When changing out your control arms it is very important to install your control arms correctly. It is an easy enough job, but doing it incorrectly can leave you with a control arm that wears out quickly. When you install the control arm and bolt it down to the car's frame, you should keep the bolts to the frame loose, put the tires on, put the car on the ground, and then torque down the bolts to the correct torque with the car on the ground. This will set the proper pre-load.
How to Replace an Upper Control Arm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7bOxQe_WhU
How to Replace a Lower Control Arm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmN2dRAiuj0
Camber Bolt Installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsizWChLOQw
How to Replace a Ball Joint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZztbAShnlxw
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Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

13 thoughts on “Control arm bushing preload, important information!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JonathanA says:

    Whether it's control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, or struts/shocks, always pre-load the suspension when tightening the bolts. Use a floor jack underneath the suspension to load if you need too. I've made the mistake of tightening with the suspension hanging, and heard a loud POP while driving, cause the bushing twisted.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Gebhart says:

    🎉great info.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clayton Birdsell says:

    Brother you are making such a great contribution for all the DIY'ERS. It's often the little things that make a huge difference. Intelligent people enjoy sharing thier knowledge, not weaponizing it. I've been very lucky to have had a lot of great people willing to share thier knowledge. It's the greatest empowerment of all . That puts you Chisfix in a group our country needs . Compliments where acknowledgement is certainly deserved. You score high in my judgement of character. I appreciate people like yourself . It made a difference in my life and you too will make a big difference in even more peoples lives. Great Job! Very sincerely Clay.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garri Davis says:

    So if I’ve done this the wrong way (last week) in theory I should be able to Jack up my truck loosen the bolts a bit , drop the truck and torque to specs ? Will I need alignment again

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars chriss chavee says:

    I had the time of my life and not in a good way changing lower control arm on 15 chrysler 200

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luvaye Avocado says:

    my car is lowered and u cant tighten with the car on the ground

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephane Hamel says:

    Thanks for tips. Cause I did my lower control arms without caring about the car load. I did tight all the way in and I had a nightmare. My front clunked and no answer to my endless questioning, why did I do wrong with my car. Finally someone tells me the reason why. Thanks for your help!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dack Bowland says:

    Ok but how tight to temporarily tighten nuts and bolts before preload and full torque?

    Like just barely on there not even 10 foot pounds, or like temporarily half of the torque spec like lets say 25 pounds, if the spec is 100 foot pounds?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HolyDr1ver says:

    How about lower control with low riding cars? You can't fit down there when car is down.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Noe Gonzalez says:

    Do u have a video on how to install a caster camber kit on a 2002 Lincoln later 3.9 thanks

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christopher Hobby says:

    I put my passenger side control arm on and still have the driver side control arm left to do. Will do this next time. Couldn’t finish threading the caliber bolts b/c I didn’t have a deep socket to use. But thanks for the tip Chris Fix.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 209Stretch says:

    Question, do you need to do the same thing with the lower control arms also?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hard Core says:

    Does this apply to horizontal control arms like say on 2011 Volkswagen jetta? There’s not much room to get under the car at all without it being jacked up.

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