Replace the radius arm bushings on the front suspension to restore proper alignment and eliminate play in the suspension system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing kit (front) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove front wheels
5. Spray all suspension bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
6. Support lower control arm with floor jack to prevent sudden drop

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Disconnect the sway bar link from the lower control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove ball joint castle nut
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Using a 21mm socket, remove the castle nut securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
   ⚠Note orientation and position of components before removal for proper reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Install ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Tighten the tool to force the ball joint taper out of the knuckle bore. If using a pickle fork, strike carefully to avoid damaging the ball joint boot unless replacing.
   ⚠Tool may release suddenly when ball joint separates. Maintain secure footing and hand position.
4. 4

   Remove radius arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the radius arm mounting bolt at the front frame bracket. Using a breaker bar and 18mm socket, remove the bolt securing the front of the radius arm to the frame. The bolt may be seized and require significant force.
   ℹ️Mark the orientation and position of any shims or spacers present for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove radius arm rear mounting bolts
   Access the rear radius arm mounting bolts at the lower control arm connection. Remove both bolts securing the radius arm to the lower control arm bracket. The arm is now free from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   Carefully extract the radius arm assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Clean the mounting surfaces on the frame and lower control arm brackets with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or radius arm bushing press tool, carefully press the old bushings out of the radius arm. Note the orientation of the bushings before removal. Ensure the arm is properly supported to prevent damage during pressing operation.
   ⚠Use proper size adapters to avoid damaging the radius arm bore. Apply pressure evenly.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Clean the radius arm bushing bores thoroughly. Apply a light coat of bushing installation lubricant to the new bushings. Press new bushings into the radius arm using the hydraulic press, ensuring proper orientation. Bushings should be fully seated and flush with the arm housing.
   ℹ️Some bushings have orientation marks or different inner/outer diameters. Install according to manufacturer specifications.
9. 9

   Install radius arm to frame bracket
   Position the radius arm with new bushings into the front frame bracket. Insert the front mounting bolt but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure any shims or spacers are reinstalled in their original positions.
10. 10

    Connect radius arm to lower control arm
    Align the rear of the radius arm with the lower control arm bracket. It may be necessary to use a pry bar or jack to align the holes. Install both rear mounting bolts finger tight.
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Position the lower ball joint stud into the steering knuckle bore. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque with vehicle weight on suspension
    Fully lower the vehicle so the suspension is at normal ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels. Torque the radius arm front mounting bolt and rear control arm bolts to specification. This must be done with weight on the suspension to prevent bushing bind.
    ⚠Failure to torque suspension bushings at ride height will cause premature bushing failure and handling issues.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side to ensure balanced suspension
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Confirm cotter pins are properly installed and secured on ball joint castle nuts

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify no unusual noises or vibrations
• Inspect work area for any loosened or missing fasteners
• Have vehicle aligned by a qualified technician as soon as possible after repair
• Recheck all torque specifications after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle