Pre load control arm bushings ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pkbinplano · 09-30-2007, 09:37 PM

I mean do you set the truck on the ground then tighten control arm bushings or tighten them with control arms hanging ? Or tighten them when the spindle is attached ?

pkbinplano · 10-01-2007, 06:59 AM

bump- reason asking is that I failed to mark position on one lower control arm before beating out the bushings

Jonboy · 10-01-2007, 08:44 AM

I don't think position makes a differenceon the lower control arms. They can be tightened without a load on them, as they are designed to move after they are tightened up.

454HO · 10-01-2007, 09:25 AM

Actually, for OEM rubber bushings it's better to tighten them when the vehicle is on the ground at nominal ride height. If you tighten them with the front end in the air while the control arms are hanging down, then they will be preloaded 99.9% of the time. Since the rubber is bonded to the center sleeve and outer metal shell, this may cause them to fail prematurely.

If you are talking about polyurethane, they are designed to rotate in the sleeve. So just make sure you have plenty of silicone grease on them to keep them from squeeking.

jkaylor68gmc · 10-01-2007, 09:59 AM

Just make sure the shafts are in the right poistion and they won't come out.

09-30-2007, 09:37 PM	#1
pkbinplano pkbinplano Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plano Texas Posts: 370	Pre load control arm bushings ? I mean do you set the truck on the ground then tighten control arm bushings or tighten them with control arms hanging ? Or tighten them when the spindle is attached ? __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...7496&members=1 84 chevy silverado aka The Bananna Boat

10-01-2007, 06:59 AM	#2
pkbinplano pkbinplano Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plano Texas Posts: 370	Re: Pre load control arm bushings ? bump- reason asking is that I failed to mark position on one lower control arm before beating out the bushings __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...7496&members=1 84 chevy silverado aka The Bananna Boat

10-01-2007, 08:44 AM	#3
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Pre load control arm bushings ? I don't think position makes a differenceon the lower control arms. They can be tightened without a load on them, as they are designed to move after they are tightened up.

10-01-2007, 09:25 AM	#4
454HO Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,224	Re: Pre load control arm bushings ? Actually, for OEM rubber bushings it's better to tighten them when the vehicle is on the ground at nominal ride height. If you tighten them with the front end in the air while the control arms are hanging down, then they will be preloaded 99.9% of the time. Since the rubber is bonded to the center sleeve and outer metal shell, this may cause them to fail prematurely. If you are talking about polyurethane, they are designed to rotate in the sleeve. So just make sure you have plenty of silicone grease on them to keep them from squeeking. __________________ - Greg

10-01-2007, 09:59 AM	#5
jkaylor68gmc Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: TN Posts: 2,448	Re: Pre load control arm bushings ? Just make sure the shafts are in the right poistion and they won't come out. __________________ 1947 International KB-1 1957 Chevy Bel-Air riding low 1962 swb fleetside 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 7-inch lift on 35 Daily driver 2016 Chevy Tahoe Better halves ride



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