Control Arm Bushing

Control arm bushings typically use natural rubber, polyurethane, or thermoplastic elastomers. Natural rubber offers a smooth ride by absorbing vibrations well, but it degrades faster from heat, oil, and ozone exposure. Polyurethane is more durable and resists chemicals, making it ideal for performance applications, yet it transmits more noise and vibration into the cabin. Thermoplastic elastomers blend advantages of both: they resist environmental factors better than rubber and damp vibrations more softly than polyurethane. Your choice depends on vehicle use—daily drivers benefit from rubber, while track or off-road vehicles perform better with harder polyurethane or advanced elastomers.

Service life varies by material and driving conditions. Rubber bushings last about 50,000 to 100,000 miles under normal use but degrade faster in harsh climates or heavy-load applications. Polyurethane bushings can exceed 100,000 miles, particularly on performance or commercial vehicles, due to superior resistance to oil, heat, and ozone. Thermoplastic elastomer bushings generally fall between rubber and polyurethane, offering 75,000 to 120,000 miles of service. Regular inspections during routine maintenance help you track wear and plan proactive replacements before failure.

Begin by cleaning the control arm housing and inspecting for wear or damage. Press in the new bushing using a hydraulic press or bushing installation tool, ensuring it sits flush and aligned. Apply recommended lubricant if using polyurethane. When tightening control arm bolts, position the suspension at ride height or use a jack under the control arm to simulate loaded conditions; this prevents preloading the bushing in a deflected state. Torque bolts to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification, typically between 70–110 lb-ft. Correct torque and alignment extend bushing life and maintain suspension geometry.