<h1 class="" data-start="136" data-end="223">How to Replace a Radius Rod Bushing on a Pontiac GTO for Improved Suspension Handling</h1>
<p class="" data-start="225" data-end="689">The Pontiac GTO, often referred to as "The Goat," is a muscle car icon with a long-standing reputation for raw power and performance. However, like any vehicle with a few miles and years under its belt, some of its components begin to wear out&mdash;especially those that are under constant stress like the suspension bushings. One critical component affecting ride quality and handling is the <strong data-start="613" data-end="635">radius rod bushing, sometimes called a strut rod or tension rod bushing.

<p class="" data-start="691" data-end="1027">Worn-out radius rod bushings can cause a host of suspension issues&mdash;clunking noises, sloppy steering response, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling during acceleration or braking. Replacing them not only restores factory ride quality but can significantly enhance handling if upgraded bushings (such as polyurethane) are installed. [size= 10pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; color: #1155cc]Radius rod bushing GTO[/size]

<p class="" data-start="1029" data-end="1288">If you&rsquo;re driving a 2004&ndash;2006 Pontiac GTO and you're looking to upgrade or restore your suspension&rsquo;s performance, this guide will walk you through the <strong data-start="1180" data-end="1241">step-by-step process of replacing the radius rod bushings for better road feel and cornering confidence.

<hr class="" data-start="1290" data-end="1293" />
<h2 class="" data-start="1295" data-end="1327">What is a Radius Rod Bushing?</h2>
<p class="" data-start="1329" data-end="1707">The radius rod, also called a strut rod, helps control longitudinal wheel movement&mdash;keeping the wheel aligned under braking and acceleration. The bushing allows this control arm to pivot smoothly and reduces vibration transmitted to the chassis. Over time, factory rubber bushings can deteriorate due to heat, road grime, and age, leading to looseness in the suspension geometry.

<p class="" data-start="1709" data-end="1757">Replacing the bushing can significantly improve:

<ul data-start="1758" data-end="1857">
<li class="" data-start="1758" data-end="1787">
<p class="" data-start="1760" data-end="1787"><strong data-start="1760" data-end="1787">Handling responsiveness

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1788" data-end="1811">
<p class="" data-start="1790" data-end="1811"><strong data-start="1790" data-end="1811">Braking stability

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1812" data-end="1830">
<p class="" data-start="1814" data-end="1830"><strong data-start="1814" data-end="1830">Ride comfort

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1831" data-end="1857">
<p class="" data-start="1833" data-end="1857"><strong data-start="1833" data-end="1857">Suspension longevity

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="1859" data-end="1862" />
<h2 class="" data-start="1864" data-end="1893">Tools and Materials Needed</h2>
<p class="" data-start="1895" data-end="1950">Before you start, gather the necessary tools and parts:

<h3 class="" data-start="1952" data-end="1962">Tools:</h3>
<ul data-start="1963" data-end="2227">
<li class="" data-start="1963" data-end="1991">
<p class="" data-start="1965" data-end="1991">Floor jack and jack stands

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1992" data-end="2018">
<p class="" data-start="1994" data-end="2018">Lug wrench or impact gun

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2019" data-end="2085">
<p class="" data-start="2021" data-end="2085">Socket set and ratchet (especially 18mm, 21mm, and 24mm sockets)

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2086" data-end="2098">
<p class="" data-start="2088" data-end="2098">Wrench set

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2099" data-end="2108">
<p class="" data-start="2101" data-end="2108">Pry bar

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2109" data-end="2127">
<p class="" data-start="2111" data-end="2127">Hammer or mallet

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2128" data-end="2143">
<p class="" data-start="2130" data-end="2143">Torque wrench

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2144" data-end="2209">
<p class="" data-start="2146" data-end="2209">Bushing press kit or hydraulic press (optional but recommended)

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2210" data-end="2227">
<p class="" data-start="2212" data-end="2227">Penetrating oil

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="2229" data-end="2243">Materials:</h3>
<ul data-start="2244" data-end="2430">
<li class="" data-start="2244" data-end="2318">
<p class="" data-start="2246" data-end="2318">Replacement radius rod bushings (OEM rubber or performance polyurethane)

