Control Arm Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear control arm bushings on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing kit (upper or lower as needed) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K200923/K200924
• Control arm hardware kit (if fasteners are damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level concrete surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with heavy-duty jack stands - do not support on axle
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all control arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
7. Position a hydraulic floor jack under the rear axle differential to support the axle weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Place a floor jack under the rear differential housing and raise it just enough to take the weight off the control arms while keeping the suspension at approximately ride height. This prevents the axle from dropping suddenly when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Remove control arm frame mount bolt
   Locate the control arm to frame mounting bolt at the front of the control arm. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the nut from the frame mount bolt. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers. The bolt may need to be held with a wrench while removing the nut. Drive the bolt out using a punch or drift if necessary.
3. 3

   Remove control arm axle mount bolt
   Locate the control arm to axle mounting bolt at the rear of the control arm. Remove the nut and washer from the axle bracket bolt. Again note the orientation of all hardware. Remove the bolt, using a punch to drive it out if it's seized in the bushings.
4. 4

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, pull the control arm away from the vehicle. The arm may require wiggling or light prying to free it from the mounting brackets. Inspect the control arm itself for cracks, bends, or damage. Replace the entire arm if structural damage is found.
5. 5

   Mark bushing orientation
   Before removing the old bushings, note their orientation in the control arm. Many bushings have offset centers or specific directional installation requirements. Take photos or mark the control arm and bushing with paint to ensure correct reinstallation orientation.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing removal tool, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Position the control arm on press supports so the bushing can pass through. Apply steady pressure - do not hammer excessively. If bushings are severely seized, cutting the rubber and collapsing the inner sleeve may be necessary.
7. 7

   Clean control arm bores
   Thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the control arm using a wire brush and cleaning solvent. Remove all rust, rubber residue, and debris. The bores must be completely clean for proper bushing installation. Inspect the bores for cracks or deformation.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of dish soap or bushing lubricant (not grease) to the outer sleeve of the new bushings and the control arm bore. Position the bushing in the correct orientation based on your earlier markings. Using a hydraulic press or bushing installation tool with proper size adapters, press the bushings into the control arm until fully seated and centered. Ensure the bushing flange is tight against the control arm surface.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to axle bracket
   Position the control arm back into the vehicle. Start with the axle bracket end first. Insert the axle mounting bolt through the bracket and control arm bushing. Install the washer and nut, but only hand-tighten at this stage. Do not fully torque yet.
10. 10

    Reinstall control arm to frame bracket
    Align the front of the control arm with the frame mounting bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust axle height slightly to align the holes. Insert the frame mounting bolt through the bracket and bushing. Install washer and nut, hand-tighten only.
11. 11

    Load suspension to ride height
    Using the floor jack under the differential, raise the axle until the suspension is at normal ride height (wheels would be on the ground). This loads the bushings in their operating position before final torquing, which is critical for bushing longevity.
12. 12

    Torque control arm fasteners
    With the suspension at ride height, torque both the frame mount and axle mount nuts to factory specifications. Torque values are not available in this database and vary between upper and lower control arm fasteners. Do not guess — consult the factory service manual for the exact specification for each fastener before final torquing. Torque both ends while suspension is loaded.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Lower the axle jack and remove it from under the differential. Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to the factory specification for this vehicle's wheel configuration (verify exact value in the service manual) in a star pattern. Repeat the pattern to ensure even torque.

Reassembly

1. If both sides were serviced, repeat all steps for the opposite side
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with suspension at ride height
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and alignment - vehicle should not pull to one side
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have vehicle professionally aligned if steering wheel is off-center or tire wear patterns change
• Inspect fasteners for proper torque and no looseness after first week of driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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