Changing arm bushings...

TeamGreen · February 6, 2002

How hard is it to change you arm bushings? Mine are getting worn and have some cracks, so I think its time for some new ones. Where can I get some good aftermarket arm bushings for my 89 Sierra?

Heavy Cruiser · February 7, 2002

Separate the top ball joint and unbolt the control arm. Place arm in vice and drill out the rubber, then use a chisel to make the outer shell of the bushing smaller and bushing falls out. Press in new bushing.

Replacements can be polygraphite or urethane, if you don't mind squeaking, lube very well before install into frame. Otherwise, use MOOG or OEM.

Replace arm onto vehicle, might want to check the ball joint for replacement, now would be the time. Lower vehicle onto the ground, biuce front end up & down, then do the final tightening to the hardware. Take to alignment shop.

bassdog · February 8, 2002

Doesn't sound like something I'd want to try at home

TeamGreen · February 8, 2002

Well I replaced my upper ball joints before so I guess it wouldn't be much harder. Where would be a good place to buy these online?

Shaners · February 8, 2002

I'm guessing that the savings to buy them online wouldn't be that great. You would probably be best off just going to AutoZone or someplace similar.

Kansas Kid · February 8, 2002

I've got Energy Suspension bushing on my truck. Absolutely no squeeking at all, which kind of suprises me. The old rubber ones that were on the truck when I bought it made lots of noise. One tip on how to remove the old bushings. Once you get the control arm free from the truck, we found it easiest to take a large "picklefork" and use it to seperate the outer shell. After the outer shell on both ends are off, you can just press the bushing out with a press. Works pretty slick if you can find a large enough picklefork.

If your going to do the lower control arm bushings at the same time, make sure you pick up the tool to remove the torsion bars. I didn't have one when I rebuilt the front end of my truck, and there is no way in he!! that torsion bar was coming out without the special tool. So sometime this summer I get the fun job of going back in there and replacing the lower ones. The lower ones are alot more work, and require you to remove dang near everything on the front end. If you haven't replaced the lower balljoints, I highly recommend doing them at the same time. Just remember to have fun with the lower ball joints if they are original, because they are riveted in!