Replace worn radius arm bushings on the lower control arm to restore proper suspension alignment and eliminate clunking noises during driving.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm radius arm bushings (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 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, but do not remove
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove front wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the ball stud while removing the lower nut with a 17mm socket. Disconnect the end link from the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Using a 21mm socket, loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool to press the ball joint stud out of the steering knuckle. Do not strike the ball joint stud directly with a hammer as this can damage the joint.
   ⚠The ball joint separator will apply significant force. Ensure the tool is properly seated before applying pressure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the arm's weight. Raise jack just enough to take up slack but not lift the vehicle. This prevents the control arm from dropping suddenly when bolts are removed.
   ℹ️Maintaining support of the control arm prevents stress on brake lines and prevents the arm from falling when fasteners are removed.
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt that secures the radius arm to the subframe. This is the bolt closest to the rear of the vehicle. Using a 19mm socket and breaker bar, remove this bolt completely. The control arm will now pivot on the front bolt only.
   ⚠This bolt may require significant force to remove. Ensure your tools are properly seated to avoid rounding the bolt head.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Remove the front control arm mounting bolt using a 19mm socket. With both bolts removed, carefully lower the jack supporting the control arm and remove the arm from the vehicle. Note the orientation and position of any washers or spacers.
   Torque spec

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

   Press out old radius arm bushings
   Secure the control arm in a hydraulic press or use a bushing press tool. Position the control arm so the bushing can be pressed out through the lower side. Use the appropriate sized driver from your bushing kit to press the old bushing out of the control arm bore. Repeat for both front and rear bushing locations if replacing both.
   ⚠Ensure the control arm is properly supported in the press to prevent it from shifting during bushing removal. Apply force slowly and steadily.
7. 7

   Clean bushing bores
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the control arm, removing all rust, corrosion, and old bushing material. Inspect the bores for damage or deformation. The bore must be clean and smooth for proper bushing installation.
   ℹ️Small imperfections in the bore can cause improper bushing seating and premature failure.
8. 8

   Press in new radius arm bushings
   Apply a light coating of rubber bushing lubricant or soapy water to the outer diameter of the new bushings. Position the new bushing at the bore opening, ensuring proper alignment and orientation per manufacturer markings. Use the hydraulic press and appropriate driver to press the bushing in until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm. The bushing should be centered in the bore with equal material visible on both sides.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as this can cause deterioration. Press the bushing straight to avoid cocking it in the bore.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the vehicle, aligning the bushing holes with the subframe mounting points. Insert both front and rear control arm bolts finger-tight only. Do not torque these bolts yet. Use the floor jack to support the control arm at the ball joint end.
   ⚠️Control arm bolts must NOT be torqued until vehicle weight is on the suspension. Tightening now will preload the bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure.
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and thread on the castle nut. Torque the nut to specification and install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin tabs to secure.
    ℹ️If the cotter pin holes do not align after torquing, tighten the nut further (not loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Attach the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key while tightening the nut with a 17mm socket to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Then lower the vehicle completely so full weight is on the suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight loaded
    With the vehicle fully lowered and weight on the wheels, torque both the front and rear control arm bolts to specification. This ensures the bushings are in their neutral position when torqued, preventing premature wear. If working on both sides, repeat all steps for the opposite side.
    ⚠️This is a critical step. The control arm bolts MUST be torqued with full vehicle weight on the suspension. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and not supported by jack stands when performing this step.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been torqued to specification
2. Ensure new cotter pins are properly installed and secured on ball joints
3. Remove all tools and equipment from under vehicle
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from front suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all bolts are tight and properly installed
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension geometry has been disturbed
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on control arm bolts and wheel lug nuts
• Monitor for any abnormal tire wear patterns over the next few hundred miles

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