How to Maintain and Service TOTAL CHAOS Upper Control Arms

Performance parts require periodic maintenance regardless of driving habits and local conditions. In this article we take a look at how to maintain upper control arms and address their common wear items such as urethane bushings and uniballs. We recommend inspecting TOTAL CHAOS aftermarket suspension and related equipment the same time as your oil change. The instructions below are similar for most TOTAL CHAOS upper control arm models. Read our official How To Grease Polyurethane Bushings for step by step instructions. TOTAL CHAOS upper control arms fit: Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, Chevy, GMC and Mitsubishi vehicles.

Uniball Maintenance

Keeping your uniballs clean with soap and water is the easiest step. Periodically apply a dry graphite lubricant to extend the component’s life. We use TriFlow or FinishLine dry lubricant. 

Bushing Maintenance

Dry or worn out bushings compromise ride quality and do not allow the suspension to cycle freely. Periodically greasing your upper control arm bushings and inner sleeves is crucial for component longevity. 

How Do I Know What Is Squeaking?

Inspect your parts. People often assume that their uniballs need to be lubricated or serviced when they hear a noise coming from under the front of their vehicle, but most often we find that it is the bushings that are the source of the noise. In general, if you hear the noise when the suspension is cycling up and down – such as over a speed bump, the source is likely the bushings. If you hear a noise or feel a clunk through the steering wheel when turning, the source could be the uniball. Another item to inspect when diagnosing excessive noise is your aftermarket shock upper and lower rod ends.

Urethane Bushing Lubrication & Maintenance

Learning how to maintain upper control arms starts with greasing the bushings. To grease TOTAL CHAOS upper control arms on the vehicle, it is not mandatory to have the vehicle jacked up with the wheel off. However, that will make the process much easier. First loosen the factory thru bolt or 2 bolts holding the pivot bushings together. This decreases the pressure at torque spec and opens a void for the grease to expand when being pumped into the zerk fittings. With the bolt loose, pump grease into the zerk fitting until you can see the excess grease bleed out from between the bushing “hat” and the plated end washer. After adding the grease, tighten the control arm bolt back to factory torque specifications.

Important Bushing Maintenance Tip

If you do not loosen the pivot bolts, the grease being pumped into the fitting does not expand and refill the inner grooves of the TOTAL CHAOS bushings. The grease has nowhere to go. The pressure will cause the bushing sides to mushroom, swell and be damaged. If you see the bushing start to deform, immediately stop pumping more grease, grab a small metal pick, and push in the ball on the zerk fitting to release the excess pressure.

Are you more of a visual learner? Check out the video below on how to maintain upper control arms!

What Grease Does TOTAL CHAOS Recommend?

TOTAL CHAOS recommends using Super Lube synthetic grease or an equivalent PTFE marine grade water proof grease. Avoid using lubricants such as white lithium, any type of penetrant, or spray style lubricant. They can degrade the quality of the bushings.

Why Does The Grease Matter?

All greases are not the same. To properly maintain your polyurethane bushings, you should grease them regularly. Sometimes the polyurethane bushings can make annoying squeaking noises, but proper lubrication can quiet them down. Greasing the bushings will also reduce friction and allow the suspension to smoothly travel through the full range of motion without binding.

How Often Should I Grease My Upper Control Arms?

Generously grease them during installation, and after the first 500 miles. We recommend you doing your post-install hardware retorque at 500 miles. Then every 5K miles after that. Depending on climate, environment and usage your maintenance mileage may vary.

Can I Over Grease My Upper Control Arm?

As long as the through bolt is loose and the end washers are not sealed with torque pressure to the outside hats of the bushings, you cannot over grease them. The excess grease will ooze out the sides. Wipe excess grease that pinches out after re-torquing the factory hardware.

What Happens When I Over Grease My Upper Control Arm?

If you do not loosen the pivot bolts and washers, you could mushroom and deform the form of the control arm bushings – this compromises the fitment and function. If the damage is excessive the bushings will have to be replaced.

What Type Of Lubrication Do Uniballs Require?

Do not use WD40 or petroleum based products. They attract dirt and can accelerate wear. We recommend TriFlow lubricant or FinishLine Dry Lube.

Are you more of a visual learner? Check out the video below on uniball maintenance!