Control Arm Bushing: Service and Repair
REAR ISOLATOR BUSHINGDISASSEMBLY
NOTE: The removal and installation of the rear isolator bushing from the lower control arm is only to be done with the lower control arm removed from the vehicle. The front isolator bushing is not serviceable
NOTE: To maintain better control when removing the rear isolator bushing, it works best to mount Ball Joint Press, Special Tool C-4212F, in a vise.
1. Install the Receiver Cup (3), Special Tool 9356-4, into the cup of the Ball Joint Press (6), Special Tool C-4212F, and tighten the set screw.
2. Install the Remover (1), Special Tool 9356-2, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press screw-drive.
3. Install the Reaction Plate (1), Special Tool 9356-3, over the end of the control arm (3) so that the arrows on the Reaction Plate point toward the bushing flange (2) on the bottom of the arm as shown.
4. Place the Reaction Plate (2) (on the lower control arm) against the outer flange of the Receiver Cup (3) as shown. Line up the arrows on the Reaction Plate with that on the Receiver Cup and tighten the Press (6) screw-drive until the Remover (1) contacts the outer circumference of the bushing (5). Make sure the Remover contacts the bushing circumference evenly all the way around.
5. Continue to tighten the screw-drive until the bushing is pressed completely out of the lower control arm.
6. Back off the screw-drive and remove the lower control arm and isolator bushing. Remove the Reaction Plate from the arm.
ASSEMBLY
1. Back the Ball Joint Press (2), Special Tool C-4212F, set screw outward so it does not extend out into the cup area (3).
2. Start the isolator bushing (1) into the bottom of the lower control arm bushing bore by hand. Position the bushing so the voids (3, 4) in the rubber are aligned in relationship to the ball joint (2) as shown. Place the wider void (3) toward the ball joint.
NOTE: To avoid losing the position of the bushing (1) in the arm prior to installation, once Step 2 is completed, place a line (using an appropriate marker) across the bushing outer can and the control arm where it can be seen as the bushing is pressed in.
3. Install the Installer (1), Special Tool 9356-1, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press (3) screw-drive.
4. Place the lower control arm (4) upper flange against the cup area of the Ball Joint Press and turn the screw-drive until the Installer (1) contacts the outer circumference of the bushing (2). Make sure the bushing flange sits squarely in the step built into the Installer.
5. Using hand tools, slowly tighten the screw-drive until the bushing bottoms in the lower control arm bushing bore. Do not overtighten the screw-drive; damage to the bushing, arm or tool can result.
6. Back off the screw-drive and remove the control arm (4) from the Ball Joint Press (3).
7. Install the lower control arm on the vehicle.