Info - Proper Diagnosis of Front Control Arm Rod Bushing with Suspected Leak or Clunk Noise

It has been found that front control arm bushings (1) are being replaced unnecessarily for reports of leaking and/or causing a clunk noise from the front suspension.

Assessment of returned parts shows that these bushings were not leaking. Fluid around the bushing has been identified as assembly/shipping fluid which is applied during manufacture.

While it may appear that the bushing is leaking and believed to be the source of the clunk noise, it has been confirmed that even if the bushing had a genuine leak and lost all its fluid, it would not cause a clunk or knock-type noise.

To avoid misdiagnosis of the bushing, follow these steps:

1. Wipe the excess fluid off the bushing.

If the fluid appears to be trapped where the control arm passes through the center of the bushing, remove the bushing from the vehicle and clean the fluid from the center bore of the bushing.

2. Verify if the fluid returns after cleaning. The vehicle will have to be driven in order to put a load on the bushing.

If no more fluid appears, the bushing is OK. If the bushing has been confirmed to be leaking, replace the bushing following the procedures in SI.