Have you ever heard the term “control arm” when talking to someone about your vehicle?
This is one of various items that can be found in the suspension system. Its primary function – though it varies from car to car – is to link the frame with the steering knuckle.
Control arms feature bushings that are on the inside (the frame side). There are also ball joints located on the outside (the steering knuckle side).
Like other suspension parts, control arms eventually become worn from daily use.
Signs that you need new control arms
How do you know when there’s a problem with this item?
Some road manners and various sounds can tell you that it’s time to replace your vehicle’s control arms.
The car might pull to one side, a symptom that could also appear when a tire alignment needs to be performed.
Ball joints and control arm bushings sometimes have similar symptoms. They may create squeaking or knocking noises. Issues with these parts can also result in a crooked steering wheel and poor alignment quality.
Bushings and ball joints are considered safety items, meaning they will be looked at every time you bring your vehicle in for a Virginia Safety Inspection.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you experience one of the indicators we mentioned it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is going on with a control arm.
There’s not one way to drive a car and say, “You’ve got a control arm problem.” You would have a symptom and investigate, and it would lead you to that component.
What can cause a control arm to go bad?
Earlier, we talked about how control arms can experience normal wear and tear. It’s also possible for them to become bent due to an impact. This includes hitting potholes and curbs.
Meanwhile, control arm bushings might dry out and crack, and ball joints could bend.
Control arm wear is based on where vehicles are driven, as well.
For example, those used in coastal areas are going to have more deterioration on rubber. So the bushings and boots that hold the grease into the ball joint would more than likely take a bigger toll.
Northern climates are also going to impact those components. The salt and sand that’s spread on the roads can be incredibly corrosive.
If your auto repair shop or mechanic recommends new control arms or related items, it’s a good idea to have them replaced.
Worn suspension parts can affect your car alignment, and bad wheel alignments could lead to premature and uneven tire wear.
We worked on a Toyota Camry that passed Virginia State Inspection. The technician reported cracking control arm bushings and ripped boots on the ball joints on the front and rear control arms.
Even though it was a safe vehicle to drive, we suggested replacing these components. The wheel alignment will never be true if you have worn bushings or ball joints that have a shelf life.
When deciding whether you want to replace a part, consider the potential outcomes – in the case of the Toyota Camry, they were tire wear and road manners.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.