Bushings

[rocky]

While replacing the two front struts on my 05 with 120k, had a great opportunity to look at the bushings on the suspension arms.

Didn't exactly like what I saw. Classic signs of rubber cracking and aging. The effect of this aging will be most noticeable when the temperatures drop and the rudder gets harder.

Guess its time to start replacing the bushings. Having done that on a previous vehicle about the same mileage, its amazing how much tighter the car feels.

But first, I have to wrap up the 120k service with fresh VTM4 fluid and rear shocks.....

[TheMuffinMan]

Ehhh, I've got a feeling my '03 with 178k is probably well overdue for some bushing work. How bad is it to change out the bushings on these guys? Similar to other vehicles or are there any tricks? I did a quick search on the forums and couldn't find any DIY

[rocky]

Need a press-perhaps as much as a 20 ton one to press out the old and in with the new

[theirishscion]

Got to be honest, that one doesn't look awful to me, if you're not having drive-ability issues I'd be inclined to wait till you do. It's been my experience that surface cracking (which is what that looks like from the photo) doesn't necessarily mean the interior isn't working fine. Of course, they may be much worse than the photo lets on and cracked all the way to the core, and it certainly won't hurt to do it early if you can do it cheaply and are so inclined.

I have fond memories of big agricultural machines with bushings that looked like that, for oh, 20 or 30 years. Didn't seem to be a harbinger of failure.

[samc]

I have same wear on my control arm bushings as the OP and really it's not so bad. As said if the bushings were cheap enough (including the labor) then might as well do it otherwise don't loose sleep over it.

[belundy]

The surface cracking generally means ozone damage from what I've been able to determine from "rubber experts". If the cracks are more than 1/8' or so deep (use a dental pick), then the hardening is pretty thorough , even though the bushing is still structurally fine (keeps the arm located).

I replaced my daughters '01 Civic low control arm bushings--structurally failed-- which are identical pressed bushing in cast arms type. It took a 20 ton press and a sledge at a local tire shop to get the old ones out. New ones went in without fuss. $25 an arm. Make sure to carefully mark bushing orientation before pressing out.

For my '02 HL, no one makes an OEM style rubber bushing, so I ended up with Beck Arnley lower control arms (with both axial and donut bushings) for $70 a side. The original donuts had deep cracks/fissures but had not failed. The new control arm/bushing sure made a difference in suppleness. Almost new feeling.