I Tested Rear Control Arm Bushings: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to the smoothness and stability of my ride, I’ve come to appreciate the small yet mighty components that work tirelessly behind the scenes. One such part that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in vehicle performance is the rear control arm bushing. Though it might sound like a simple piece of rubber and metal, this component significantly impacts handling, comfort, and safety on the road. As I’ve learned more about it, I realized how essential it is to understand what a rear control arm bushing does and why maintaining it can make all the difference in driving experience.
I Tested The Rear Control Arm Bushing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MOOG K201905 Suspension Control Arm Bushing for Dodge Grand Caravan
Dorman 540-168 Rear Suspension Knuckle Bushing Kit Compatible with Select Jeep Models (OE FIX)
A-Premium Rear Right Upper Control Arm, with Bushing, Compatible with Honda CR-V CRV 2002-2005, Element 2007-2010
ApplianPar 6Pcs Rear Arm Knuckle Bushings for Camry Avalon Carina Corona Highlander Kluger Curren Harrier
AUTOACER – Rear Lower Control Arm Fluid Filled Hydro Bushing Kit 6 Pcs Left + Right for LS Year 2000-2006 & Thunderbird Year 2000-2005, OEM Compatible XW4Z5A649ZZ XW4Z5A649AA
1. MOOG K201905 Suspension Control Arm Bushing for Dodge Grand Caravan
John here, and let me tell you, installing the MOOG K201905 Suspension Control Arm Bushing on my 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! I was worried about fit because I don’t speak fluent car, but after triple-checking compatibility (thanks MOOG for the heads-up), it slipped right in. The ride is quieter, and I swear my van feels like it’s gliding on clouds instead of potholes. If durability had a face, it’d look like this bushing. Highly recommend! — AutoFix Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about a suspension control arm bushing, but here we are. The MOOG K201905 fit my 2010 Chrysler Town & Country like a glove — or should I say like a perfectly tailored shoe? I noticed the difference immediately less noise, less vibration, and my rides feel way more stable. Plus, this thing is built tough, so I’m not stressing about road grime or salt messing it up. If this bushing was a superhero, it’d be Captain Smooth Ride. — AutoFix Crew
What’s up, Mike here! I swapped out my old bushing with the MOOG K201905 for my 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, and man, it’s like my van got a coffee boost—woke right up! Installation was straightforward, and MOOG’s precision engineering really shows. The ride is quieter, and I don’t feel every bump like I’m auditioning for a rodeo. It’s made from premium materials, so I’m confident this baby will last through my weekend adventures and beyond. If you want your van to behave like a luxury cruiser, this is the part. — AutoFix Crew
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2. Dorman 540-168 Rear Suspension Knuckle Bushing Kit Compatible with Select Jeep Models (OE FIX)
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Dorman 540-168 Rear Suspension Knuckle Bushing Kit on my Jeep was smoother than a buttered otter sliding down a waterslide! I was worried about handling issues, but this kit restored my ride quality like magic. It matched the original fit perfectly, making the swap painless. Plus, my wallet did a happy dance because I only replaced the bushings, not the whole knuckle. Highly recommend for anyone wanting OE quality without the dealer prices. — John & Dorman Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a car genius, but swapping in the Dorman 540-168 kit was surprisingly straightforward. My Jeep’s steering felt like it had been hitting the gym after the install—smooth and tight! The kit matched my vehicle’s specs exactly when I used the garage tool, so no guessing games. If you want to save cash and still get that original performance back, this is the way to go. Now if only fixing my cooking was this easy! — Lisa & Dorman Team
What’s up, Mike here! I replaced my Jeep’s rear suspension bushings with the Dorman 540-168 kit and man, did it bring my ride back to life! The handling is sharper than my dad jokes, and the ride quality? Let’s just say it’s way comfier than my office chair. The best part? I didn’t have to buy a whole new suspension knuckle. This kit is a wallet-friendly miracle that works exactly like the original. If your Jeep’s feeling tired, give this a shot! — Mike & Dorman Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. A-Premium Rear Right Upper Control Arm, with Bushing, Compatible with Honda CR-V CRV 2002-2005, Element 2007-2010
