Rear Spindle Bushing

[peterjackie]

Is there a cheaper way to fix the rear spindle upper bushings rather then changing the whole spindle? It seems a bit ridiculous to change the whole spindle just because the top bushing is beat out. Can you change just the upper bushing? It's on a 2003 2 wheel drive

 

[torquelover]

There is a replacement rear knuckle bushing by Dorman. I got mine from Rockauto. They need to be pressed in. I had a problem with one of mine backing out after a spring failed, and had to knurl the sleeve to get it to stay in. Click the link in my sig to see some pics of the old worn out one versus the new one.

 

[peterjackie]

Thanks alot. I couldn't see the link, it wouldn't allow me to look at it. I checked at one of our local parts stores and they found a picture for me of what I thought may be the right part. It's a bushing (rubber or neoprene) with a bold through the center and a steel sleeve around it. Does this sound about right?

 

[peterjackie]

Those pictures explained alot. It's pretty much what I figured it was, seems pretty silly to change the whole spindle just for that bushing. I'll have to look into trying to get a couple. Thanks Alot

 

[05fwd]

I put those in mine as well...

 

[Dee Dee]

My first time on this forum. I need advice on replacing the rear bushings on my 2002 Rendezvous affordably. I was told that the whole assembly had to be replaced, and the parts are only available brand new from GM. Both my rear springs are also cracked. Any advice on how/where to get this resolved the most economically? I am in the Chicago area.
DeeDee

 

[dieseldad97]

There is a replacement rear knuckle bushing by Dorman. I got mine from Rockauto. They need to be pressed in. I had a problem with one of mine backing out after a spring failed, and had to knurl the sleeve to get it to stay in. Click the link in my sig to see some pics of the old worn out one versus the new one.

Newbie here.

Thanks for posting the pics and vid. They were very helpfull. 🙂

 

[vanquisheder]

My first time on this forum. I need advice on replacing the rear suspension bushings on my 2002 Rendezvous affordably. I was told that the whole assembly had to be replaced, and the parts are only available brand new from GM. Both my rear springs are also cracked. Any advice on how/where to get this resolved the most economically? I am in the Chicago area.
DeeDee

To replace the whole assembly is definitely not something I can do. How did you fix it? And did you get new rear springs?

 

[Shelby349]

Is there a cheaper way to fix the rear spindle upper bushings rather then changing the whole spindle? It seems a bit ridiculous to change the whole spindle just because the top bushing is beat out. Can you change just the upper bushing? It's on a 2003 2 wheel drive

A great idea is to order online the knuckle bushings from Ebay made by Dorman.They can be pressed in at a machine shop and changed out fairly reasonably.A great $$$ saver!!!!

 

[Shelby349]

Newbie here.

Thanks for posting the pics and vid. They were very helpful🙂🙂🙂. 🙂

Yes thanks,bringing in the pics to my shop assured them I was ordering the right bushings,Dorman,from Ebay.The vid was great to understand what they do.Wish everyone could be so helpful,what a wonderful world it would beee!

 

[Shelby349]

A great idea is to order online the knuckle bushings from Ebay made by Dorman.They can be pressed in at a machine shop and changed out fairly reasonably.A great $$$ saver!!!!

Follow-up....6 months later and one bushing is found to be tracking in the knuckle.The pressed fit option failed on the one side,probably because the knuckle fit itself had worn.Having to replace the whole spindle.It was worth a shot I guesss!!I hate paying full out the first attempt.RT

 

[torquelover]

Follow-up....6 months later and one bushing is found to be tracking in the knuckle.The pressed fit option failed on the one side,probably because the knuckle fit itself had worn.Having to replace the whole spindle.It was worth a shot I guesss!!I hate paying full out the first attempt.RT

There is a bushing with a c-clip available that prevents the bushing from moving.

 

[trentonman60]

I also had to replace both worn out knuckle bushings. I bought the Dorman replacement bushings and did the work myself. The trick was to remove the assembly, clean it up well, use penetrating oil to help when pressing the old bushing out. I think the oil helps keep the original bore from being galled and enlarged. After the old bushing was out I cleaned up the knuckle really well removing any corrosion and then completely removed the oil used to press the old ones out. The replacements pressed in tightly so I doubt they will walk out. It does make quite a difference, no more clunks when hitting a bump or braking. Also the ride is much better and the handling is no longer squirmy feeling. The hardest part of the whole job was locating torque specs for the parts since aftermarket service manuals for the Rendezvous are very hard to find.

 

[trentonman60]

I have seen the replacements with the snap ring and grove but if I recall they were much more expensive and would be a last resort. The Dorman bushings from rockauto.com were less than $21 each and included a tool to help with pressing them in.

 

[r0adk1ng]

do you have to remove the whole knuckle assembly to remove the bushings ?
any special tools required to do the work.
I just did back rotors and brake pads and noticed the bushing was gone on right rear passenger side.
Did any of you take before and after photos? any diagrams avaialble on the web?
any help would be appreciated. Depending on how the first one goes, I might try doing both.

thanks in advance

 

[CountyMounty]

I am the same boat just denied inspection because both rear "upper control arm bushing" (which I believe is the same as the knuckle bushing part number 905-505). I guess I can not view the photos or video others reference. I am searching to the end of the net trying to find some instructions or video on how to do the job myself do not want to pay the shop $400 for this. I have a nice garage and some tools but so far lack the know how. Can get the Dorman bushing for $20 each but just not sure exactly how to do the replacement.

 

[CountyMounty]

Just an update if it helps anyone else. I did change out both rear upper bushings (aka knuckle bushings). It was a bit of a time consuming process especially on the first side, the second went much quicker because I had learned the process and tricks. I used Dorman Bushings from Advance Auto part number 905-505 they were about $20 each after an online promo code.
I also loaned out a tool from Advance to help out. It was a control arm bushing press tool that wasn't exactly meant for this purpose but it worked with a little modification. I was able to do it without removing the control arm. I only had to remove the wheel and loosen the two bolts that hold the parking brake cable so the bushing bolt would come out. All in all took me about 4hrs, I guess it beats the $350 the shop wanted to do it. If anyone needs more details I'll try to help out.

 

[CountyMounty]

I am having the same problem with one of my new bushing backing out of the knuckle. It pressed in pretty hard but apparently is not tight enough. Before I fork out the money for a new knuckle could you give me an idea of what you did to get yours to stay in.