🔧 Suspension Bushings - Replacement

On your Explorer, most suspension bushings are not replaced one-by-one with hand tools. The usual repair is to replace the worn control arm or suspension arm assembly that contains the bushing, then align the vehicle afterward.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle on jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Many suspension bolts are tightened with the suspension at ride height; final torque should be applied with the vehicle loaded or the suspension supported.
• An alignment is required after suspension arm or bushing replacement.
• If the vehicle has a brake hose or ABS wire attached to the arm, do not let it hang or stretch.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet set
• Socket set
• Combination wrench set
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Bushing press kit (specialty)
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly - Qty: 2 if replacing both sides
• Front upper control arm assembly - Qty: 2 if replacing both sides
• Rear suspension arm assembly - Qty: 2 if replacing both sides
• New control arm bolts and nuts - Qty: 1 set
• Alignment service - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and let it soak.
• If you are replacing front or rear control arms, plan to get a professional alignment right after the repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the Explorer at the proper lift points.
• Place jack stands under the frame or approved support points.
• Remove the wheel with a lug wrench or impact gun if equipped.

Step 2: Inspect and mark the arm position

• Use a paint marker to mark the position of the control arm bolts and cam bolts.
• Helps keep alignment closer to original.

Step 3: Remove the suspension arm fasteners

• Use the correct socket and breaker bar to remove the arm-to-subframe bolts.
• Use a wrench or socket to remove the ball joint nut if the arm is attached to the steering knuckle.
• If needed, use a ball joint separator to free the taper without damaging parts.

Step 4: Remove the old arm or bushing assembly

• Lower and remove the control arm or arm assembly from the vehicle.
• If you are pressing bushings only, use a bushing press kit to press the old bushing out.
• Press the new bushing in squarely with the bushing press kit.

Step 5: Install the replacement part

• Position the new control arm or bushing assembly in place.
• Start all bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the fasteners snug, but do not fully torque yet if the suspension is hanging.

Step 6: Set suspension at ride height and torque fasteners

• Raise the control arm with a jack to approximate ride height.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten all suspension fasteners to manufacturer specification.
• Torque to factory specification for your exact arm and fastener type.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the Explorer to the ground.
• Tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly and listen for clunks or squeaks.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered.
• Schedule a wheel alignment immediately.
• Recheck fastener torque after the first drive if needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.