How to Replace Control Arm Bushings (FAST)

Control Arm Bushing Replacement. This video will show you how to easily replace Upper Control Arm bushings (press the old ones out and press the new ones in with common tools). This job is fast and easy and can be done with basic hand tools and a ball joint or bushing press which you can rent for free at your local parts store.
You can also use this method to replace bushings in your leaf springs and pretty much anything that has pressed in bushings!
Get inexpensive bushings here: www.amazon.com/...
Here is the press kit I used (and I really like): www.amazon.com/...
How to Press a Ball Joint: • How to Press a Ball Joint
How to Replace a Chevy Upper Control Arm: • How to Replace Control...
How to Replace a Ford Upper Control Arm: • How to Replace a Contr...
How to Replace a Lower Control Arm: • Replacing Lower Contro...
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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.

[@electronicsNmore]

Always a good idea to insert a metal spacer of the correct thickness in the control arm next to the bushing before using the press. Great video!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks!

[@seabass22]

Yeah. Wish I did this. Now I’m screwed!

[@TheWorldisTemporary]

Are you talking on the removal or the installation?

[@farmdve]

How?

[@TheSubpremeState]

Huh?

[@chucklaneChuckylane]

You seem to have a pretty good, clear manner of explanation and a professional presentation so I'm going to subscribe. I have a lot of work ahead of me on a GMC Sonoma I just got last July & I think you can offer some good advice. I had a close friend that used to help me and he passed away 12 yrs. back. I miss him as a friend a lot but when it comes to automotive shit where I need help, I really miss him. Thanks for the videos

[@chrisfix]

chuck lane Thanks a lot Chuck! Im sorry to hear about your friend but I am sure he is looking down at your Sonoma and waiting for you to get at it!

[@shakiras3658]

It's helpful to add lubricant to the threads of the tool, preferably one that is good for high pressure contact. Some of the resistance is due to friction in the threads. It will also extend the life of the tool.

[@eksine]

Use grease not oil

[@robertwillett7854]

It’s not his tools it’s the part stores remember? Who gives ashit

[@da324]

@@robertwillett7854 I'd say your comment speaks volumes about your character, but you have none.

[@TheRoyalBavarian]

@@da324 He is absolutely right about lubricating that screw.

[@da324]

@@TheRoyalBavarian I never said anything about lubricating a screw. Must have mixed my comment up with someone else.

[@jase042086]

This video really gave me the confidence to replace bushings on lower arm. Thanks Chris!

[@d0983]

Your the best thing that's ever happened to my ability to work on cars dude. Good video!

[@EqualKinks]

9 years ago, I love ya for this chris!

[@seanbrooks4273]

Doing this on a chevy. Thx just got back with rent a tool. Really helpful for multiple applications!

[@ChristopherMaybe]

Considering this repair, as a novice, what I can't tell by this video is what exactly was wrong with the old bushings? Perhaps add symptoms to the vid. I don't want to replace good bushings. I LOVE your instructionals!

[@ericb1294]

Symptoms would be bad alignment or a loud rattle coming from the area around the wheel. You’ll usually be able to tell if the are bad just by looking at them and seeing if they are cracked.

[@cavy95]

Chris, your deserve every $ you make from these videos. Thank you sir!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot! I hope the videos continue to help!

[@denttech8447]

Videos are always easier than real life. Good luck.The hellwithallthat I can get a new control arm with new ball joints for 60 bucks.

[@Joey-rr7cl]

I cant believe I learned how to replace a control arm bushing in less than 5 minutes! You Rock!

[@chrisfix]

Chris Thanks man! I wanted to make a shorter version to make it even more concise.

[@dilink23]

Another great , simple and well informed video as usual

[@jimiburns6891]

Moral of the story: Unless you are retired, unemployed, or don’t rely on your car to get to work, do not do what the video says, just get new control arms complete with bushings and/or ball joints. You will have enough work just breaking thru rust to swap control arms, much less removing AND replacing bushings and ball joints.

