Visually inspect the upper control arm bushings, pressed into the ends of the control arm bolted to the frame, and replace any bushings that are split or are misaligned. Position the floor jack under the lower control arm and raise the control arm and suspension. Push in and pull out on the upper control arm using a pry bar.
How do you inspect control arm bushings?
Slide under the vehicle. Visually inspect the lower control arm bushings for cracking, splitting and oil saturation. Insert the pry bar between the frame and the lower control arm. Pry out on the control arm while observing the bushings and the shaft that passes through the bushings.
How do you test lower control arm bushings?
Also, in some instances, you may be able to spot bad control arm bushings with the vehicle on the ground. Have a friend turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the control arm. If the bushings are worn enough, you may be able to see the arm and/or bushings moving back and forth excessively.
How do I know if my bushings are worn?
When bushings wear, they allow more movement. The driver may feel a shimmy from the front of the vehicle, or hear clunking or rattling noises on rough roads, when turning the wheel or in hard braking. Drivers may also experience poor handling or loose steering.
Related Question How do you check control arm bushings?
What is acceptable when inspecting bushings?
Visually inspect rubber bushings for cracks, breakage and contamination from oil or other fluids. Inspect metal bushings for wear by determining if any looseness is evident. Control arm bushings should not have any inward or outward free-play.
How do you inspect lower control arm?
How do you fix control arm bushings?
How do I test my upper control arms?
What do bad bushings look like?
How do I know if my front end parts are worn?
To inspect it, you will need to place a bar between the bottom of the tire and the ground. Have an assistant pull up and down on the bar while you watch the ball joint. If there is play in the joint, or if the ball appears to pop in and out of the joint, then it needs to be replaced.