I assume the correct way to install the bushings is for the both "hat" sections to be facing outward - ie, the rear bushing has the hat section facing rearward, and the front bushing has the hat section facing forward. Is this the correct assumption?

Here is what I mean (I know this is for a Ford, but just an example)

http://www.rockauto.com/cat...einfo.php?pk=1027382

if I rememer right, yes. but, that was awhile ago....

You are correct. I've never seen them in a different orientation on any car.

Relatively straight orientation...

I ask because mine have the fat/hat section on my arms are both facing rearward.

Maybe thats why my ride quality is so lousy.

quote Originally posted by masospaghetti: I ask because mine have the fat/hat section on my arms are both facing rearward. Maybe thats why my ride quality is so lousy.

I am also replacing all the control arm bushings. I had never seen lower control arm bushings installed from the same direction, but my lower control arms currently have the bushings in them just as you described. From the looks of the bushings they are most likely original and must have been installed that way from the factory. Sorry if I gave you incorrect info, but I'd never seen them installed in this fashion. I will be putting mine back together the way that I found it ... with the large flange of the bushings towards the rear.

Wow... I have never seen where the 'hat' part was on the same side in any control arm...
It would be difficult to do that way. and it would seem to allow the control arm to slide fore and aft...
I would get some advise from the manufacturer...

Can anyone else confirm how their control arm bushings are installed? Would be much appreciated!

quote Originally posted by masospaghetti: Can anyone else confirm how their control arm bushings are installed? Would be much appreciated!

I'd also be very interested for other members to reply with their recommendations. I checked the factory service manual and the front suspension section makes no mention regarding control arm bushing replacement. Both my lower control arms have the bushings intalled with the "hat" section at the rear. These bushings aren't very large and can probably be pressed in with a large vice, but I'd rather only install them once ... don't want to have to take apart the entire suspension again to reinstall them in a different position. I've got the suspension pieces at a shop to have sandblasted so I've got some time before I'll be putting it back together.
Feedback welcome!

Seems like when I did my previous set, that the hats went to the outsides.
I have a new set of bushings in the box, for my Formula, but haven't installed them yet.

Edit - From the prothane instructions...
"Install thrust washer (i.e. the hat) on outside of control arm, between control arm and mounting bracket. Tapered side facing away from arm."

Also, there is a drawing of the main bushing and the metal shell that stays in the control arm.
One end of the main bushing has a lip around it. The bushing gets pushed through the shell, and the lip rests against the flat flange on the end of the metal shell.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 06-24-2012).]

I just did mine and if Im not mistaken, the 2 holes are slightly different sizes. If you try to put the bushing in the wrong way, it will drop in easily until the shoulder below the hat end reaches the hole. ( Hope you understand what im discribing)

You have one end of the bushing ( the end that goes in first) which is slightly smaller in diameter and the end under the "hat" which is a "shoulder" of sorts that is slightly larger than the other end. Both ends are different sizes and both ends Press in to their respective holes being the holes are also different sizes also. Maybe thats better. And yes, I think the hats are on the outside of the CA.

Steve

[This message has been edited by JumpStart (edited 06-24-2012).]

I wonder if turning my bushings around will work if the holes are different sizes...hmm

I did confirm that the rear lower control arms have the "hats" to the outside.

But looking on eBay shows some control arms with the bushings with both hats facing aft: http://www.ebay.com/itm/198...xp=mtr#ht_801wt_1187

Here too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/85-...p=mtr#ht_2494wt_1187

hard to tell here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/85-...p=mtr#ht_2494wt_1187

JumpStart has solved the puzzle. I just measured the new lower control arm bushing by the hat or flange area and also at the other end. They are two different sizes. I also measured the holes in the control arm and they are also two different sizes. It is not possible to install the bushings by trying to insert them in any other direction. Although having one bushing installed from the inside seems odd that is the only way that it can be done.

Dang, I took apart my front suspension then for no reason!

Good information though. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.