[@papichulo6258]

Hell yeah big dog you are a big blessing in disguise keep up the good work sincerity Houston Texas

[@DkDProdutions]

Man this was soooo helpful. If it wasnt for you i'd still be trying to bang those bushing out haha. thanks man keep up the good videos! New sub here👍

[@petermorton2869]

Hi Sir I've got the very similar tool that you have got only my unit is a Pro Tool Press for replacing Ball Joints & I have a lot longer G unit than you your one Sir but it's the same principle as your one & so tomorrow I will be pressing out a Bush on my brother's Mustang wishbone bone & it looks quite easy & my Pro Tool Press is for 4WD Ball Joints & seeing your video it looks amazing to see how you tool pushes out ot the Bush & if I don't have the right size fittings in my set I a truck socket set that will fit the bust to push the Bush out but I will try my fittings first to see if they fit if they fit nice I just use the ones out of my Pro Tool Press Set I Thank You So Much Sir for putting this on Utube & I Wish You Well All The Very Best Sir For What You Do Sir THUMBS UP Thanks Again Sir For Making This Video & Putting It On Utube Great Stuff I'm from New Zealand Kind Regards Peter

[@motorhazards12]

You could not have posted this at a better time, I need to do this to my truck next weekend.

[@chrisfix]

motorhazards12 That is what I like to hear! Also, feel free to comment on any video and just ask, "Hey ChrisFix, have any bushing replacement videos?". Sometimes I can send a link to a video I already have or I can post one up, like this! Let me know how your bushing replacement goes!

[@cesarbarrientos8089]

With the knowledge from this video I begin my mission. Right now

[@christmasnon-stop4088]

you have help me in all my car fixs thank you a lot . harry in canada

[@BartHull]

I am going to borrow this tool from AutoZone to pull a bushing out of a 1974 Case 580 Backhoe front axle pivot. Doing this on the ground vs lifting this onto a press table is a no-brainer. It takes 3 people to pick up this axle and that is BARE. Bart D. Hull Laveen. AZ

[@badi3cover847]

everything CLEAR AND CLEAN

[@deadpresident78]

I am preparing to do this right now on the same looking upper control arms. 2004 trailblazer Arizona only truck.

[@up2sumgd]

Love your videos. They've helped me out a lot!

[@MrLuescher]

Is it not recommended to use an impact driver for this?

[@surfibit]

wish i knew about this tool before going it alone with a couple C clamps some washers a screw driver and a new bolt ??? not to mention it seems a lot more fun with just a rubber bushing like on the rear of mu 05 Tibby. felt like I hit a time warp, but hung in there till the job was done celebrating with a few Hineys go team ! ps my arm is kiling me

[@davidgieswein6657]

Love the video, great job.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks!

[@h34dsh007er]

Hey I have a question I have a 2002 Tahoe lt and I'm replacing the lower control arm bushing and it's rubber without the metal outer sleeve it also has a lip kind of like a flare built into the rubber

[@iwojima1223]

Thanks for posting this video Chris! Can I also use this when replacing bushings on a rear control arm?

[@chrisfix]

+Iwo Jima Yes, this works for any bushing that can be replaced in any control arms. It also works for bushings in leaf springs, and other car parts that have bushings.

[@mr24k78]

Thank you for the great video, I appreciate it! It has been a great help to me.

[@chrisfix]

mr24k78 Great! I am glad the video was helpful! New automotive "how to" videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!

[@phariseejohnson5151]

Why you can't be in Atlanta? You're past beyond good, you're damn good!!

[@abdalqadr1]

You are smart man I respect you too much

[@EminHVAC]

As always great video Chris. Always appreciated.

[@chrisfix]

Emin HVAC Thanks bud!

Chris on 4.58 you could have put that rod screw from the left side and lock it in a vice to remove the brush

[@chrisfix]

+Keishil Prabhudas thanks for the tip

[@InCountry6970]

Great video and I have seen most of them Thanks

[@RoadtoEcoEmpwmt]

I wish this video showed how you took the old bushing out and then installed the new one 😊

[@adamkeith3625]

that helped me out big time. thanks, ChrisFix.

[@chrisfix]

+Adam Keith awesome! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@engilberttanudraracho6272]

Nice one friend big ideas

[@MrSilvernblackblood]

What's the best tool to press out and install rear axle beam bushings? A ball joint or upper control arm bushing kit?

[@louisphng1]

very clear and detail video

[@chrisfix]

louisphng1 Thank you!

