Improve the handling, steering precision, and suspension response of your C5 or C6 Corvette with the aFe CONTROL PFADT Series Control Arm Bushing Set. Engineered to reduce excessive suspension movement, this comprehensive polyurethane bushing kit provides more consistent control arm positioning during cornering, braking, and acceleration.
Factory rubber control arm bushings are designed to prioritize ride comfort, but their flexibility can allow significant deflection under demanding driving conditions. According to aFe, factory bushings can deflect more than 1/4 inch during cornering, potentially resulting in nearly one degree of lost camber.
The PFADT Series kit addresses this issue with specially grooved, graphite-impregnated polyurethane bushings and lightweight hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum sleeves. This combination significantly reduces unwanted suspension movement while maintaining the compliance needed for street driving.
Designed for both spirited street use and track applications, the aFe CONTROL PFADT Control Arm Bushing Set helps improve steering response, cornering consistency, and overall driver confidence.
Fits 1997–2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5
Fits 2001–2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06
Fits 2005–2013 Chevrolet Corvette C6 with steel-frame construction
Fits applicable C6 Coupe and Convertible models with steel frames
Fits applicable 2010–2013 C6 Grand Sport models with steel frames
Does NOT fit 2006–2013 C6 Z06
Does NOT fit 2009–2013 C6 ZR1
Designed for factory-style control arm assemblies
Replaces factory rubber control arm bushings with performance polyurethane components
Compatible with factory suspension geometry
Installation requires removal of the control arms and pressing out the original bushings
Professional installation and a four-wheel alignment are recommended
PFADT Series Graphite-Impregnated Polyurethane Control Arm Bushings
Hard-Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum Sleeves
Front Upper Control Arm Retaining Washers
Snap Rings and Retaining Components
Rear Lower Shock Mount Components
Polyurethane Bushing Lubricant
Required Installation Hardware as Supplied by aFe
Manufacturer: aFe POWER
Product Line: aFe CONTROL PFADT Series
Part Number: 470-401001-B
Product Type: Performance Control Arm Bushing Set
Vehicle Application: Chevrolet Corvette C5 / C6 Steel Frame
Model Years: 1997–2013, depending on model
Bushing Material: Graphite-Impregnated Polyurethane
Sleeve Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Sleeve Finish: Hard Anodized
Sleeve Surface: Micro-Porous for Lubricant Retention
Bushing Design: Specially Grooved, Two-Piece Construction
Front Upper Control Arm Retention: Snap Ring and Plate System
Front Upper Pivot Pin Offset: 2 mm
Camber Adjustment Potential: Approximately 0.8 Degrees Through Pivot Pin Orientation
Application: Street and Track Performance
Installation: Factory Bushing Replacement
Manufacturing Location: Corona, California, USA
Reduced Suspension Bushing Deflection – Replaces flexible factory rubber bushings with performance polyurethane components designed to maintain more consistent control arm positioning under load.
Improved Steering and Cornering Precision – Reducing unwanted control arm movement helps preserve suspension geometry during aggressive cornering, braking, and acceleration for more predictable handling.
Graphite-Impregnated Polyurethane Construction – Specially formulated and grooved bushings are designed to retain lubricant, minimize friction, and maintain quieter operation than conventional rigid suspension solutions.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum Sleeves – Lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum sleeves feature a micro-porous surface designed to improve lubricant retention and provide a smooth bearing surface for the polyurethane bushings.
Reinforced Front Upper Control Arm Design – An integrated snap ring and plate retention system adds strength and stiffness to the front upper control arm assemblies.
Two-Piece Design for Easier Installation – The split bushing configuration simplifies installation compared with conventional one-piece designs while providing the benefits of upgraded polyurethane construction.
The C5 and C6 Corvette platforms are well known for their capable chassis and excellent handling characteristics. However, the factory suspension bushings can become a limiting factor as vehicles age or are subjected to more demanding driving conditions.
The aFe CONTROL PFADT Series Control Arm Bushing Set provides a comprehensive solution for owners looking to restore suspension precision and improve handling performance.
Maintain More Consistent Suspension Geometry
During cornering, braking, and acceleration, significant forces are transferred through the suspension control arms.
Factory rubber bushings can deform under these loads, allowing the control arms to move beyond their intended positions.
This movement can alter wheel alignment dynamically, affecting camber, toe, and overall handling consistency.
aFe reports that factory bushings can deflect more than 1/4 inch during aggressive cornering, potentially resulting in nearly one degree of camber change.
The PFADT polyurethane bushings reduce this unwanted movement, helping maintain more consistent suspension geometry.
Improve Steering Response and Driver Confidence
Reducing bushing deflection allows suspension inputs to be transmitted more directly through the chassis.
This can improve steering response, cornering predictability, and overall vehicle stability.
For Corvette owners who regularly participate in autocross, road-course events, or spirited driving, maintaining consistent control arm positioning is particularly valuable.
The result is a more connected driving experience with improved feedback and greater confidence when approaching the vehicle's handling limits.
Performance Without Solid-Mount Harshness
Unlike solid spherical bearings or rigid racing bushings, the PFADT Series utilizes graphite-impregnated polyurethane.
This material offers increased stiffness compared with factory rubber while retaining some compliance for street use.
The specially grooved bushings and lubricated aluminum sleeves are designed to reduce friction and minimize unwanted noise.
As with other performance polyurethane upgrades, some increase in noise, vibration, or harshness compared with new factory rubber bushings may occur.
Premium Aluminum Sleeve Construction
The kit incorporates lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum sleeves with a hard-anodized finish.
These sleeves provide a consistent bearing surface for the polyurethane bushings and help reduce friction during suspension articulation.
Their micro-porous surface is designed to retain lubricant, supporting smooth operation and long-term durability.
Additional Front Upper Camber Flexibility
The front upper control arm pivot pins incorporate a 2 mm offset.
According to aFe's installation instructions, reversing the pivot pin orientation can change camber by approximately 0.8 degrees.
This provides additional flexibility when configuring the vehicle's suspension alignment for street or track use.
An Excellent Foundation for Suspension Upgrades
The PFADT Control Arm Bushing Set complements other suspension upgrades, including performance shocks, coilovers, sway bars, and alignment modifications.
By reducing unwanted movement at the control arm mounting points, the bushings help the suspension operate more consistently.
This makes the kit an excellent upgrade for both aging factory suspensions and comprehensive Corvette handling builds.
Upgrade your C5 or steel-frame C6 Corvette with the aFe CONTROL PFADT Series Control Arm Bushing Set—featuring reduced suspension deflection, improved steering precision, graphite-impregnated polyurethane bushings, and premium hard-anodized aluminum construction for more predictable street and track handling.
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