Control Arm Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of rear control arm bushings on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including removal of the control arm from the suspension, bushing replacement, and reinstallation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushings (upper or lower as required) × 2 — Use OEM specification or performance aftermarket equivalent
• Control arm mounting bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock the front wheels securely.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support on jack stands placed under the frame rails.
5. Remove both rear wheels.
6. Support the rear hub assembly with a floor jack positioned under the lower control arm or hub carrier to prevent suspension droop, but keep suspension unloaded.
7. Spray penetrating oil on all control arm mounting fasteners and allow to soak.

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify and access the control arm
   Identify which control arm requires bushing replacement (upper lateral, lower lateral, or trailing arm). Visually inspect the bushing for cracking, tearing, or separation from the metal sleeve. The lateral control arms run perpendicular to the vehicle centerline and connect the hub carrier to the chassis. Ensure adequate working clearance around the control arm mounting points.
2. 2

   Remove inboard control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the inboard control arm mounting bolt that attaches the control arm to the chassis mounting bracket. This is typically a large diameter bolt with a nut on the backside. Using the correct size socket (verify on the actual fastener) and breaker bar, remove the bolt and nut while supporting the control arm. The bolt may require significant force to break free. Note the orientation and any alignment shims or washers for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove outboard control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the outboard control arm mounting bolt that attaches the control arm to the hub carrier or spindle assembly. Using the correct size socket (verify on the actual fastener) and breaker bar, remove the bolt and nut. Support the control arm as you remove the fastener to prevent it from falling. Again note any shims, washers, or spacers present.
4. 4

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully extract the control arm from the vehicle. It may be necessary to manipulate the hub carrier or use a pry bar to create clearance. Inspect the removed control arm for any additional damage, cracks, or bending. Clean the control arm thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all dirt, rust, and debris.
5. 5

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press kit, position the control arm so the bushing can be pressed out freely. Select a pressing adapter or socket that is slightly smaller than the outer bushing diameter to contact the outer bushing shell. Press the old bushing straight out of the control arm bore. Repeat for the second bushing if the control arm has bushings at both ends. Inspect the control arm bore for damage, scoring, or corrosion. Clean the bore thoroughly with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Install new bushings
   Verify the new bushings match the original design and dimensions. Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the outer shell of the new bushing (do NOT use petroleum-based lubricants). Position the bushing in the control arm bore, ensuring correct orientation if the bushing is directional. Using the hydraulic press with an appropriately sized adapter that contacts the outer bushing shell evenly, press the bushing into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm. The bushing should press in straight and square. Repeat for the second bushing location.
7. 7

   Reinstall control arm to chassis
   Position the control arm back into the vehicle with the new bushings installed. Start by aligning the inboard end with the chassis mounting bracket. Insert the inboard mounting bolt through the control arm and bracket, along with any original shims or washers in their correct positions. Thread the nut onto the bolt and tighten by hand only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
8. 8

   Install outboard mounting bolt
   Align the outboard end of the control arm with the hub carrier mounting point. It may be necessary to use the floor jack to raise or lower the hub assembly slightly to align the bolt holes. Insert the outboard mounting bolt through the control arm and hub carrier, along with any original shims or washers. Thread the nut onto the bolt and tighten by hand only. Do not torque yet.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall both rear wheels and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle carefully from the jack stands until the full weight of the vehicle is resting on all four wheels at normal ride height. This is critical for proper bushing alignment. Do not fully tighten lug nuts yet.
10. 10

    Torque control arm mounting bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and weight on all wheels, torque both control arm mounting bolts (inboard and outboard) to the factory-specified torque value (verify against the 2005 Viper service manual). This ensures the bushings are in their neutral position and will not be preloaded or twisted, which would cause premature wear. This ensures the bushings are in their neutral position and will not be preloaded or twisted, which would cause premature wear. Access may require reaching under the vehicle or using a low-profile torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all control arm mounting fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height.
2. Confirm no tools or parts were left in the suspension area.
3. If both sides were serviced, ensure symmetry in installation.

Verification

• Visually inspect that control arm mounting bolts are fully tightened and properly seated.
• Gently rock the vehicle side-to-side to settle the suspension, then recheck torque on control arm bolts.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension.
• Check for proper wheel alignment. A four-wheel alignment is recommended after rear suspension work.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck control arm bolt torque to ensure they have not loosened.

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