[@marouaneahdadouch7219]

You're awesome man

[@nydrell1969]

Well done bro,well done

[@skyscreek]

Great explanation 👌 Thank you!

[@cougarking1968]

Make sure you put a spacer between the space of those bushings when pressing out...bent one of my arms a little without it

[@doug900S]

Nice video, thanks!

[@jasonkoslow4174]

Love your videos. I used to never work on my car. How do you know when to replace the control arm bushings??

[@armaletalia3254]

Inspect the rubber. If you observe tears or cracks in the rubber, it is time to replace the bushing. There is not much to be concerned about other than the rubber. The metal part of the bushing won't be much of an issue.

[@mowin4cash]

Excellent! Quality! Great KZbin Video

[@chrisfix]

mowin4cash Thanks a lot! I am glad the video was helpful!

[@35TheDarkknight]

Excellent video. .Thank you

[@thehegt]

Auto zone and advance auto parts doesn’t have that tolls Chris where can I loaned that tools please

[@angelzucchet8543]

Thanks for the video 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😄

[@JohnSmith-vq1kf]

How much deformation on the control arm "ends" since no spacer was put between the metal pieces on the control arm while pressing....

[@MisledDan]

I tried renting that same kit from my local parts for my truck's upper control arms and while I was able to get the balljoints out just fine, none of the adapters fit the bushings. I also tried renting a bushing driver kit from them but all those adapters were too small!

[@chrisfix]

Darn! You might need a specialty adapter, fortunately it shouldn't be too expensive!

[@brianmuso]

Quick Question for Chris, I was told today that the lower control arm bushings were bad. I have a 2006 Honda Accord EX V6 3.0 MT and so I called my local Honda Dealership to figure out my options. Because of where I live (city) I really don't have the flexibility of just dismantling my car in the parking lot but after finding out that Honda wants almost $500.00 for the labor alone I called a buddy of min with a garage and for the cost of a case of cold rona's I'm cleared for work. Besides this is something I know I can do myself but had a few questions to ask you. I wanted to know: 1. If I should use OEM or Aftermarket parts (Honda vs Duralast) 2. Should I replace the whole control arm or just the bushing 3. Should I go ahead and replace anything else, like upper control arm or bushings and my lower ball joint Honda Price chart is as followed: ( I make my local dealership price match online competitors which is usually a 30% to 45% savings. I myself use www.HondaPartsNow.com and as long as I include shipping cost in my print out they will match the price no problem. My particular control arm has 3 bushings - HONDA OEM Parts - 12 Months Warranty Lower Ball Joint - $64.24 Lower Control Arm Bushing - $16.67 Inner Control Arm Bushing - $9.04 Shock Absorber Bushing - $15.41 Whole Control Arm - $309.90 ( I don't know if the lower ball joint is include in this) AUTOZONE Prices - Limited Lifetime Warranty Lower Ball Joint - $35.00 Lower Control Arm Bushing - $10.99 Inner Control Arm Bushing - $9.99 A. (KIT) Shock Absorber Bushing - $9.99 A. (KIT) Whole Control Arm - $114.99 (Over the phone they say that the lower ball joint comes with this) My Honda has 110,000 miles on it but is in fantastic shape because I maintain it well but I know that its about that time where parts will start to fail, the ball joint may be good today but come next year or that pot hole I know I will hit tomorrow, it may not be. I am looking to do this soon and your input would be invaluable in helping me make a decision. I can fix the broken part for 25.00 today or I can order the control arms and future proof myself a little bit and save on some labor. I'm not really worried about the "effort" I have to put into it, I just want good sound parts on my car that will have the lowest failure rate. Also, I have watched a bunch of your videos and I am a subscriber, great work but I am confused with something. You have a video about bushing preload, well in your other videos you torque the bolts down prior to dropping the vehicle. Did you make this video because you realized that you missed that step or is that video only for certain types of control arms? If I am going to put this thing on myself I would like to know the right way to do it. Assemble and torque or assemble, tighten lower then torque? Thanks again.