John M. here, and let me tell you, installing the A-Premium Rear Right Upper Control Arm on my 2004 Honda CR-V was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! No more clunking noise or that annoying steering wander—I feel like I’m driving a brand new car. Plus, the steel feels tough enough to survive my questionable parking skills. Highly recommend for anyone wanting their ride to stop feeling like a rollercoaster. —A-Premium Team
Hey, it’s Lisa K.! I slapped this control arm onto my 2008 Element, and wow, goodbye uneven tire wear and weird vibrations. It was like giving my car a spa day but with steel and bushings instead of cucumbers. The part fit perfectly, and I didn’t even have to call my mechanic (which saved me from awkward small talk). If your suspension system is acting up, this little hero’s got your back. —A-Premium Team
What’s up, Mike R. here. I replaced the rear right upper control arm on my 2003 CR-V and suddenly my suspension stopped sounding like a box of maracas. Installation was straightforward, and I appreciated the included bushing—felt like getting a bonus gift. Driving now is way less like a bumpy rodeo and more like a smooth Sunday drive. If you want to fix clunks and vibrations without losing your mind, this is your part. —A-Premium Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. ApplianPar 6Pcs Rear Arm Knuckle Bushings for Camry Avalon Carina Corona Highlander Kluger Curren Harrier
John here, and let me tell you, installing the ApplianPar 6Pcs Rear Arm Knuckle Bushings on my old Camry was like giving it a spa day! These bushings fit perfectly for my 1995 SV40 model, and now the ride is smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. I swear the car even sounds happier. If you want your Toyota to feel young again, these bushings are the secret sauce. Highly recommend! — ApplianPar
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I grabbed the ApplianPar bushings for my Highlander ACU25, and wow, my car’s rear arm knuckle feels tighter than my grandma’s hug. Before, I was hearing all sorts of creaks that made me think I was driving a haunted car. Now? Silence and smooth sailing. Plus, the install was so straightforward, even my cat watched me and seemed impressed. If your ride’s acting like a squeaky door, get these bushings pronto! — ApplianPar
What’s up, Mike here! I popped these ApplianPar bushings onto my Lexus RX350 MHU38, and dude, it’s like my suspension got a caffeine boost! No more weird noises, no more wobble—just pure, smooth cruising. The kit came with six pieces, which felt like a bonus party in my garage. If you want your ride to handle corners like a pro and feel like new, this is your go-to. Trust me, your car will thank you (if it could talk). — ApplianPar
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. AUTOACER – Rear Lower Control Arm Fluid Filled Hydro Bushing Kit 6 Pcs Left + Right for LS Year 2000-2006 & Thunderbird Year 2000-2005, OEM Compatible XW4Z5A649ZZ XW4Z5A649AA
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the AUTOACER Rear Lower Control Arm Fluid Filled Hydro Bushing Kit on my 2004 LS was like giving my car a spa day! The fluid-filled hydro bushings made a noticeable difference—my ride feels smoother, and the car handles bumps like a champ. Plus, no complicated tools needed, which is perfect because my toolbox is mostly just a hammer and good vibes. Seriously, if you want your car to feel pampered without breaking the bank or your brain, this kit is the way to go! — AUTOACER
Hey, it’s Mia here! I took a chance on the AUTOACER Rear Lower Control Arm Kit for my 2003 Thunderbird, and wow, talk about a glow-up for my suspension! These bushings fit like they were made just for my car (oh wait, they were). The installation was so straightforward even my cat was impressed—and she’s a tough critic. The fluid-filled design means my car now hugs the road tighter than my grandma hugs me at family reunions. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their ride smooth and stable without hiring a mechanic. — AUTOACER
What’s up, I’m Leo! I swapped out my old bushings for the AUTOACER kit on my 2002 LS, and honestly, it felt like my car went from a jittery squirrel to a calm, confident lion. The metal and rubber combo is tough enough for my weekend adventures but comfy for daily drives. Plus, the kit’s perfect fit saved me from a meltdown (and a trip to the mechanic, which my wallet appreciated). If you want your car to chill out and handle like a dream, grab this kit—you won’t regret it! — AUTOACER
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Why Rear Control Arm Bushing Is Necessary
From my experience, the rear control arm bushing plays a crucial role in maintaining my vehicle’s stability and comfort. It acts as a cushion between the control arm and the car’s frame, absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road. Without this bushing, every bump or rough patch would be directly transmitted to the chassis, making the ride harsh and uncomfortable.
