How do you check RA Bushings?

[bduke23]

I've been trying to find the source of a loud clunking noise on the passenger side of my 93, thought it was the brakes cause it only happened when I stopped. However, another member mentioned maybe it was the radius arm bushings. How do you check that? I looked underneath and they weren't cracked, and I tried wiggling and spinning them but they didn't move. Is there anothe way to check them, perhaps by taking off the bolt at the back without removing the entire bracket? And what should I be looking for?

 

[Shran]

If they're cracked or obviously falling apart, that should tell you... otherwise, you can put a jack under the frame (not any part of the front axle) and jack up. If you can see the radius arm slide instead of just compressing the bushing as the suspension droops, you've probably got a bad bushing.