The control arm assembly keeps the wheels in line with the car’s body to control the motion of the wheels. They are a vital piece of your vehicle’s suspension system as they absorb the bumps and imperfections of the road. The control arm assembly joins the car’s suspension to the structure of the car. The assembly is connected via ball joints to the wheels and to the frame by bushings. This setup is normally found in the front of vehicles, as very few cars have these in the rear.
Over time, the control arm assembly can become worn or bent. These assemblies normally wear out between 90,000 and 100,000 miles. They can wear out faster if you go over a large pothole or are involved in a car accident. Various parts of the assembly may wear out as well, such as the bushings or ball joints.
To keep this assembly lasting longer, have it inspected every time your suspension is looked at. This way, each component of the control arm assembly is properly assessed by a professional. If there is something wrong with a part, A professional mechanic can replace the control arm assembly at that point. This will aid in a smoother drive because your vehicle will not vibrate while it is driving due to a bad control arm assembly or a poor suspension.
Since the control arm assembly will go bad over time, it is important that you can recognize the symptoms. As soon as you recognize the signs, you can have your vehicle inspected and repaired, which will be a relatively straightforward process.
Signs your control arm assembly needs to be replaced include:
- The steering wheel or vehicle vibrates while you are driving down the road
- Loud noises, such as banging, when you go over bumps or potholes
- Uneven tire wear
- The steering wheel is not as responsive as it was before
- The wheels move or shake while you are driving
The control arm assembly is an important part of your vehicle and its suspension, as soon as something is wrong with it, have it replaced right away so you can drive your vehicle safely again.
