How to Replace the Front Control Arm Bushing in a Chevy

Remove the old bushings

• Apply the parking brake and place wheel stops on the ground to prevent the wheels from rolling. A piece of lumber or a concrete block can be used if wheel stops aren't available.

• Position the floor jack underneath the front frame rail of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is off the ground, place jack stands underneath a solid part of the vehicle and slowly lower the jack.

• Use the open-ended wrench, ratchet, and the appropriate socket to remove the bolt and nut at each end of the control arm. Cars and trucks use different bolts so the socket size varies from vehicle to vehicle. Only remove one control arm at a time.

• Remove the old bushing by either pressing it out of position or using a hammer and flat head screwdriver to pry the metal sleeve out of position. All bushings use an inner metal sleeve to compress the bushing in place. Removing the sleeve allows the bushings to come free.

• Apply the inner sleeve to one side of the bushing and insert it into the control arm. Apply lubricant to the other half of the bushing and insert it into the control arm. Use a press or hammer to ensure that both pieces are properly installed.

• Reinsert the control arm into place and slide the bolt through the frame hanger and the control arm. Thread the nut onto the bolt and use the ratchet to tighten it down while holding the bolt head with the open-ended wrench. Repeat this step on both ends of the control arm.

• Repeat steps 3 through 6 on the other control arm. With all the bushings replaced, use the floor jack to raise the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Lower the floor jack and remove the parking brake and wheel stops.