This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear control arm bushings on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, requiring control arm removal and bushing press-out/installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing set (upper or lower as needed) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel on affected side
5. Spray all control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position floor jack under rear axle housing or suspension component near the control arm being serviced. Raise jack just enough to contact and slightly support the weight, allowing suspension to remain at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping when control arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if applicable
   If the control arm removal is obstructed by the sway bar link, remove the link from the control arm or sway bar. Hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent spinning. Remove the nut and separate the link.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove ball joint connection
   Locate the ball joint connecting the control arm to the knuckle or axle housing. Remove the cotter pin and discard. Using a breaker bar and socket, loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from its mounting point. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
   ⚠Ball joint taper is tight. Use proper separator tool to avoid damage to ball joint boot or threads.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark control arm orientation
   Before removal, mark the orientation of the control arm relative to the frame and axle mounting points using paint or a marker. Note the position of any eccentric washers or cam bolts used for alignment adjustment. Take photos if necessary for reference during installation.
5. 5

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the control arm mounting bolts at the frame and axle/knuckle attachment points. These are typically large bolts with nuts accessible from the rear or front of the mounting bracket. Using a breaker bar, loosen and remove both mounting bolts. Support the control arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Control arm may be under slight tension. Control the arm as the last bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Pull the control arm away from the mounting points and maneuver it out of the suspension area. You may need to adjust the position of the floor jack supporting the axle to create clearance. Inspect the arm for any damage, cracks, or excessive wear while it is removed.
7. 7

   Press out old bushings
   Secure the control arm in a hydraulic press or use a portable bushing press kit. Position the control arm so the bushing to be removed is aligned with the press ram and a receiving cup or adapter that is larger than the bushing outer diameter. Apply steady pressure to press the old bushing out of the control arm. Repeat for the second bushing if the control arm has two bushing locations. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
   ⚠Ensure press adapters are correctly sized and aligned. Misalignment can damage control arm bore.
   ℹ️Some bushings may have an outer metal sleeve that must be pressed out. Others are bonded rubber that press out as one piece.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of silicone grease or soapy water to the new bushing outer diameter and control arm bore (do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings). Position the new bushing at the bore opening, ensuring correct orientation if the bushing is directional. Use the hydraulic press with appropriate adapters to press the new bushing into the control arm until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. The bushing should press in squarely without cocking to one side. Repeat for second bushing location.
   ⚠Press on bushing outer shell only, never on the inner sleeve or rubber, to avoid bushing damage.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to vehicle
   Position the control arm back into the suspension mounting locations, aligning with the marks made during removal. Insert the mounting bolts at both the frame and axle attachment points. Thread the bolts and nuts by hand but do NOT torque at this time. The control arm must be at normal ride height before final torquing.
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint
    Clean the ball joint stud taper and mounting hole. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle or axle mounting point. Thread the ball joint nut onto the stud and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link if removed
    If sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the control arm or sway bar. Hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the tires contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle on the ground at normal ride height and full weight on the suspension, torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing the bushings while suspension is hanging will pre-load the bushings and cause premature failure. If access is limited with vehicle on ground, drive the vehicle onto ramps or use a drive-on lift, then torque the bolts.
    ⚠️Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at ride height with vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do so will twist the bushings internally and cause rapid failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at proper ride height
2. Verify new cotter pin is properly installed and secured on ball joint
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and listen for any clunking or abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper wheel alignment - vehicle should track straight with no pulling
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as control arm removal may have altered rear alignment settings
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Visually inspect for any fluid leaks or loosened components after test drive

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