Suspension Control Arm Bushing Guide for the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster
Restore your Roadmaster's smooth ride and sharp handling by replacing its worn control arm bushings.
- Worn control arm bushings cause clunking noises, steering wander, and uneven tire wear.
- For this vehicle, it is often more practical to replace the entire control arm assembly rather than just the bushings.
- Premium aftermarket brands like Moog, Mevotech Supreme, and ACDelco Professional offer durable, heavy-duty options suitable for the Roadmaster's weight.
- A wheel alignment is mandatory after replacing control arm bushings to prevent handling issues and rapid tire wear.
Is Your Roadmaster's Ride Not What It Used to Be?
The 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster is known for its smooth, comfortable ride. When that ride becomes noisy or the steering feels loose, worn control arm bushings are a common cause. These parts are under constant stress from the vehicle's weight and road impacts. Over time, the original rubber cracks and deteriorates, leading to metal-on-metal contact that affects handling, safety, and tire wear.
Symptoms of Worn Control Arm Bushings
If the bushings are failing, you'll likely notice one or more of these signs:
- Clunking Noises: A distinct clunk or knock from the suspension, especially when going over bumps, braking, or turning. This is the sound of the control arm moving excessively and hitting its mounting points.
- Steering Wander: The car may pull to one side, requiring constant steering correction to drive straight. This is a sign of improper wheel alignment caused by the worn bushings.
- Unstable Handling: You might feel a loose or sloppy response in the steering, or excessive body roll when cornering. The car may feel less predictable and stable.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn bushings can cause the wheels to be misaligned, leading to the inside or outside edges of your tires wearing out prematurely.
- Vibrations: A vibration or shimmy felt through the steering wheel, especially at certain speeds, can be caused by the wheel movement allowed by bad bushings.
Vehicle Platform Note
The 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster shares its GM B-Body platform with the Chevrolet Caprice and Impala SS. Many suspension parts, including control arm bushings, are interchangeable across these models. This shared platform means that high-performance options designed for the Impala SS often fit the Roadmaster, providing an opportunity for an upgrade.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bushings
Since original equipment (OEM) parts for this vehicle are scarce, the aftermarket is your primary source. Aftermarket brands offer a range from standard replacements to performance upgrades.
| Brand Tier | Brands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Premium / Heavy-Duty | Moog, Mevotech (Supreme/TTX lines), ACDelco (Professional Grade) | These brands are often considered upgrades over the original parts. Moog and Mevotech's premium lines are known for being beefier, sometimes with improved designs and greaseable fittings for longer life. ACDelco Professional parts are designed to meet or exceed original specifications. They are the best choice for durability and restoring performance, especially on a heavy vehicle like the Roadmaster. |
| Standard Replacement | Delphi, Mevotech (Original Grade), QuickSteer, TRW | These brands provide a good balance of quality and value, designed to be direct replacements for the factory bushings. They are a reliable choice for daily driving and will restore the original ride quality and handling. |
| Performance | Energy Suspension | This brand specializes in polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane is much firmer than rubber, resulting in sharper handling and better control, but it can make the ride harsher and may produce squeaking if not lubricated properly. This is an option for owners looking to improve handling for performance driving. |
Pro Tip: Replace the Whole Arm?
Replacing just the bushings requires a hydraulic press or specialized tools to remove the old ones and install the new ones. For many owners and shops, it is more time and cost-effective to replace the entire control arm, which comes with new bushings and a new ball joint already installed. Given the age of the vehicle, if the ball joints haven't been replaced, buying a complete control arm assembly is often the smarter repair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any recalls for the 1991-1996 Roadmaster suspension?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database did not find any recalls specifically for control arm bushings on the 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster. Any failures are typically due to age and wear.
Should I use rubber or polyurethane bushings?
For most owners who want to maintain the Roadmaster's classic smooth ride, high-quality rubber bushings are the best choice. Polyurethane bushings offer a performance advantage with tighter handling but often at the cost of increased ride harshness and noise.
Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the bushings?
Yes. Replacing control arm bushings will change your vehicle's suspension geometry. A full wheel alignment is required after the job is complete to ensure proper handling, prevent pulling, and avoid premature tire wear.
Should I replace bushings in pairs?
Yes, absolutely. Bushings should always be replaced in pairs (left and right) on the same axle (front or rear). If one side is worn out, the other is not far behind. Replacing them together ensures balanced handling and predictable performance.
Technical Specifications
The 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster is a full-size, body-on-frame vehicle built on the GM B-Body platform. It uses a short-long arm (SLA) type front suspension with upper and lower control arms, and a solid axle with a 4-link setup in the rear. Both front and rear control arms use pressed-in bushings.
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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 Roadmaster: