How to Preload Rubber Suspension Bushings

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Car Repair

How to preload rubber bushings which are typically found on control arms and other suspension components. Bushings must be preloaded, otherwise, they will prematurely fail. Preloading is when the bushings are tightened in a relaxed suspension position, meaning that the wheels will have to be supporting the vehicle’s weight or with some manufacturers, you may be required to have weight inside to make it seem as if people sitting inside the vehicle. If bushings are tightened while the vehicle is elevated and the wheels are in the air, once lowered, the bushings will be twisting, fighting against the direction they’re being pushed in. This will eventually cause the rubber to tear, crack, or separate. #suspension #autorepair #mechanic

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-jack with stands
-torque wrench
-wrench set
-ratchet and socket set

Procedure:
First starting with the Volvo. As some of you may remember, I replaced the rear control arms. Each control arm has two bushings, one at the subframe and the other at the wheel carrier. Therefore both bushings need to be preloaded.

Once the new control arm and bolts are installed, don’t tighten it up just yet. I will be doing this with the wheel off.

Place a jack stand under the control arm or wheel carrier, in a safe place where the weight of the vehicle can be applied to the suspension. Lower the vehicle so the jack is no longer supporting the vehicle’s weight.

With the wheels in place, it’s very difficult to gain access to these bolts. With the weight on the suspension, the vehicle should be somewhat level as well and this can be checked by sticking a small magnetic level on the subframe.

Ensure the vehicle is safe to work around the suspension, even use addition jack stands as a safety but they should not interfere with the preloaded suspension. If there is a suggested weight required inside the vehicle, then you will also need to follow this specification.

Now tighten the control arm bolts to the correct factory torque specifications. Considering two control arms were replaced, all four mounting points need to be preloaded.

Elevate the vehicle, remove the jack stands, and then reinstall the wheel.

Moving onto another example while on the ground.

Next is a Ranger, this is a different style of control arm, which has two bushings on the frame side, at the steering knuckle there is a ball joint instead. The bushings at the frame will need to be preloaded.

With the truck on level ground, the fender liners covers have been left out to gain access to the control arm bolts. This truck also has adjustments on these bolts for the caster and camber angles, so you’ll need to lock those plates so they don’t move.

Reach inside the fender wells and tighten those bolts to the correct torque specifications. With these control arms, there will be two points that are preloaded, so the rear and front mounting points for each control arm.

Once done, you can then reinstall any covers and you’re done.

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