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2319" data-end="2356">
<p class="" data-start="2321" data-end="2356">Anti-seize or rubber-safe lubricant

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2357" data-end="2395">
<p class="" data-start="2359" data-end="2395">Thread locker (optional but helpful)

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2396" data-end="2430">
<p class="" data-start="2398" data-end="2430">Safety gloves and eye protection

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="2432" data-end="2435" />
<h2 class="" data-start="2437" data-end="2472">Step-by-Step Bushing Replacement</h2>
<h3 class="" data-start="2474" data-end="2513">1. <strong data-start="2481" data-end="2513">Preparation and Safety First</h3>
<ul data-start="2514" data-end="2729">
<li class="" data-start="2514" data-end="2549">
<p class="" data-start="2516" data-end="2549">Park your GTO on a level surface.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2550" data-end="2624">
<p class="" data-start="2552" data-end="2624">Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly while the car is on the ground.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2625" data-end="2691">
<p class="" data-start="2627" data-end="2691">Jack up the front end and place the car securely on jack stands.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2692" data-end="2729">
<p class="" data-start="2694" data-end="2729">Remove the front wheels completely.

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="2731" data-end="2763">2. <strong data-start="2738" data-end="2763">Locate the Radius Rod</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2764" data-end="2916">On the GTO, the radius rod runs from the lower control arm forward to the chassis frame. The bushing sits in a cup-like bracket at the front of the car.

<h3 class="" data-start="2918" data-end="2950">3. <strong data-start="2925" data-end="2950">Remove the Radius Rod</h3>
<ul data-start="2951" data-end="3313">
<li class="" data-start="2951" data-end="3058">
<p class="" data-start="2953" data-end="3058">Use penetrating oil on all mounting bolts. These bolts may be stubborn if your GTO has seen some weather.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3059" data-end="3138">
<p class="" data-start="3061" data-end="3138">Unbolt the rear of the radius rod where it attaches to the lower control arm.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3139" data-end="3215">
<p class="" data-start="3141" data-end="3215">Remove the front nut and washer securing the bushing to the chassis mount.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3216" data-end="3313">
<p class="" data-start="3218" data-end="3313">Wiggle and pull the radius rod free. You may need to use a pry bar or mallet to free it gently.

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="3315" data-end="3348">4. <strong data-start="3322" data-end="3348">Remove the Old Bushing</h3>
<ul data-start="3349" data-end="3662">
<li class="" data-start="3349" data-end="3464">
<p class="" data-start="3351" data-end="3464">Depending on the year and setup, the bushing may be pressed into the mounting cup or sleeved over the rod itself.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3465" data-end="3602">
<p class="" data-start="3467" data-end="3602">For pressed-in bushings, use a bushing removal tool or press. Alternatively, a large socket and hammer can help drive it out carefully.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3603" data-end="3662">
<p class="" data-start="3605" data-end="3662">Inspect the radius rod for wear or damage before reusing.

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="3664" data-end="3698">5. <strong data-start="3671" data-end="3698">Install the New Bushing</h3>
<ul data-start="3699" data-end="4034">
<li class="" data-start="3699" data-end="3810">
<p class="" data-start="3701" data-end="3810">If you're using polyurethane bushings, apply a liberal amount of the supplied lubricant to prevent squeaking.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3811" data-end="3917">
<p class="" data-start="3813" data-end="3917">Press the new bushing into place using a press or clamp. Ensure it is fully seated and aligned properly.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3918" data-end="4034">
<p class="" data-start="3920" data-end="4034">If the bushing sleeves over the rod, push it down fully and install any washers or spacers that came with the kit.

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="4036" data-end="4071">6. <strong data-start="4043" data-end="4071">Reinstall the Radius Rod</h3>
<ul data-start="4072" data-end="4453">
<li class="" data-start="4072" data-end="4167">
<p class="" data-start="4074" data-end="4167">Insert the rod back into its position, lining it up with the chassis bracket and control arm.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4168" data-end="4299">
<p class="" data-start="4170" data-end="4299">Reinstall the bolts and nuts, but don&rsquo;t fully tighten them yet&mdash;wait until the vehicle is on the ground to torque them under load.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4300" data-end="4453">
<p class="" data-start="4302" data-end="4453">If upgrading to stiffer bushings (like polyurethane), you may want to add a small dab of thread locker to keep bolts secure due to increased vibration.

