Rear Suspension Knuckle Bushing - 4 Ways to Remove/Replace - Chevy Venture AWD

Some valuable tips we learned for removing and replacing rear suspension knuckle bushings, which can be a challenge to press out and back in. Loose bushings can result in uneven tire wear due to poor alignment. These techniques can be used with knuckle bushings on any vehicle.
Many thanks to Al for helping with this project, and having many of the tools we needed.
This particular van is a 2002 Chevy Venture, AWD. The same bushing also fits Chevrolet Uplander; Pontiac Montana & Aztec; Buick Rendezvous & Terraza; Olds Silhouette; Saturn Relay; and Cadillac Allante, DeVille, Eldorado & Seville.

The methods I show are:
1. Using a Ball Joint Press Tool, which you can rent often for free at auto parts stores;
2. Putting a bolt through the middle of the bushing - the key is having spacers the right size to push the bushing out from one side, while pressing on the knuckle from the other side. You'll need a fine thread grade 8 bolt about 1/2" x 6" depending on your bushing and spacers. An air impact wrench is recommended if you have one. Heating up the knuckle with 2 torches can also help.
3. Cut the bushing from the inside with a reciprocating saw or hacksaw. This works best if you can drive the center piece out first, otherwise you have to cut through it too. Stop right at the knuckle, and then press or drive out the pieces.
4. Remove the entire knuckle and have a machine shop press out the old bushing and press in a new one.

To install the new bushing, you can often hammer it in with the installation tool, which is simply a ring the right diameter to press the bushing in. It may help to put the bushing in the freezer or a bucket of ice for an hour first. You could also press it in with either method 1 or 2, but might need different diameter spacers to press in than out.

You may need 2 jacks, one for the vehicle, and one for the knuckle, and may need to remove the brake caliper, rotor and parking brake cable. Hang the caliper aside with an S wire so as not to stress the brake line.
We installed Moog K200840 bushings, but found the new ones were a few thousandths of an inch bigger than the old ones, so had to sand out the knuckle to get them to fit. You might want to go with OEM parts.

[davidparks]

Thanks for the video. On a 2005 Buick Rendezvous the inside bushing was loose on my knuckle bushing so I used a saw's all with a carbon metal blade and made 2 cuts and the out side of the bushing came out easy. I honed the inside and greased where the new one was going in, used heat, hammer, ball joint press and got it done. Before this fix, the dealer wanted $900 per side. Thanks again for the video.

[erock]

This video was very helpful. I wish I would have considered this earlier. Instructional videos are great to show me how to replace something. But, of course, with the job I had, there were several "Oh sh*t" moments. I was working on a bushing in the rear of my Mercury Mountaineer. Different configuration, but similar concepts. I already have a ball joint press tool. So that was helpful, sort of. I suspect the bushing was very old. The press tool pressed out the center of the old bushing, but the outer metal sleeve remained in the knuckle. Just great, lol. I did not have a torch, went to the store for that. That didn't help. I found your video and went back to the store for another torch and bolt hardware to try that center press idea. However, that stupid sleeve did not budge. I found a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade. There was enough clearance in the wheel well so I sawed away. Sure enough the sleeve came free and I was was able to get that out. However, now the brand new bushing is only pressed half way into the knuckle. I highly suspect there is blockage from rust and other build up inside the knuckle. So I had to order a set of sanding drums. Once those arrive later this week, I press out that bushing and do some sanding like you did. I am optimistic that will help. Thanks for sharing this!

[powellwlord]

Dude your video is amazing I went and bought a kit for $229 @ advance auto it couldn't do the job. I had to use the old school technique you posted. I am an old school mechanic and I get the job done the old school way. Anyone watching your video or reading my comment always try the old school way before buying expensive tools peace.

[richsmith]

That was VERY THOROUGH & helpful Thanks !!!

[Texaca]

....nice job, your technique is ingenious... thank you!

[benq.mechanical]

Great video man. Lots of explanation and options for getting that sucker out!

[AshGming]

This was a huge help with my 05 AWD Montana. I had to take off the hub, in order to get room to use my drum puller and I also had to grind a little to get the new one in.

[workonyerowncrap]

Thank you very much for this video. It was very informative and while I didn't need the whole video because I'm very mechanically inclined when I came to actually getting the bushing out this high quality video help me know exactly where to pry to get it to pop out.

[handycrowd]

Nice video, clearly explained. It's important to have the suspension loaded (as you did) before tightening the bolts. Otherwise when you lower the car, it'll put a twist in the rubber part of the bush. Just a note for anyone who jacks up the vehicle under the frame etc.

[jeffantle]

thanks for the video its the same problem with my 2007 rendezous

[dustinguy]

Thanks for this. Very helpful. I had a question about how much torque that impact you’re using is rated at

[borimex]

Great video! One question, do you have to remove the rubber seal in order to push it in with the tool moog supplies?

[jenijohnson]

Very helpful video!thanks for the great tips

[jdrems]

Hi! I was wondering if a stainless steel adapter would be strong enough to press out a bushing and than press it back in?

[mohabatkhanmalak]

Very helpfull, especially the tip to freeze the bushing before installation. Just one Q, if one bushing goes, then is it necessary to change the other side as well..? Thank you.

[terryrydell]

hahahah im so glad i watched not going to do it now ....Im off to the experts

[borimex]

Does the flange go into the knuckle? Or does it stay outside the knuckle as a stop?

[AaronsTalks]

The bush is completed stuck to the control arm. It is unbolted and i've been hammering away. Sooo annoying... But thank you for the video

[mike]

Ford recommended replacing knuckle now i know why.. 2012 ford explorer xlt the replacement bushing doesnt fit! How long do i have to sand? Should i start with a metal file or something? Whats the best lube to use? Does freezing it overnight help?? Someone PLEASE HELP!!!

[seandodwell]

You can alwasy put the new bush in the freezer overnight then heat the arm give you a smidge more room.