All About Lower Control Arms

How They Work

Lower control arms are a component of a vehicle's suspension system. They are typically a long, tubular metal arm that connects the wheel hub assembly to the frame or chassis of the vehicle. The lower control arm plays a critical role in the suspension system, as it helps to control the motion of the wheel hub assembly, and helps to keep the wheel in alignment with the rest of the vehicle.

The lower control arm has bushings or ball joints that allow it to pivot or rotate, which allows the wheel to move up and down with the bumps and dips in the road. The bushings or ball joints also allow the wheel to move in and out, which is called camber. The lower control arm also helps to control the caster angle, which is the angle of the steering axis.

The lower control arm is typically a vital part of the suspension system, and it works in conjunction with other suspension components, such as the upper control arm, shocks, and struts, to provide a smooth and stable ride. If lower control arm is worn or damaged, it can cause alignment issues, uneven Tyre wear, or steering problems.

Why They Fail

Over time, the control arm assembly can become worn or bent. These assemblies normally wear out between 150,000 and 200,000 Kilometres. Z:\Weekly Newsletters\2023 20 January They will 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. Lower control arms can fail for a variety of reasons, some of which include:

Wearing of bushings or ball joints: Over time, the bushings or ball joints that connect the lower control arm to the vehicle can wear out, causing the arm to loosen and lose its ability to control the motion of the wheel hub assembly.

Corrosion: If the lower control arm is exposed to salt, water, or other corrosive materials, it can rust and weaken, leading to failure.

Impact damage: If the lower control arm is involved in an accident or collision, it can be damaged or bent, leading to failure.

Overuse: Lower control arms are subjected to a lot of stress and strain as the vehicle travels over bumps and dips in the road. If the vehicle is driven frequently on rough or uneven terrain, this can cause the lower control arm to fail prematurely.

It's important to note that lower control arm issues can often manifest as other problems like uneven Tyre wear, alignment issues, or steering problems, it's important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic if you suspect any issues.

Signs That Your Lower Control Arm Needs Replacing

It's important to note that lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components that connect the lower control arm to the vehicle, are not always sold individually. Sometimes they only come as part of a lower control arm assembly. This means that if the bushings, ball joints or other components are worn or damaged, the enTyre lower control arm assembly may need to be replaced.

Both ball joints and bushings are parts of the lower control arm that experience a lot of movement and stress as the vehicle travels over bumps and dips in the road. They can wear out or become damaged over time, leading to the need for replacement. Ball joints tend to wear out faster than bushings and it is not uncommon for them to be the first component to fail in the control arm.

Here is a list of signs that your lower control arm may need replacing:

Clunking noise when driving over bumps: If you hear a clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over bumps or uneven terrain, it could be a sign that the lower control arm bushings or ball joints are worn.

Steering problems: If you notice that your steering feels loose or unstable, it could be caused by worn or damaged lower control arm bushings or ball joints.

Uneven Tyre wear: If you notice that the tread on one or more of your Tyres is wearing down faster than the others, it could be caused by worn or damaged lower control arm bushings or ball joints.

Pulling or drifting while driving: If your vehicle pulls to one side or drifts while driving, it could be caused by worn or damaged lower control arm bushings or ball joints.

Suspension sag: If you notice that one corner of your vehicle appears lower than the others, it could be caused by worn or damaged lower control arm bushings or ball joints.

Loose or clunking feeling when turning: If you feel a loose or clunking feeling when turning, it could be caused by worn or damaged lower control arm bushings or ball joints.

It's important to have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle's suspension system regularly to check for any signs of wear or damage to the lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components. If they are found to be worn or damaged, it's best to replace the entire lower control arm assembly to ensure the best performance and longevity.

Tips To Prevent Premature Strut Failure

Here are some tips to help prevent your lower control arm assembly from failing:

Regular maintenance: Regularly have your vehicle's suspension system inspected by a qualified mechanic to check for any signs of wear or damage to the lower control arm bushings, ball joints, and other components.

Proper Tyre inflation: Keeping your Tyres properly inflated can help reduce stress on the lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components.

Avoid rough terrain, potholes and speed bumps: If possible, avoid driving on rough or uneven terrain, through potholes or over speedbumps at speed, as all these put extra stress on the lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components.

Proper alignment: Make sure to have your vehicle's alignment checked regularly, and have it adjusted as needed. Improper alignment can cause uneven Tyre wear and put extra stress on the lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components.

Avoid overloading: Avoid overloading your vehicle, as this can put extra stress on the lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components.

Avoid sudden stops: try to avoid sudden stops, as this can put extra stress on the lower control arm bushings, ball joints and other components.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your lower control arm assembly from failing and prolong its lifespan.

How We Can Help

Teknosa is a leading distributor of replacement suspension parts, including both control arms and bushes. At Start My Car we are proud to offer the full range of Teknosa suspension parts. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best products and service possible. We invite you to browse our website and explore the range of products we have to offer.

If you have any questions about our products or need help selecting the right parts for your vehicle, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. Our team of experts is here to assist you and ensure that you find the perfect parts for your needs. Whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, we're here to help.