control arms

[joe1975]

Should I use any lube on my rubbercontrol arm bushings while installing?

 

[brusso]

I've always used a silicon spray lube. I don't know the long term bennies, but it makes install a snap. (relatively speaking)

 

[JohnZ]

If they're rubber (not "poly"), no lubricant is required, as there's no relative movement between the rubber and the inner and outer sleeves; the rubber is bonded to both the inner and outer sleeves. The outer sleeve is pressed into the control arm (which locks the outer sleeve in position), and the inner sleeve is locked in position by the serrations on the end of the sleeve when you tighten the bolts. That's why the car has to be on wheels at normal ride height before you tighten the end bolts, or the bushings won't last very long.