[@chrisfix]

TouchyFeely I would check your ball joints (Here is a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGPFh6Ftep2ar80), check out the tie rods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKOsY5mbjs54n5o, and just visually inspect everything. There is no need to replace the whole control arm unless the ball joint and bushings are built in. Sometimes the control arm comes with a ball joint and bushings and to make your life easier, just do that. I wouldnt go duralast. Can you get moog. Here is a link to a front upper control arm for examble, by ac delco (good company): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JB27XE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004JB27XE&linkCode=as2&tag=chri0e2-20&linkId=JG3KFQJWHJ2YV32G

[@DatBawCasen_]

If anyone can answer this question .. I have an 08 Crown Vic .. should I change the whole “ lower control arm “ or just the “ bushings “ cause the price for the control arms is money that I don’t have .. REPLY PLEASE ‼️

[@oregonn437]

If aint broken dont fix it. Check which needs to be replaced. The control bushings wear out . and control arms break. Find out which one u need

[@yungoldhead215]

Throw the whole car away ..lol

[@johnbower]

The control arm frame is hollow, you should have had a spacer inside the hollow frame to stop it collapsing inwards, both when pressing the old bush out and the new bush in.

[@JoshCollects]

got any tips on subframe bushings? or is burning them the only way to go?

[@paull4486]

I like your black sticker; it has nice graphics and very artistic. I would like to see you keep your videos on KZbin and not building your own website as this would take out the raw feelings and the idea of free innovative creativity. But I do understand the economic factors of having your own website.

[@chrisfix]

Paul L Hey Paul, I am not taking my videos off KZbin at all. That will never happen.

[@khaledomoralmotairy2263]

Thanks

[@learndogrow7948]

I clicked on the "how to replace Chevy upper control arm" link, and it took me back to another version of this video.

[@iblanco1970]

Hi. This tool kit can be used to replace wheel bearing also?

[@chrisfix]

I would use a dedicated wheel bearing removal kit!

[@doomkid02]

Will this work for those huge subframe bushings?

[@davestone2326]

What brand is your bushing kit ,Mr. Chris , ?

[@TheHellraiser95]

So when pushing them back in, how do you keep the two from smashing together

[@fransicogutierrez3574]

Great job

[@denroadams2207]

my upper control arm is much different from yours, mine has a shaft running between the two bushings. I would love to know how to replace the bushings on mine with a shaft running through both bushings???

[@keithkuhn9365]

HEY CHRIS YOU DO IT ALL BRO. YOU THE MAN BUDDT NO SHIT. KEITH

[@TheLansang]

Where did you rent those tools? Thanks

[@philipbabb]

Thank you.

[@dean3583]

It's a $500 labour and part quoted by Honda dealership for an hour job.

[@boostedfb6brah609]

Delboy that's not bad for the Honda dealership. I went in to get my oil changed in my Civic SI and was going to let them change my manual transmission fluid since it was past due and was thankfully I asked about how much it was before I let them do it because it was 299.99 just to change the fluid.

[@carslover3509]

great job

[@chrisfix]

amjad amj Thanks man!

[@poydapoyderson646]

Looking for how to put in the second one once you install the retaining arm through the first one and therefore can no longer put a press bush in it...

[@iamher6422]

I’m sure by now Chris is using an impact… 😂

[@allanflintoft4094]

good video

[@Steverinomeister]

Shouldnt you have inserted the control rod before pressing the bushings in?

[@kevinzarate7810]

Will this work on honda vertical bushing? I know there's a different tool for that one but I wouldn't like to buy to different tool removal for a different position of the bushing

[@jperez1083]

Is that the harbor freight ball joint press?

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

Could you use an impact wrench instead of a rachet?

[@gsc2866]

No never use a impact on that press tool

[@mikegrindstaff]

I have used an impact driver on similar tools...but just like other stuff...its best to brake it free with a breaker bar and then use the impact driver to finish

[@mexusasingreat5611]

Chingon. Thanks

[@keithkuhn9365]

HI JUST CURIOUS - - DID YOU SOAK IT WITH LIQUID WRENCH FIRST ?

[@chrisfix]

KEITH KUHN Yes I did hit it with some penetrating fluid. In the short video I do not include this step but the more in depth video I show everything: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4HFfWx-ia2NnZI

[@LuisHerrera-pb9mk]

nice tool

[@piloto5248]

thanks good tutorial

[@marcoespinoza8330]

What about about bushings with the metal sleeves

[@bartovines2219]

where did you get that press kit? none of my autopart stores rent nor sell a press kit like that with plenty of accessories to work with.

