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Control Arms Symptoms of a Bad Control Arm The control arms are an essential component in your car’s suspension, as they deliver strong bondings between the chassis and wheels that enables effective movement. However, when the control arm components, especially the bushings wear out or start to fail a few symptoms.
Common Bad Control Arm Bushings Symptoms
SLOPPY TIRE USE —bushings bag out—and misalignment—– uneven tire wear It is common to see these as bald patches or worn more on certain spots of the tire, meaning there are control arms that do not work right13.
Vibration and Shaking: When bushing wears out, it starts losing its ability to absorb the shocks and vibrations. The steering wheel and whole car may vibrate more, especially when driving over course service24.
Clunking Sounds: One of the most common signs your control arm bushings have reached their end life is loud clunks or knocking noises driving over bumps. SLA suspension noises often are present on bump or turn indicating metal-to-metal contact due to excessive play in the suspension 36.
Bad Handling And Steering Response: Worn bushings have the potential to seriously impact a vehicle’s handling. This can result in a disconnect steering sensation or heightened body roll during corner input, negatively impacting the ability to steer and control35.
Rattling During Braking: A rattling clunking noise during braking could be due to overly-worn control arm bushings, which allow too much movement in the brake caliper and rotor42Degree of alignment45.
What are the common reasons of a deteriorated Control Arm bushing?
What causes the control arm bushings to collapse
Heat and Aging: Extreme temperatures can cause the rubber in bushings to wear out over time14.
This includes Environmental Exposure — road salt, oils and chemicals can speed the degradation of bushing materials24.
Heavy Loads and Stress: Regular heavy loads or stressful driving conditions put extra pressure on bushings, which leads to abnormal wear13.
Insufficient Lubrication: Without enough lubricant, the bushings can experience extra friction and heat that accelerate wear25.
Preventive Measures
Ways To Make Your Control Arm Bushings Last Longer
Regularly inspect as part of routine maintenance.
Make sure to lubricate as per the manufacturer guidelines.
Ref: Trying to avoid driving on bad roads
Early recognition here can stave off larger suspension system issues and lead to safer driving.
