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times and verify no unusual noises or looseness from the control arm area
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for clunks, squeaks, or handling irregularities
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after completion - bushing replacement affects toe, camber, and caster settings

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