154 Auto Suspension and Steering
Replacing Control Arms and
Stabilizer Bars
There is a wide variation in the types of control arms
and stabilizer bars used in rear suspensions. The following
sections give general instructions for replacing the
common control arm and stabilizer bar designs used with
solid and independent axles.
If they are available separately, control arm and stabi-
lizer bar bushings can be replaced. Drive or press out the
old bushing and then press in the replacement bushing.
Figure 8-16 shows a special tool being used to replace a
bushing installed in the stabilizer bar mounting ear of a
solid rear axle.
Caution: Do not attempt to repair a control
arm or stabilizer bar by heating, welding, or
bending. Always replace damaged suspen-
sion parts.
Axle
support
Figure 8-14. Always support the axle before removing the
shock absorber fasteners. (Chrysler)
Weld nut
Nut
Insulator
retainer
Insulator
Bracket
bolt
Insulator
Insulator
retainer
Shock
absorber
Hex nut
Washer
Mounting stud
(lower)
Washer
Bracket
Nut
Figure 8-15. Installing a rear shock absorber on one particular
vehicle. Be sure to return all parts to their proper locations and
positions. (Chevrolet)
Bushing
Rear axle ear
To front of vehicle
Forcing screw
Bushing remover
A
Spacer
Remover receiving cup
Bushing
replacer
Spacer
Bushing
Replacer
receiving
cup
Rear axle
ear
Forcing screw
To front of vehicle
B
Figure 8-16. A—Driving out a stabilizer arm bushing from the
rear axle ear. B—Installing a new bushing. (Ford)
Solid Axle Control Arms, Stabilizers, and
Track Bars
To replace a solid axle control arm, stabilizer, or track
bar, raise the vehicle and support the axle with a jack
stand. After making sure the arm or bar is not under spring
tension, remove the bolts holding the component to the
body and axle. Remove the arm or bar from the vehicle.
Compare the old and new arms or bars to ensure that the
new part is the proper replacement. Install the new part
and torque the fasteners to specifications. Remove the
jackstand and lower the vehicle to the ground. A solid
rear driving axle and stabilizer bar setup is shown in
Figure 8-17. Figure 8-18 shows a track bar used on a
non-driving axle.