Radius Arm Bushing

Replace the front radius arm bushings on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring suspension disassembly, radius arm removal, and bushing press-out/press-in operations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing (front) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm bushing (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-designated lift points.
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced.
6. Spray all radius arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under lower control arm near the ball joint to support the suspension load. Raise jack just enough to take up slight load but not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when radius arm fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect front sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting to the lower control arm. Using an 18mm wrench to hold the stud, remove the nut securing the end link to the control arm with an 18mm socket. Swing the end link away from the control arm or support it with wire to prevent interference.
3. 3

   Remove radius arm-to-crossmember bolt
   Locate the front mounting point of the radius arm where it attaches to the front crossmember. Remove the through-bolt securing the radius arm to the crossmember bracket using a 24mm socket and breaker bar. The bolt passes through the front bushing. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove radius arm-to-lower control arm bolt
   Locate the rear mounting point where the radius arm connects to the lower control arm. Remove the through-bolt using a 21mm socket. This bolt may require significant force to break free. Once bolt is removed, carefully lower the floor jack slightly to allow the radius arm to drop free from the control arm.
5. 5

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   Withdraw the radius arm assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for cracks, bending, or other damage. Clean the bushing mounting areas with a wire brush to facilitate bushing removal. Mark the orientation of the arm if not obvious for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Press out front bushing
   Secure the radius arm in a hydraulic press or use a large vise with bushing removal tool. Position the bushing removal tool to push the front bushing out of the radius arm. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is fully expelled. The bushing outer shell may remain bonded to the arm and require additional pressing or cutting for removal.
7. 7

   Press out rear bushing
   Reposition the radius arm in the press to access the rear bushing location. Using appropriate bushing removal tool sized for the rear bushing, press the rear bushing out of the radius arm. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with wire brush and inspect for damage or distortion that would prevent proper new bushing seating.
8. 8

   Press in new rear bushing
   Apply light film of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the new rear bushing outer shell. Position the bushing in the rear bore with correct orientation (any voids or flats must align with arm design). Using bushing installation tool, press the bushing into the arm until fully seated and flush with the arm surface or to the depth stop machined in the bore.
9. 9

   Press in new front bushing
   Apply light film of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the new front bushing outer shell. Position the bushing in the front bore with correct orientation. Using bushing installation tool, press the bushing into the arm until fully seated. Verify the bushing is centered in the bore and sits at the correct depth.
10. 10

    Install radius arm to lower control arm
    Raise the radius arm into position and align the rear bushing with the mounting point on the lower control arm. Use floor jack under control arm to adjust height as needed for alignment. Insert the through-bolt from the proper direction (note original orientation) and start the nut. Do not fully tighten at this time; leave slightly loose to allow suspension articulation for front mounting.
11. 11

    Install radius arm to crossmember
    Align the front of the radius arm with the crossmember bracket. Insert the front through-bolt with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Start the nut on the bolt. You may need to use a pry bar or adjust the floor jack position to align the holes. Do not fully tighten at this time.
12. 12

    Torque radius arm fasteners to specification
    With vehicle still supported on jack stands and suspension at ride height position (floor jack supporting control arm), torque the front radius arm-to-crossmember bolt to 125 ft-lb and the rear radius arm-to-control arm bolt to 140 ft-lb. Bushings must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing failure from preload.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Position the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Install the retaining nut and torque to 45 ft-lb while holding the stud with an 18mm wrench to prevent rotation.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lb in star pattern. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Suspension fasteners must be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
2. If both sides were serviced, verify all fasteners are properly torqued before test driving.
3. Apply anti-seize to all bolt threads during reassembly to facilitate future service.

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no clunking, knocking, or unusual noises from front suspension during acceleration, braking, and turning.
• Perform visual inspection of all radius arm fasteners to confirm proper installation and torque.
• Check for proper suspension articulation with no binding through full range of motion.
• Monitor for any alignment changes or steering pull that would indicate improper installation; professional alignment check recommended after suspension work.

More procedures for this vehicle