Control arm bushings

[Mgcmgc]

Hello

My front control arm bushings are squeaky when going over bumps. When I spray them with water there isn’t noise for a few days.

Can the bushings be replaced only rather than the entire control arm unit?

Thanks

 

[shucker1]

Upper or lower?

Yes the can but it's major surgery either way.

Unless you have access to an air hammer set and a really good air compressor it might be more beneficial and easier for you to get the complete set with new ball joint included.

Usually it's the ball joint that makes noise not the bushing.

 

[MAS Tequila]

If it's the uppers, just change them, they're inexpensive.

The lowers aren't too bad to have the bushings pressed out and the new ones pressed in.

And since you posted in the 2nd Gen area, you won't have any questions as to whether the T-bars fit correctly.

On a 3rd Gen that's not an issue.

 

[Mgcmgc]

Oh man my mistake. This should have been posted under 3rd generation as it is a 2003.

Thanks

 

[Mgcmgc]

If it is the ball joints would spraying water on them make their noise go away?

 

[swshawaii]

Possibly. But only if the rubber boots are leaking or missing. See pics in link below.
How To: Replacing Upper Ball Joints on a 3rd Gen 4x4 [Pictures] | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

Also check for dry or worn sway bar frame bushings. VERY common source of squeaks.
How to: Replace Sway Bar bushings (frame only) | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

 

[Sensei Wu]

Similar issues. I've replaced everything except the lower control arm bushings. Does anyone have any imput or can lead me to some good info on how much of a pain it is to change them? It would be much appreciated! The rear look easy enough but not sure about the front. {pressed in}. The only information I see is on the upper ones, not sure why. Thanks so much for your help and good luck with yours!

 

[J_C]

^ You are in the wrong subforum. The rear on a 2nd gen doesn't have control arms in the rear.

However if your issue is just a squeak, not dry rot to the point of slack/sloppy-control failure, you can just get a silicone grease cartridge (used with a grease gun) and a grease needle and inject some grease into the bushing.

If soapy water resolves it, then you just need a longer lasting lubricant.

However, you can get a new control arm with bushings already installed, or you can get bushings and use a hydraulic press or much fighting with a hammer, torch, saw, whatever, to destructively remove them before pressing more in with a hydraulic press (Or again much fighting with a big enough hammer and whatever to help beat them in).