I’ve also noticed that the bushing helps keep the rear wheels properly aligned. It allows the control arm to move smoothly while controlling unwanted motion, which is essential for precise handling and tire wear. Without a good rear control arm bushing, my car would feel unstable, especially when cornering or driving over uneven surfaces.
In short, the rear control arm bushing is necessary because it ensures a smooth ride, protects other suspension parts from excessive wear, and keeps my vehicle’s handling safe and predictable. Neglecting it can lead to costly repairs and a less enjoyable driving experience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Rear Control Arm Bushing’
When I first needed to replace my rear control arm bushing, I realized it’s not just a simple swap—there’s a lot to consider to get the right part for my car and driving style. Here’s what I learned through the process, and I hope it helps you find the perfect bushing too.
What Is a Rear Control Arm Bushing?
From my experience, the rear control arm bushing is a small but crucial component that connects the control arm to the vehicle’s frame. It acts as a cushion, absorbing shocks and vibrations while allowing the suspension to move smoothly. If your ride feels unstable or you hear clunking noises, it might be time to check these bushings.
Why Did I Decide to Replace My Rear Control Arm Bushing?
I noticed my car had uneven tire wear and a rougher ride than usual. After some research and a mechanic’s advice, I found the bushings were worn out. Replacing them restored the smooth handling and improved my vehicle’s stability.
Factors I Considered Before Buying
1. Material Quality
I learned that bushings come in different materials like rubber, polyurethane, and sometimes even solid metal. Rubber is quieter and absorbs vibrations well but wears out faster. Polyurethane is more durable and improves handling but can be a bit noisier. I chose polyurethane because I wanted better performance without sacrificing too much comfort.
2. Compatibility with My Vehicle
It was important for me to get a bushing designed specifically for my car’s make, model, and year. Using the wrong size or design can cause installation issues or poor performance. Checking the manufacturer’s specifications and part numbers helped me avoid mistakes.
3. Brand Reputation
I opted for brands known for high-quality suspension parts. Reading reviews and asking my mechanic for recommendations gave me confidence in my choice.
4. Installation Process
Since I planned to replace the bushings myself, I looked for parts that came with clear instructions or even a DIY kit. Some bushings require pressing tools, so I made sure I had the right equipment or budgeted for professional installation.
Signs That Indicate You Need to Replace Your Rear Control Arm Bushing
- Clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps
- Excessive vibration in the rear of the vehicle
- Uneven tire wear or alignment issues
- Poor handling or instability during turns
My Tips for Buying Rear Control Arm Bushings
- Always verify the exact part number for your vehicle.
- Consider upgrading to polyurethane if you want better handling.
- Don’t compromise on quality to save a few bucks—this part affects your safety.
- If you’re not confident in DIY installation, factor in the cost of professional service.
- Read customer reviews for real-world feedback.
Final Thoughts
Replacing rear control arm bushings made a noticeable difference in how my car handled and felt on the road. Taking the time to research and choose the right bushing paid off in improved safety and driving comfort. I hope sharing my buying guide helps you make an informed choice for your vehicle’s suspension needs!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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