Bushings are sleeves or linings that are made out of rubber.You can find them in a lot of places.The lower control arms are where the car frame is connected to the wheel spindles.Bad bushings can cause popping noises, irregular wear on tires, and a shaky steering wheel.It is relatively easy to replace these bushings by yourself with the right tools and techniques.
Step 1: Put on your gloves and protective eyewear.
It's important to keep safety in mind when working on your car.Make sure your eyes and hands are protected from rust and sharp debris.
Step 2: The wheel should be removed.
If you have never removed a wheel before, the easiest method is to use a jack to raise the car and place the tire iron on the lug nut.Use both arms to pull the wheel from the car if you repeat this on all of the lug nuts.
Step 3: Use a large wrench to release the ball joint.
The control arm is connected to the ball joint.The joint of the human hip is a bit like a circular bearing in a sockets.The ball joint nut needs to be loosened with a wrench.The ball joint can be disconnected completely with the use of a hammer.
Step 4: Use a 14-15mm wrench to release the sway bar link.
You will need to remove the link that connects the control arm to the sway bar.To remove the link completely, use the wrench.Depending on what kind of car you have, you may have to hit the connection with a hammer to release the fit.If the link doesn't come off, try hitting it with a hammer.
Step 5: Remove the control mounting bolts with a 19-22mm wrench.
There is a nut on the opposite side of the bolts that needs to be secured with another wrench before they can be removed.The bolt will likely be very tight if the wrench is not secured on it.The arm joint will be less stable after the bolts are removed, so you should hold it in position as you remove the second bolt.
Step 6: To remove it, pull on the lower control arm.
Pull the arm towards you while wiggling it up and down to remove it completely from the mounts.
Step 7: The orientation of the bushing is marked.
There are two places where the rubber casing can attach to the outer metal ring.There is a permanent marker on the control arm.You will be able to replace the bushing in the right direction with this.
Step 8: The bushing should be removed with a press.
The easiest way to remove the bushing is through this method.Place the arm into the press.When the arm is completely out, there will be a popping noise and it will become loose.Don't apply too much pressure to the control arm.
Step 9: A threaded press can be used to remove the bushing.
The method is less effective but can still be used.A threaded press has a cup that matches the size of the bushing.If you want to push the bushing out of the control arm, you have to set up a driver that has the same diameter as the outer shell.
Step 10: If you want to remove it manually, strike it out with a hammer.
If you don't have a threaded press you can use this method, but it will take some time.Don't hit the control arm, focus your strikes on the bushing until it flattens enough to slide out.If you don't have access to a press, you might be better off waiting until you have one.
Step 11: The rubber should be pushed out using a sockets.
You should be able to do this by hand.The rubber needs to be removed before you can install the new one.Push the rubber out with a sockets that fits into the bushing.Use a flathead screwdriver to separate the rubber from the control arm.
Step 12: The control arm has a new bushings in it.
The point of reference is the flex part of the bushing, so make sure it is facing the same direction as the previous one.You will need to press a bit to get it into the control arm.If you apply lubrication to the arm, it can cause it to slide out.
Step 13: The new bushing can be secured with a press.
You will need access to a press.Make sure the control arm stays in place when you place it on the press.
Step 14: Take the control arm out of the mounts.
While pushing, you may have to move the arm up and down.It is important to align the bolt holes while you are working.
Step 15: The bolts need to be replaced by hand.
To avoid cross-threading, place the bolts slightly by hand, but not all the way.You will tighten them with a wrench after you tighten the ball joint.
Step 16: The ball joint needs to be tightened.
Attach the bolt to the control arm.You can tighten the rest of the control arm bolts.
Step 17: The sway bar link and nut should be reinstalled.
Remove the sway bar link from the control arm.
Step 18: Attach the mounting bolt.
The manufacturer requires this bolt to be tightened to a specific Torque.You should use a sockets and extension to do this.
Step 19: The castle nut and cotter pin need to be replaced.
The castle nut needs to be tightened using the sockets and extension.Put the cotter pin into the holes.
Step 20: Put the wheel back on the car.
Remove the wheel from the control arms and use a tire iron to tighten the nuts.The tire iron stops turning when you can't move it.