'61 - '62 upper support arm bushings

[James Landi]

Based on your experience, what is the approximate "service life" of the upper support arm bushings of the 1961-62 model year Cadillac, as it relates to the odometer reading/miles driven?   Thanks for your input.   James

[Scot Minesinger]

Rubber bushings fail generally due to age, temperature of environment, heat cycles (short trips heat them and they cool down as opposed to highway trips), and of course mileage.  I had a 1970 SDV (on a 1962 vs 1970 it might be same part number), and at 45 years old and 35k miles they were completely gone and I replaced them.

I would say any 1970's or older car, all the rubber suspension parts (and most all other rubber parts) should be replaced if you plan to drive it much - trailer queen with only parking lot driving they can remain.

Good news is 1962 Cadillac is last year of the 1981 and earlier V-8's with steel timing chain cam sprockets (in lieu of nylon coated aluminum) and so timing chain does not automatically need to be replaced.