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What is the technique to determine bad control arm bushings?

95 Chevrolet C/K 1/2 ton truck I would just like to know how to evaluate wear on the bushings if anyone could point me to the right resource, or tell me how to do it. Once I replace any worn parts, I plan to realign the front end.

Thanks, Ros

Reply to
Roscoe Coaltrain
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Roscoe Coaltrain wrote in article ...

I would give them a visual inspection to ascertain that the rubber is in good condition and not deteriorated. Make sure the inner steel sleeve is still encased and not floating/spinning free.

I would then pry against the control arm to see if there is any excessive movement in the bushing. "Excessive movement" is hard to define, and I would base my determination strictly on experience. Sorry I can't be more specific here.

You could, if you wish, compare the rubber in the used against the rubber in the new bushings with a durometer.

If you do decide that you need to change the bushings, make sure you do NOT tighten the bushing bolts until you have let the vehicle down onto the wheels at its normal ride height.

If you tighten the bushings while the vehicle is jacked up and the suspension is hanging down, you will be putting stress on the bushing which will wrap up when the vehicle is lowered, and reduce the life of the new bushings.

Bob Paulin - R.A.C.E. Chassis Analysis Services

Reply to
Bob Paulin

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