Control Arm Bushing Preload, Important Information!

When changing out your control arms it is very important to install your control arms correctly. It is an easy enough job, but doing it incorrectly can leave you with a control arm that wears out quickly. When you install the control arm and bolt it down to the car's frame, you should keep the bolts to the frame loose, put the tires on, put the car on the ground, and then torque down the bolts to the correct torque with the car on the ground. This will set the proper pre-load.

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[dunebasher]

Good video, and an important point, but it's worth pointing out that many people will have vehicles where it's impossible for them to access the bolts once the wheels are back on the ground. In those cases, they can leave the vehicle on the jackstands and jack up the axle (or each individual wheel if they have independent suspension) to create the same loading effect before they torque the bolts.

[claytonbirdsell]

Brother you are making such a great contribution for all the DIY'ERS. It's often the little things that make a huge difference. Intelligent people enjoy sharing thier knowledge, not weaponizing it. I've been very lucky to have had a lot of great people willing to share thier knowledge. It's the greatest empowerment of all . That puts you Chisfix in a group our country needs . Compliments where acknowledgement is certainly deserved. You score high in my judgement of character. I appreciate people like yourself . It made a difference in my life and you too will make a big difference in even more peoples lives. Great Job! Very sincerely Clay.

[kobayashimaru]

Watched 3 of your videos and then subscribed. I like that you get straight to the point and that you get the camera into those crevices and actually show what's happening with the various components while operating.

[slingshot]

Thanks Chris,
I had just replaced both rear lower control arms, struts, and trailing arm bushings on my 2001 Honda CR-V and was noticing a bunch of strange noises. I'm sorta meticulous (but by no means a car expert) and I knew I had torqued everything correctly with good quality torque wrench but started to check into bushing design. After I realized how they really work I did a google search and this video popped up. I loosened all the bolts, drove it around a mile or so then came back and did just what you said. I Drove it around a few more miles and the effect was stunning. Hardly any noise at all. Thanks for putting up this video. Nice to have someone who knows cars affirm my screw up.

[frmulafan]

This is the only thing on the internet that explains the bushing and control arm relationship.

[TexasPLNR]

An alternative might be to place car load on jack stand under lower arm end. This will allow more room to access the control arm bolts. On some vehicles it will be difficult to reach these bolts w/ tire in place.

[mr.g]

You're videos are absolutely amazing... seriously!! I love being able to dive into a project, after watching one of your videos, with the upmost confidence. Not sure the reason why you ever started posted videos so many years ago, but I for one am glad you did...and kept making them. Thanks ChrisFix, for donating your time to make these for the rest of us!!

[kerryhales]

I decided just to drive over and have you do all the work! You do a very good job in your videos and post-production. Thanks!

[frankdouglas]

Just had the same noise on my car after replacing the lower control arms. I thank God for this post and all you smart mechanics, because I followed directions and everything is working as advertised!

[jimboreaddabible]

This guy is AWESOME! He's straight to the point. Get in. Get out. Job done! With great descriptions and camera view. The way ALL YouTube diy videos "should be".

[edgrrickett]

Yes! thank you Chris I'm getting ready to change all my control arm bushings and I haven't thought about preload until now. and I see where you suggested to jack under the lower control arm with the tire off to simulate the car tire being on the ground. That's how I'm going to do mine! Thank you for all your videos!

[Fluffy]

Pre-load and proper torque are two of the most important and overlooked aspects of working on suspension systems. I've used the jack method dozens of times, and final torque adjustment is also easy to do on the alignment rack.

[chrisfix]

Make sure you put your tires on the ground before tightening those control arm bolts!!!

[tonkmonster]

This is a very important tip! More tips like these, please Chris.

[navdeepsingh]

Watching your videos as I’m going to change lower control arms of my car tomorrow. Really helpful, I would have missed this part if I didn’t watch this video. Thanks Chris.

[lou]

awesome video, love how you show the Rubber Bushings Move when the Vehicle is on the ground. Very detailed excellent. Thank you.

[martinm.]

Cool great explanation on how upper arms moves and tied the bolts! Thanks Chris

[sloppypoppie]

This is the best car fixing channel on Youtube :D

[testabledaddyo]

Thank Chris 😃 I'm going to tackle this project soon replacing the lower control arms, wheel bearings, inner tie rods, adjuster sleeves, power steering lines, front quick struts. Your vids do help.

[InvictusOffRoading]

You probably just saved me from ruining all the bushings on my lift. Thanks for this.