Guide to 1973-1978 Buick Regal Suspension Control Arm Bushings
Restore your classic Regal's ride quality and handling by understanding and replacing worn control arm bushings.
- Worn bushings cause clunking noises, steering wander, and uneven tire wear.
- Choose rubber bushings for a quiet, original-style ride or polyurethane for improved handling and durability.
- Replacing only the bushings requires a press; buying a full control arm assembly is often easier for DIY.
- A wheel alignment is mandatory after replacing control arm bushings to prevent tire damage and ensure safety.
Symptoms of Worn Control Arm Bushings on a '73-'78 Regal
The original rubber bushings on these classic GM A-body cars are now 50 years old and prone to drying out, cracking, and failing. When they wear out, you'll notice a significant decline in your car's performance and comfort. Look out for these common signs:
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: A metallic clunking sound, especially when going over bumps, braking, or making sharp turns, is a classic sign. This is the sound of metal-on-metal contact as the worn bushing allows for excessive movement.
- Steering Wander: If your Regal pulls to one side or the steering feels loose and unresponsive, bad bushings could be the cause. Worn bushings can alter the suspension geometry, making it hard to keep the car driving straight.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn bushings can cause the wheels to go out of alignment, leading to tires wearing down unevenly on the inner or outer edges.
- Vibrations: You might feel excessive vibrations through the steering wheel or the floor of the car. The bushings are no longer able to dampen road harshness effectively.
Visual Inspection is Key
If you suspect your bushings are bad, the best way to confirm is to safely raise the vehicle and visually inspect them. Look for visible cracks, tears, missing chunks of rubber, or excessive play when prying on the control arm.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bushings
Since New Old Stock (NOS) GM parts are nearly impossible to find, the aftermarket is your go-to source. You have two main material choices: traditional rubber or modern polyurethane.
Rubber vs. Polyurethane Bushings
Rubber Bushings: These provide a ride quality most similar to the original factory feel. They are excellent at absorbing vibrations and road noise, making for a quieter, more comfortable cruise. If you use your Regal for Sunday drives and prefer originality and comfort, rubber is a great choice. Brands like ACDelco and Moog often offer high-quality rubber options that are considered OEM-equivalents.
Polyurethane (Poly) Bushings: Polyurethane is a harder, more durable material than rubber. It reduces suspension flex, which improves handling, steering response, and cornering stability. This makes it a popular upgrade for those seeking better performance. However, this stiffness comes with a trade-off: more road noise and vibration (NVH) may be transferred into the cabin, and they can sometimes squeak if not lubricated properly. Nolathane specializes in polyurethane bushings.
🎬 Watch this comparison of polyurethane versus rubber suspension bushings.Brand Tiers for Your Regal
- Premium (OEM Quality & Performance): Moog, ACDelco, and Delphi are generally considered premium brands offering parts that meet or exceed original specifications. They are a top choice for reliability and durability. Nolathane is a premium choice specifically for polyurethane performance upgrades.
- Mid-Range (Good Value): Mevotech and QuickSteer offer a good balance of quality and affordability for daily driving scenarios.
- Economy (Budget-Friendly): Dorman provides a wide range of affordable replacement parts that can be a cost-effective solution, though quality can sometimes vary.
Aftermarket Control Arm Bushing Cost
| Part Type | Price Range (Per Bushing/Set) |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Rubber) | $11.33 - $50.00 |
| New Aftermarket (Polyurethane) | $35.00 - $73.32 |
Note: Prices are estimates and can vary based on brand and specific location (front/rear, upper/lower). It is often more cost-effective to buy a complete kit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace the whole control arm or just the bushings?
If the control arm itself is not bent or rusted, you can save money by just replacing the bushings. However, this requires a hydraulic press or special tools to remove the old bushings and install the new ones. For many, buying a complete new control arm with bushings and a ball joint pre-installed is a much faster and easier job.
Are there any recalls for 1973-1978 Buick Regal suspension?
No, searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and other sources did not find any active recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the suspension control arm bushings on the 1973-1978 Buick Regal. Recalls found were for much newer Regal models.
How difficult is it to replace control arm bushings?
This is a difficult job for the average DIY mechanic. It requires safely lifting the vehicle, disassembling the suspension, and using a press to swap the bushings. Without the right tools and experience, it's recommended to have this work done by a professional shop. Replacing the entire control arm assembly is an easier, more straightforward task.
🎬 See how to replace control arm bushings yourself in this video.Should I get a wheel alignment after replacing the bushings?
Yes, absolutely. Replacing control arm bushings will change your suspension geometry. A full wheel alignment is required afterward to ensure proper handling, prevent steering pull, and avoid premature tire wear.
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Technical Specifications
The 1973-1978 Buick Regal is built on the GM A-body platform. Bushings are available in either OEM-style rubber or performance-oriented polyurethane. The specific bushing size and shape vary between the front upper, front lower, and rear control arm positions.
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.
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Symptoms of Worn Control Arm Bushings on a '73-'78 Regal
- Visual Inspection is Key
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bushings
- Rubber vs. Polyurethane Bushings
- Brand Tiers for Your Regal
- Aftermarket Control Arm Bushing Cost
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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