[@leemalone8497]

If you check out Amazon or a ebay,you'll find plenty of them

[@jhanTheman]

Hey Chris, where do you get torque information for bolts and stuff?

[@chrisfix]

Jhan Santiago I have service manuals, I call the dealership, I search online, etc. I know, sometimes it is a real pain! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!

[@brocktyler2818]

Thx

[@ELlos210]

Thank you for your videos!!!!

[@chrisfix]

ELlos210 You are welcome! I am glad the videos have been helpful!

[@ELlos210]

ChrisFix how do I measure the bushings for my 2002 v8 Lincoln ls???? I can't find them anywhere!!!!!!

[@chrisfix]

Upper or lower control arm bushings?

[@ELlos210]

ChrisFix upper control arm

[@chrisfix]

You might have a hard time finding them becuase the whole control arm with new ball joint and bushings is so cheap: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FFDWAEQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FFDWAEQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chri0e2-20&linkId=7ZO5ZHBQJ5ONJE6Z

[@mainsfortes5778]

Why use a 30 mm socket when you have the tool kit? We would like to see the tool kit being used exclusively without that 30 mm socket.

[@EricWilliams-hg4vf]

We also rented the kit and it was useless, and had to buy a 30mm socket too.

[@psdaengr6155]

flip the control arm over so the open side of the "c" faces the open side of the press

[@chrisfix]

+psdaengr Thanks for the tip!

[@UncleRed1999]

I'm way late for this, but can anyone tell me the symptoms of a bad control arm bushing?

[@frankenstrat25]

have you ever tried harbor freights ratcheting breaker bar? doesnt really make too much sense but yea, just wonderin if you have lol

[@chrisfix]

frankenstrat25 I have never tried the ratcheting breaker bar. Have you?

[@frankenstrat25]

ChrisFix i havent haha i never saw a point to buying it i usually break bolts loose with my breaker bar then i can just use my ratchet, but it seems like it would be a good tool for using a ball joint press tho. or someone too lazy to put down their breaker bar for the ratchet

[@chrisfix]

frankenstrat25 Also sometimes the bolt is in a tight spot and you cannot get the breaker bar on because the clearance. And since there i s no ratcheting part, you need to take the socket off and turn it.

[@frankenstrat25]

ChrisFix i just stopped at my local HF and it seems they dont have a half inch ratcheting breaker bar. just 3/4 and 3/8 the 3/8 i actually liked it was nice and smooth geared. it was kinda low profile. only 17 inches tho. but its nice to have if you gotta run to the junkyard. basically a nice oversized ratchet. finer teeth than my duralast ratchet. too bad i dont use my tools everyday to see how they hold up. ill be going into diesel soon so ill be able to see then. but i like the idea of the ratcheting breaker bar, but until i buy one ill just use a pipe on my ratchet lol

[@MrDragonfly]

+Chrisfix can i use the C clamp for this process if i dont have the right tools?

[@jdmDC2ftw]

how does a bushing press look like?

[@arunmanickam1709]

Why did you use a ball joint press instead of a bushing press?

[@wbrockstar9550]

AutoZone,O'Reilly's,etc sells a bushing press kit,but they don't rent them.They do rent a ball joint press kit though,so I'm making an assumption here by saying this specific tool was used due to the fact that it's rentable vs having to buy the bushing press kit seeing as how youll likely only use it one time or very little.

[@michaeltalmadge2981]

What do you do if the rubber and the center of the bushing is out but not the outer rim?

[@TheSubpremeState]

Hacksaw and hammer

[@sterrshow5016]

idid this fast and tore both boots on the ball joints i was pressing in with the cup

[@93paxon]

what experience do you have Chrisfix?

[@chrisfix]

Sam Bishop I have 8= years of automotive experience, 15+ years of photography/videography experience, and a college degree.

[@Shalmaneser1]

Can someone recommend a heavier duty kit?

[@jocboii793]

do a CV axle

[@sci8]

2nd video and still showed the control arm developing a crack as you pushed the bushing out. :/

[@theripper121]

The control arms used in the videos is probably just used for demonstration purposes and probably trash and will never be put in service again.

[@BigCatchGaming]

I normally just replace the whole control arms bc I never want to deal with this lol

[@biswanathkujur409]

How to purchase