Control Arm bushing bolts

[awh1992]

I bought new upper control arms today, going to install them tomorrow.

They are already pre-assembled with the bolts that go through the bushing tightened, and the ball joint bolted in.

Can I leave the bolts that go through the bushings as they are, or do I have to loosen them and tighten them back down once the weight of the vehicle is back on them?

Thanks!

 

[Merkava_4]

Usually the control arms come with the bushings pressed in and no mounting bolts supplied. Why yours came with mounting bolts is a mystery. But normally, you would slide the control arm into its mount and then install the mounting bolts. You don't tighten the bolts all the way until the weight of the car is resting on its tires. You need ramps so that the car is resting on its tires while you get under there to tighten the control arm mounting bolts.

 

[andyd]

Depends on the bushing. The 3 lobed bushings for my BMW require the wheels to be on the ground (ramps). Additionally, the car should be ballasted to simulate passenger weight. Ureathane bushings are less choosy.Best would be to see what the service manual for your car says to do.

 

[Trav]

Loosen them and retighten with the weight of the vehicle on the ground. I think i know the arms you are talking about, they have 2 bolts that go through the middle of the arm brace to the frame correct?
These can be pre tightened at the factory but that angle is based on new springs, yours may have sagged a little over the years.

 

[hansj3]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Loosen them and retighten with the weight of the vehicle on the ground. I think i know the arms you are talking about, they have 2 bolts that go through the middle of the arm brace to the frame correct?
These can be pre tightened at the factory but that angle is based on new springs, yours may have sagged a little over the years.




This

 

[awh1992]

Yes you are right - two bolts attach the arm to the frame in the middle, and there are two nuts on either end of the bushings.

Do you know how tight (approximate torque) to do these nuts up to avoid binding and tearing the bushings?

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I think i know the arms you are talking about, they have 2 bolts that go through the middle of the arm brace to the frame correct?


That's the way my Buick is: two bolts and two nuts per arm, but that hardware is dealer only, unless you're like me and get them at the salvage yard. I'd be curious to know which car the OP is working on that has the bolts supplied with the new arms.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: awh1992
Yes you are right - two bolts attach the arm to the frame in the middle, and there are two nuts on either end of the bushings.

Do you know how tight (approximate torque) to do these nuts up to avoid binding and tearing the bushings?


No spec is given. Just mentally note how hard they are to loosen then tighten to similar.
These are not going to be that tight.
Just crack them loose, let the car down then bounce up and down on the fender a couple of times before locki9ng them up again.