Front suspension Upper Arm bush replacement

Every now and then someone asks the question "whats that clunk I hear from the front of the car whenever I go over a bump?"

More often than not, its caused by some bushes being loose or worn in the upper arm suspension.

You might also have you car bounced for a warrant because these are alleged to be loose or worn. Be aware though that you are allowed up to 4.5mm movement of this component due to these bushes.

Anyway, the removal and reinstallation of the arm is no more difficult than removing and replacing a tyre. Disclaimer: information provided herein is to be used at users own risk.

Left: The arm in question. Undo the big bolt that secures the near side of the arm to the suspension conglomerate.

You'll need two 17mm sockets or ring spanners on each end.

 

 

 
   
Left: the bolt removed
   
Right: Next thing is to undo the 4 bolts that hold the arm plate to the chassis. The top nuts are 17mm and the bottom ones are 14mm

When doing these back up, tighten to a torque of 108-127NM for the top nuts and 59-78NM for the bottom ones.

88-108NM for the bolts which secure the arms.

 

 
   
Left: remove the assembly and undo the bolt which holds the arm to the bracket.

Right: the bushes that need to be replaced are the two indicated by the red arrows. You can either get them rebushed - about NZ$75 or buy a new arm.

Installation of the arm is reverse of removal.