Replace the radius arm bushings (lower control arm bushings) on the front suspension to restore handling and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing (lower control arm bushing) - front × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin or lock nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced
7. Spray all control arm mounting bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect the ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin or lock nut from the lower ball joint castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the ball joint nut (leave it threaded on a few turns). Position the ball joint separator tool between the control arm and steering knuckle. Apply pressure to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   If the sway bar link interferes with control arm removal, disconnect it from the control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the nut. It may only be necessary to disconnect one end depending on clearance.
   Torque spec

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

   Support the control arm
   Position a floor jack or jack stand under the outer end of the control arm near the ball joint to support its weight. This prevents the arm from dropping suddenly when the bolts are removed.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the front subframe. This is typically a large through-bolt. Remove the nut and drive the bolt out using a drift punch if necessary. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
5. 5

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Remove the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the rear mount point on the subframe. Again, note the orientation of all washers and spacers. With both bolts removed, carefully lower the control arm from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Press out old bushing
   Secure the control arm in a hydraulic press or use a bushing removal tool. Position the press adapters to push the old bushing out of the control arm bore. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is fully removed. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rust and debris.
7. 7

   Install new bushing
   Apply a thin coat of soapy water or assembly lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushing and the control arm bore (do not use petroleum-based lubricants). Position the new bushing squarely in the bore, ensuring correct orientation if the bushing has alignment marks or voids. Use the hydraulic press with appropriate adapters to press the bushing in until fully seated and flush with the control arm housing.
8. 8

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Lift the control arm back into position. Insert both the front and rear mounting bolts with any washers/spacers in their original orientation. Thread the nuts on finger-tight only. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with the vehicle weight on the suspension.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
   Clean the ball joint stud and knuckle taper. Insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin or lock nut as applicable. Ensure the nut is properly secured.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded yet.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on suspension
    With the vehicle lowered so the suspension is at normal ride height (weight on wheels), torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing while the suspension is unloaded will cause the bushing to bind and fail prematurely.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final wheel torque
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if both bushings are being replaced
2. Double-check that all fasteners are properly torqued, especially the control arm bolts which must be torqued at ride height
3. Verify the ball joint cotter pin or lock nut is properly installed
4. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for any unusual noises or handling issues
• Verify no clunking sounds are present over bumps
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment, as suspension work affects alignment settings

More procedures for this vehicle