This procedure covers the replacement of worn rear control arm bushings on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, requiring disassembly of suspension components and proper torquing with vehicle weight on wheels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm bushings (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K200751
• Cotter pins for ball joint nuts × 2 — 3/16 inch diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame rail
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points on frame
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the control arm mount to support the weight of the axle. Raise jack just enough to contact the axle without lifting it. This will control the suspension when components are disconnected and prevent sudden dropping.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft end to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the lower sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the control arm. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint nut where the control arm connects to the knuckle. Use a punch to straighten and drive out the cotter pin. Discard the old cotter pin. Clean any corrosion from the ball joint stud threads using a wire brush.
4. 4

   Remove ball joint nut
   Using an 18mm socket, remove the ball joint nut securing the control arm to the rear knuckle. Do not fully remove the nut initially - loosen it but leave it threaded on a few turns to protect the threads when separating.
   ⚠Keep nut partially threaded during separation to prevent ball joint stud from suddenly releasing and causing damage or injury.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Insert a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the control arm and knuckle at the ball joint taper. Strike the separator with a hammer to break the taper fit. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely and separate the control arm from the knuckle. Use the floor jack to carefully lower the axle if needed for clearance.
6. 6

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Locate the forward control arm mounting bolt at the frame bracket. This bolt passes through the front bushing. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠Ensure axle is properly supported before removing control arm bolts as the suspension will shift when disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rearward control arm mounting bolt at the axle housing bracket. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove this bolt completely. The control arm is now free and can be removed from the vehicle. Mark the orientation of the control arm for reference during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing service kit, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Position the control arm on the press with the bushing supported by a receiver cup large enough to accept the bushing as it exits. Apply steady pressure to press the bushing out. Repeat for both front and rear bushings. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or cracks.
   ⚠️Wear safety glasses when using a hydraulic press. Bushings can release suddenly under pressure.
9. 9

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of dish soap or rubber lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the outer sleeve of the new bushings and the control arm bore. Position the bushing squarely in the control arm bore. Using the hydraulic press or bushing service kit, press the new bushing in until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Ensure the bushing is oriented correctly - some bushings have alignment marks or voids that must face specific directions. Repeat for both bushings.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as this will cause premature deterioration.
10. 10

    Reinstall control arm to frame and axle
    Position the control arm back into place on the vehicle. Install the front control arm bolt through the frame bracket and bushing, threading it in by hand. Install the rear control arm bolt through the axle bracket and bushing, threading it in by hand. Do NOT torque these bolts yet. Ensure all washers and spacers are in their original positions. Leave bolts snug but not tight.
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the axle to align the control arm ball joint with the hole in the knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle. Clean the threads and install the ball joint nut. Torque the nut to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin through the hole in the ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the mounting hole on the control arm. Install the sway bar link nut. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench and torque wrench, torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts on by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using a 21mm socket until snug but not fully torqued. Remove jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the vehicle to the ground so that full vehicle weight is on the wheels. This is critical for the next step.
    ⚠Vehicle weight must be on wheels before torquing control arm bolts to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
14. 14

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on wheels
    With the vehicle on the ground and full weight on the suspension, torque the front and rear control arm bolts to specification using a 21mm socket and torque wrench. This must be done with vehicle weight on the wheels to allow the bushings to settle in their neutral position. Access may be limited but is possible from underneath or through the wheel well.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on wheels will cause bushing binding, premature wear, and poor ride quality.
    Torque spec

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

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Double-check that all lug nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite rear control arm
2. Clean all tools and inspect the work area for any dropped fasteners or parts
3. Verify all fasteners have been installed and properly torqued

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all reinstalled components to ensure proper alignment and no interference
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling with no unusual noises
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the torque on all control arm bolts and ball joint nuts
• Have a professional alignment performed as suspension geometry may have shifted during bushing replacement

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