The upper control arm bushings on your Chevrolet S-10 truck help protect the upper control arm from damage that may be induced from the other metal components of the underside of the truck. In essence, the bushings act as a padding that reduces friction from the other components. If you wish to install new control arm bushings to your S-10, you will need to lift the truck in order to access the upper control arm. Although it may seem intimidating, installing upper control arm bushings is fairly straightforward.
Position a jack underneath the S10 and raise the vehicle to a comfortable height. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack.
Use a wheel wrench to remove the lug nuts from the wheel and pull the wheel off the S10.
Unbolt the brake hose from the upper control arm with a socket wrench.
Remove the upper control arm's cotter pin with a pair of pliers and loosen the ball stud nut with a socket wrench.
Place a spring compressor onto the coil spring to prevent any injuries that may occur from the coil spring going off.
Use a flathead screwdriver to break loose the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
Use a socket wrench to remove the nuts and bolts securing the control arm to the frame brackets. Place tape where the bushing is connected to mark the sport where you will install the replacement.
Remove the bolts holding the bushing onto the control arm with a socket wrench.
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the bushing off the control arm and snap the replacement bushings onto the control arm. Reinstall the bolts.
Reattach the nuts and bolts securing the control arm to the frame brackets and reattach the ball joint.
Remove the spring compressor and tighten the ball stud nut. Reattach the cotter pin and reinstall the brake hose.
Reattach the wheel and lower the S10.
