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A car's control arms play a significant role in how it rides and handles. If you've been told you need to replace the control arms on your vehicle, you're aware this is one of the more expensive suspension repairs, but it's an important one. Control arms play a key role in vehicle safety. In addition, control arms that aren't up to par may result in increased wear on your tires and other parts of your vehicle.

Today, let's take a closer look at control arms and the common (or uncommon) questions you may have about these suspension system parts.

1. What Do Control Arms Do?

Front Control Arms: The front control arms connect the front wheels to the car chassis. They're responsible for controlling the up-and-down movement of the wheels. When you hit a bump or a pothole, the front control arms help absorb the shock, creating a smoother ride while keeping your steering in check.

Rear Control Arms: The rear control arms perform the same function as the front control arms, except they are located in the back and connect the rear wheels to the car's frame. Rear control arms keep your rear wheels steady, whether you're driving on a straight road or taking a turn. In addition, they help your car's stability—especially during sudden stops or sharp turns.

Both the front and rear control arms keep the wheels in line, play a part in ride comfort, and help you steer.

2. How Many Control Arms Does My Car Have?

Modern vehicles tend to have between two to four control arms, depending on the make and model.

3. What are Control Arms Made of?

Control arms are usually made of aluminum or steel.

4. How are Control Arms Connected to My Car?

The control arms are attached to the car via bushings that allow them to move up and down.

5. When Do I Need to Replace My Car's Control Arms?

Often, control arms are replaced when the bushings or ball joints are changed.

6. Why Should I Replace the Control Arms with the Bushings?

Control arm bushings tend to be made of rubber because it is a soft material that's good at reducing road noise and vibrations. However, their rubber construction means the bushings are susceptible to dry rot, tears, and cracks. Bad control arm bushings make noise and have visible wear or damage that indicates it's time to replace them. You may also notice abnormal tire wear or an off-center steering wheel.

Why do motorists replace the control arms at the same time as the bushings? It's because it isn't that much more expensive to replace the entire assembly. Another reason is that it's actually easier to replace the entire assembly, saving you on labor. It makes sense to pay a little more now to have new control arms, bushings, and ball joints vs paying again if another part reaches failure.

7. Can I Replace the Ball Joints and not the Control Arm?

On some vehicles, the ball joints cannot be replaced separately from the control arms. On vehicles where it is possible, the ball joints (whether they are press-in or bolt-in ball joints), require special tools for replacement. This typically involves extra steps vs replacing the entire assembly. A new assembly would include a new control arm, new ball joints, and new bushings. Similar to bushing replacement, it makes sense to do everything at one time vs paying again in the future due to worn bushings or control arms.

8. Should I Replace the Control Arms in Pairs (Why or Why Not)?

Yes. It's recommended that the control arms be replaced in pairs. Why? It's because it would be odd for one control arm, such as the right control arm, to be worn out without the left control arm being at, or near, the same level of wear. Remember: the control arm that is okay has travelled the same distance as the worn one, so it's likely that you'll need to replace it soon regardless. This being the case, it'll cost more time and money to have another control arm replacement service performed in the future vs replacing the pair at the same time.

9. Is the Control Arm the Same as the "A-Arm"?

In the automotive service industry, terminology can vary, and different names might pop up for the same part. A control arm is a good example of this, because it's also known as the "a-arm" to some people. Typically, control arms have a triangular or "A" shape when viewed from the side, hence the nickname. Whether you call it a control arm or the a-arm, it's still the same, crucial suspension component.

Need a suspension repair in EHT? If you're having issues with how your vehicle steers or you notice your commutes are less comfortable than they once were, contact Deltona Discount Tires. We're familiar with suspension problems and how to repair them, especially when these issues have a negative effect on the life of your tires. We repair and replace suspension control arms, as well as perform a variety of other suspension repairs to keep your vehicle driving like it should.

Deltona Discount Tires is proud to serve EHT and surrounding areas, such as Ocean City and Atlantic City, New Jersey.