1987-1993 Buick Skylark Suspension Control Arm Bushing Replacement Guide
Eliminate clunking noises and sloppy steering by replacing your Skylark's worn control arm bushings.
- Symptoms of failure include clunking noises, steering wander, and uneven tire wear.
- Replacing bushings is difficult; consider replacing the entire control arm assembly for an easier repair.
- Always replace bushings or control arms in pairs (left and right) to maintain balanced handling.
- A wheel alignment is mandatory after this repair to prevent tire damage and ensure safety.
Is Your Skylark Making Noise Over Bumps?
A common issue on an older car like the 1987-1993 Buick Skylark is the failure of suspension bushings due to age and wear. The rubber simply breaks down. When the control arm bushings fail, you'll likely notice several distinct symptoms that affect your car's ride quality and safety.
Top 5 Failure Symptoms
🎬 Watch: 5 common symptoms of bad bushings and repair costs- Clunking or Banging Noises: This is the most common sign. You may hear a clunking or knocking sound from the front suspension when you drive over bumps, potholes, or make sharp turns. This is the sound of metal-on-metal contact as the loose control arm moves around.
- Steering Wander: Your car may feel like it has a mind of its own, pulling to the left or right without you turning the wheel. This happens because the worn bushings can no longer hold the wheel alignment steady.
- Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: Worn bushings can't absorb road vibrations effectively, sending them straight to the steering wheel. The vibration may get worse as you accelerate.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Check your front tires. If the inside or outside edges are wearing down faster than the rest of the tread, it's a strong indicator of an alignment problem caused by bad bushings.
- Sloppy or Loose Handling: The steering may feel less responsive, and the car might feel unstable or lean excessively when cornering. This compromises handling and safety.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bushing
For a vehicle of this age, aftermarket parts offer a cost-effective solution. The main choice you'll face is whether to replace just the bushings or the entire control arm assembly. Your primary brand choices will likely be Mevotech and Moog.
Bushing-Only vs. Full Control Arm Assembly
Replacing just the bushing is the cheapest option in terms of parts cost. However, the labor is much more intensive. It requires a hydraulic shop press or a special bushing press tool to remove the old bushing and install the new one. This can make it a difficult job for a DIY mechanic without the right equipment.
Pro Tip: Many repair shops and experienced DIYers recommend replacing the entire control arm assembly. These assemblies come with new bushings and a new ball joint already installed, which can save a significant amount of labor time and hassle.
🎬 See this step-by-step guide to replacing the Skylark control armBrand Quality: Mevotech vs. Moog
Forum discussions among mechanics and car owners show mixed opinions on which brand is better today.
- Moog: Historically considered a top-tier aftermarket brand, some recent feedback suggests a decline in quality control. However, they are still a very popular choice.
- Mevotech: This brand offers several quality tiers, from budget to their higher-end "Supreme" line. Some users feel Mevotech's quality has improved and now prefer it over Moog, especially for bushing-only replacements. However, other users have reported premature failures with aftermarket bushings in general.
For a daily driver Skylark, either a Moog or a Mevotech Supreme bushing should provide a good service life and restore original handling. The best choice often comes down to price and availability.
Cost to Replace Control Arm Bushings on a 1987-1993 Buick Skylark
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Bushings (Parts Only) | $10.79 - $30.81 (per side) |
| Shop Labor (Bushings Only) | $200 - $300 (per side) |
| Wheel Alignment (Required) | $80 - $150 |
| Total Estimated Cost (Bushings Only) | $290 - $480 (per side) |
| Aftermarket Control Arm Assembly (Part) | $50 - $100+ (per side) |
Note: Costs are estimates and will vary by location and repair shop. Replacing the full control arm assembly may have a higher part cost but could reduce labor time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an alignment after replacing control arm bushings?
Yes, absolutely. Replacing control arm bushings will alter your vehicle's suspension geometry. A four-wheel alignment is required to ensure correct handling, prevent steering pull, and avoid rapid, uneven tire wear.
Can I replace just one side?
It is highly recommended to replace control arm bushings in pairs (both driver and passenger sides). Since they are exposed to the same conditions, if one has failed, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing both at the same time ensures balanced handling and saves you from doing the same job twice.
Is replacing just the bushing a DIY job?
This is an advanced DIY task. While removing the control arm is straightforward for a home mechanic, pressing the old bushing out and the new one in requires a hydraulic press or a large, specialized C-clamp style press tool. 🎬 Watch: How to make a DIY bushing press for cheap Without these tools, you risk damaging the new bushing or the control arm. For most people, replacing the entire control arm assembly is a more feasible DIY project.
What's the difference between rubber and polyurethane bushings?
Rubber bushings, like the original factory parts, offer a quieter, more comfortable ride by absorbing more vibration. Polyurethane bushings are stiffer, providing a firmer ride and potentially sharper handling response, but they can sometimes transmit more road noise and may require periodic re-greasing to prevent squeaking.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The 1987-1993 Buick Skylark uses a front lower control arm with two bushings: one vertical and one horizontal. Bushings are typically a press-fit design.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Buick Skylark: