You might be thinking: “my car is going fine, I will check it out next time I am at a service station”. Don’t. Your lower control arms could be on their way out and you don’t want to take the risk of your car breaking down when you are driving along at a high speed or you might not even make it to your destination.
What are Control Arms?
Control arms are the parts that connect your vehicle’s suspension to the rest of the car. The control arms are also known as “A-arms,” since they are shaped like an A.
Control arms offer some flexibility in how they move, which allows them to work with the suspension system and provide better stability and handling.
If one of your control arms is damaged or broken, you will need to replace it right away before you get into an accident or have other problems with your car’s handling and performance.
What Do Control Arms Do?
Control arms are suspension components that connect your vehicle’s suspension system together and transfer forces from one side to another. They’re responsible for keeping the wheels pointed in the right direction while cornering, turning and hitting bumps on the road — they’re essentially a vehicle’s inner structure!
Do lower Control Arms Need to be Replaced?
Lower control arms are a very important part of your vehicle’s suspension system. They connect the steering knuckle on one side of the front axle to the frame and thus allow for movement of the wheels.
Because they are so important and because they are exposed to so much wear and tear, they need to be checked regularly and replaced if they are worn out or damaged. The lower arms are made of several parts that can break over time.
When to Replace the lower control arm?
If you are experiencing any of the following issues, it is possible that your lower control arm needs replacing.
Clunking Noise
The clunking noise is caused by the ball joint failing and the upper arm moving in a way it has not been designed to. This can cause damage to other parts of your vehicle as well as causing poor handling and excessive tire wear.
Vehicle Pulling to the Side
If there’s a pulling sensation in one direction when driving, it could mean that either one or both lower control arms are broken or worn out.
This will cause uneven tire wear and also affect steering performance — making it difficult for you to keep your car under control during turns at high speeds or while driving in inclement weather conditions such as snowstorms or heavy rainfalls.
Uneven Tread Wear
If you notice uneven tread wear on your tires or if they’re wearing down quickly in one area more than others (such as near the center), then this means that your alignment needs to be readjusted.
Vibrations When Driving
If you feel vibrations when driving, it could be a sign that your lower control arm needs to be replaced. If you don’t repair it immediately, your car will be unsafe to drive and may cause other damage to other parts of your vehicle.
Is it worth replacing control arms?
While control arms do need to be replaced from time to time, it’s not always necessary to replace them immediately if they’ve been damaged or worn out due to age or use. However, if your vehicle starts pulling in one direction while you’re driving or making other noises that indicate something is wrong with its suspension system, we’d recommend having them inspected by professional technicians right away before further damage occurs.
What happens if you don’t replace lower control arm?
If you don’t replace your lower control arm when it breaks or becomes worn out, this can cause problems with other parts of your vehicle’s suspension system, including:
- Poor steering response and handling
- Unusual tire wear patterns
- Increased front-end noise due to excessive suspension movement In extreme cases, the vehicle may become undrivable.
Conclusion
When your vehicle displays symptoms such as uneven tire wear or scraping sounds coming from the front suspension, it is time to consider control arm replacement.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.