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="4455" data-end="4500">7. <strong data-start="4462" data-end="4500">Reinstall Wheels and Lower the Car</h3>
<ul data-start="4501" data-end="4681">
<li class="" data-start="4501" data-end="4558">
<p class="" data-start="4503" data-end="4558">Mount the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4559" data-end="4615">
<p class="" data-start="4561" data-end="4615">Lower the GTO off the jack stands and onto the ground.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4616" data-end="4681">
<p class="" data-start="4618" data-end="4681">Torque the lug nuts to spec (typically 100 ft-lbs for the GTO).

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="4683" data-end="4717">8. <strong data-start="4690" data-end="4717">Final Torque Under Load</h3>
<ul data-start="4718" data-end="4915">
<li class="" data-start="4718" data-end="4915">
<p class="" data-start="4720" data-end="4915">With the car on the ground (suspension loaded), torque the radius rod bolts to factory spec. This prevents preloading the bushings incorrectly, which can reduce their lifespan or affect handling.

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="4917" data-end="4920" />
<h2 class="" data-start="4922" data-end="4956">Post-Install Tips and Alignment</h2>
<h3 class="" data-start="4958" data-end="4978">Break-In Period:</h3>
<ul data-start="4979" data-end="5182">
<li class="" data-start="4979" data-end="5082">
<p class="" data-start="4981" data-end="5082">Polyurethane bushings may feel a bit harsh at first, but they&rsquo;ll settle in after a few hundred miles.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5083" data-end="5182">
<p class="" data-start="5085" data-end="5182">You may notice sharper steering response and reduced nose-dive during braking almost immediately.

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="5184" data-end="5204">Alignment Check:</h3>
<ul data-start="5205" data-end="5458">
<li class="" data-start="5205" data-end="5367">
<p class="" data-start="5207" data-end="5367">After any suspension work, especially one affecting geometry, it&rsquo;s smart to get a professional <strong data-start="5302" data-end="5321">wheel alignment. This ensures optimal tire wear and handling.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5368" data-end="5458">
<p class="" data-start="5370" data-end="5458">Ask for a performance alignment if you want sharper turn-in or autocross-style handling.

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="5460" data-end="5463" />
<h2 class="" data-start="5465" data-end="5515">Choosing the Right Bushing: OEM vs Polyurethane</h2>
<p class="" data-start="5517" data-end="5607">When replacing the radius rod bushings on your GTO, you&rsquo;ll have two main material options:

<h3 class="" data-start="5609" data-end="5624">OEM Rubber:</h3>
<ul data-start="5625" data-end="5739">
<li class="" data-start="5625" data-end="5660">
<p class="" data-start="5627" data-end="5660">Softer, quieter, more comfortable

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5661" data-end="5690">
<p class="" data-start="5663" data-end="5690">Absorbs more road vibration

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5691" data-end="5739">
<p class="" data-start="5693" data-end="5739">Ideal for daily drivers who prioritize comfort

</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="" data-start="5741" data-end="5758">Polyurethane:</h3>
<ul data-start="5759" data-end="5948">
<li class="" data-start="5759" data-end="5784">
<p class="" data-start="5761" data-end="5784">Firmer and more durable

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5785" data-end="5837">
<p class="" data-start="5787" data-end="5837">Significantly improves road feedback and cornering

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5838" data-end="5892">
<p class="" data-start="5840" data-end="5892">Slight increase in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5893" data-end="5948">
<p class="" data-start="5895" data-end="5948">Perfect for spirited drivers or track day enthusiasts

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="5950" data-end="5953" />
<h2 class="" data-start="5955" data-end="5972">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p class="" data-start="5974" data-end="6292">Upgrading the radius rod bushings on your Pontiac GTO is a smart move if you want to tighten up handling and refresh aging suspension components. It&rsquo;s a rewarding DIY job that requires some patience and the right tools, but the improvement in performance&mdash;especially with polyurethane bushings&mdash;is well worth the effort.



<p class="" data-start="6294" data-end="6487">By replacing these key suspension parts, your GTO will feel more planted, responsive, and confidence-inspiring whether you&rsquo;re carving through corners or just enjoying a cruise down the highway.