A malfunctioning control arm can seriously impact your driving safety and experience. It’s essential to identify the symptoms before they become worse, so you can stay on top of your vehicle maintenance and get your faulty control arm replaced as soon as possible.
What are the Signs of a Bad Control Arm?
Here are the most common symptoms of malfunctioning upper and lower control arms:
Clunking Noises
Worn-out bushings and ball joints in the control arm can cause loud clunking or banging noises. If these components have been subjected to enough wear and tear, they’ll become loose enough within the casing to knock into the walls when driving on uneven terrain.
Vibrating Steering Wheel
A vibrating steering wheel is another major symptom of a bad control arm. The vibration often increases when you accelerate.
Steering Wander
Extremely worn bushings and ball joints could cause your steering wheel’s alignment to shift in one direction. This makes it more difficult to drive in a straight line.
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven wear on your tires (e.g. excessive wear on the inner or outer edges) could indicate alignment issues caused by bent or broken control arms.
All of the aforementioned symptoms (i.e. clunking noises, uneven tire wear, a vibrating steering wheel, and steering wander) are also symptoms of bad control arm bushings. These symptoms could indicate suspension problems in your vehicle.
If you notice any of these symptoms, have your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic.
What Does a Control Arm Do?
Control arms—together with bushings and ball joints—are critical components in your vehicle’s suspension system. They connect the front wheel assemblies to your vehicle’s frame. This allows the wheels to move up and down seamlessly while keeping them aligned with the vehicle’s body.
Aside from helping your vehicle maintain stability and control, the control arms also absorb road shocks. By facilitating the up-and-down movement of the wheels, road shocks are absorbed and you enjoy a smoother ride.
The lower ball joint provides the base of the steering axis as well on the front of the vehicle.
Control Arm Replacement Cost
You should budget between $400 to $1,000 for control arm replacement. Prices will vary depending on whether you need a front or rear part replaced, as well as the make and model of your vehicle. The control arm itself will likely only account for 25% to 50% of the replacement cost, with the cost of labor likely to account for the remaining percentage.
Luxury vehicles will likely yield a much more expensive bill when it comes to control arm replacement, so keep that in mind as well.
This price range excludes taxes and fees, the cost of labor and goods in your area, and related repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many control arms does a car have?
Cars generally have two to four control arms, depending on the suspension design. Vehicles with MacPherson strut suspensions use one lower control arm per front wheel, while those with double wishbone suspensions have both upper and lower control arms. Control arms are typically in the front suspension, though some heavy-duty trucks and cars with independent rear suspension have them in the rear axle.
Can I use two different brands of control arms?
Yes, you can use two different brands of control arms in your vehicle. However, you’ll need to keep the following factors in mind when making your selections: compatibility with your make and model, the quality of each brand, performance characteristics, alignment, and warranty. To avoid any potential issues, it’s advisable to use control arms from the same brand to ensure consistency with fitment, performance, and alignment.
Does a rear lower rearward control arm have a ball?
A rear lower control arm could have a ball joint, but whether it does depends on the design of the vehicle’s suspension system. In some suspension system designs, the rear lower control arm is connected to the rear wheel hub or knuckle via a ball joint. In other designs, the rear lower control arm might use bushings instead of a ball joint.
Where is the rear lower control arm located?
The rear lower control arm is located in the rear suspension system of a vehicle. It connects the rear wheel hub or knuckle to the vehicle’s frame or subframe. It’s often positioned horizontally and runs parallel to the length of the vehicle. This component helps control the movement of the rear wheels, enabling them to move up and down with the suspension while maintaining proper alignment with the vehicle’s body.
How long do control arms last?
Unless they’ve been subjected to challenging driving conditions or impact damage, a new set of control arms is supposed to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Control arm assemblies will wear out gradually between 90,000 to 100,000 miles. Other factors that could impact the lifespan of control arms include the vehicle’s make and model, product quality, maintenance, and frequency of use.
Do I need an alignment after replacing my vehicle’s control arms?
Yes, an alignment is essential after replacing your vehicle’s control arms, as new parts are unlikely to match the exact dimensions of the originals. Replacing control arms changes the wheels’ position and angles slightly, which can lead to misalignment. A professional alignment will reset your wheels to the correct specifications, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
Can I drive with a broken control arm?
It’s inadvisable to drive with a broken control arm since it can cause further damage to your vehicle, as well as endanger you and your passengers. Most failures occur when the ball joints fail, and complete ball joint failure could cause the steering knuckle to disconnect. This, in turn, could cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership as soon as possible for inspection and replacement.
