Thread: Replacing Front Control Arm Bushings

Hey everyone. I'm in the process of installing some polyurethane bushings into some spare control arms that I have.

I've read over the information available regarding the es suspension bushings. I plan on putting some teflon tape in between the metal sleeve and the polyurethane.

Are people using teflon on the fat cap bushing on the rear of the control arm? I'm thinking that the tape would probably get torn up while installing that cap bushing.

Also what type of lube are some of you using on these bushings? I'm slanting on using something other than the ES grease. The grease that energy suspension has a sticky feel to it. I'm thinking something with a slippery feel would probably be better.

i used the greenish crap from the parts store for brakes. high temp and semi waterproof.

The sticky ES bushing grease is the right stuff to use. Are you a chemist?

The teflon tape should allow the metal rod to slide into the rear bushing easier, and should allow more free movement. You're right it might bunch up, but it sounds like it should be worth a shot to try at least. Make it tight and rotate with the direction you wrapped it and that should help keep it together.

I used the es grease. it is sticky, but works plenty good. I also have a bushing removal tool if you need?

Lol no Ben I'm not a chemist. Just an observation on that sticky ES grease.

the grease is not meant to help with the install. its there to reduce noise and friction over time. it is made to last while in the bushing

Yeah I don't think even battery acid could eff with this stuff. Try getting it off your hands. lol. Note to self; wear gloves!

Can you rent bushing removal kits from say Auto Zone or Advanced?

Wayne yes you can. That's what I did. There is a 5 ton puller you can get from Autozone to push out the center bushings. I also used the ball joint separator fork to remove the cap bushings on the rear end of the control arms.

For the metal sleeves I took the arms to a local shop over here, since I was already taking the arms to get ball joints pressed in. From what the shop guy was telling me all he did was use a deep socket and a press for the sleeves.

I didn't know they made pullers for them, or rented them out? I made my own puller from black iron pipe, and all-thread. I worked flawlessly on all except the control arms. I was able to wiggle the ones off the rear with some WD-40. The front ones was where I had issues. I wound up drilling out the rubber until the inner sleeve fell out, then slicing a groove, with a Dremel, down the outer sleeve. It pretty much fell out after I did that. Those were also the tightest fitting bushings too.