Radius Arm Bushing

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the radius arm bushings on the 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring suspension disassembly and bushing pressing tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm bushing (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Install jack stands under frame rails at approved support locations
6. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access radius arm mounting points
   Locate the radius arm which runs longitudinally from the front crossmember to the lower control arm. Identify the front bushing mount at the crossmember and the rear bushing mount at the control arm. Apply penetrating lubricant to all radius arm mounting fasteners and allow to penetrate for several minutes.
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm to support its weight and maintain suspension geometry during radius arm removal. Raise jack just enough to contact the control arm without lifting the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove rear radius arm mounting bolt
   Using the correct socket size (verify against factory service manual), remove the through-bolt securing the radius arm rear bushing to the lower control arm. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers. The bolt passes through the bushing sleeve horizontally. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware.
4. 4

   Remove front radius arm mounting bolt
   Using the correct socket size (verify against factory service manual), remove the through-bolt securing the radius arm front bushing to the crossmember bracket. This bolt also passes horizontally through the bushing sleeve. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware. The radius arm is now free from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the radius arm out from between the control arm and crossmember. Note the orientation and position for reinstallation. Inspect the arm for any cracks, bends, or damage beyond bushing wear.
6. 6

   Press out old front bushing
   Using a hydraulic press with appropriate bushing removal adapters, press the old front bushing out of the radius arm. Support the arm so the bushing can exit freely. Apply force gradually and ensure the bushing is pressing straight to avoid damaging the arm bore. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush after removal.
7. 7

   Press out old rear bushing
   Using the hydraulic press with appropriate bushing removal adapters, press the old rear bushing out of the radius arm. Support the arm so the bushing can exit freely. Apply force gradually and ensure the bushing is pressing straight. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush after removal.
8. 8

   Inspect radius arm bores
   Carefully inspect both bushing bores in the radius arm for any scoring, cracks, or deformation. The bores should be smooth and round. Check that the new bushings fit the bores without excessive play or binding. Minor surface rust is acceptable and should be cleaned away.
9. 9

   Press in new front bushing
   Position the new front bushing at the bore opening with correct orientation (note any offset or directional markings on the bushing). Using the hydraulic press with appropriate installation adapters, press the new bushing into the radius arm until it is fully seated and flush with the arm surface. Ensure the bushing installs straight without cocking.
10. 10

    Press in new rear bushing
    Position the new rear bushing at the bore opening with correct orientation. Using the hydraulic press with appropriate installation adapters, press the new bushing into the radius arm until it is fully seated and flush with the arm surface. Ensure the bushing installs straight without cocking.
11. 11

    Install radius arm to crossmember
    Maneuver the radius arm with new bushings into position between the crossmember and control arm. Align the front bushing with the crossmember bracket mounting point. Insert the front through-bolt with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not torque at this time. Leave the connection loose enough to allow movement.
12. 12

    Install radius arm to control arm
    Align the rear bushing with the lower control arm mounting point. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust the control arm position slightly for alignment. Insert the rear through-bolt with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not torque at this time. Leave the connection loose.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    With both radius arm bolts installed but loose, remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels. This loads the suspension to the correct position for final torquing. The vehicle should be resting on the ground or on the floor jack at ride height.
14. 14

    Torque radius arm mounting bolts
    With the suspension loaded at ride height, torque the front and rear radius arm through-bolts to the factory-specified value (verify torque spec against the 2005 Dodge Viper service manual before final tightening). These bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension to prevent bushing binding and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and final check
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove chocks from rear wheels. Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises or handling issues from the front suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all radius arm mounting bolts with vehicle at ride height to prevent bushing preload and premature failure
2. Ensure all washers and spacers are reinstalled in their original positions and orientations
3. Repeat this entire procedure for the opposite side if both radius arm bushings require replacement

Verification

• Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification with vehicle weight on suspension
• Check that radius arm moves smoothly through suspension travel without binding
• Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued
• Test drive vehicle and confirm no clunking, binding, or abnormal noises from front suspension
• Verify steering feel and handling are normal with no pulling or wandering

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