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What are control arm bushings and how do they work?
Control arm bushings are part of a control arm, a major component of your car’s suspension system. The control arm is connected on its outer end to a wheel (by way of the steering knuckle and wheel hub). On the inner end, the control arm is bolted to the vehicle body or frame through a pair of rubber bushings. When the wheel moves up and down over bumps, or when responding to weight shifts when you turn, the control arm moves up and down with the wheel. The bushings allow the control arm to pivot while absorbing vibration.
HOW IS THIS SERVICE PERFORMED?
How is a a Control Arm Bushings Replacement done?
The procedure to replace control arm bushings depends, to some degree, on the type of vehicle, whether it is an upper or lower control arm, and whether it is located at the front or rear of the vehicle. In general, to replace lower control arm bushings on the front of a typical car or light SUV, a mechanic will do the following:
Lift and support your vehicle and remove the wheel and tire for access
Disconnect the sway bar link (if applicable)
Disconnect and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle (this may require that the knuckle be disconnected from its upper mount)
Unbolt the inner control arm mounts from the body or frame and remove the control arm
Using a press, extract the control arm bushings from the control arm
Press the new bushings into the control arm
Reinstall the control arm, starting start the bolts through the bushings
Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle
Reattach the sway bar link to the control arm (if applicable)
Load the suspension and torque the inner control arm mounting bolts
Replace the wheel and tire, lower the vehicle, and test drive to verify the repair
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National average cost of a a Control Arm Bushings Replacement for popular vehicles:
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What are signs that the control arm bushings need to be replaced?
The control arm bushings are subject to a lot of twisting every time you turn or drive over a bump in the road. When the bushings wear out, there are a few signs that they need to be replaced. You might hear a squeaking or creaking sound when going over bumps. If worn to the point that metal-to-metal contact is made between the control arm and the body or frame, you might hear a knocking sound instead. And if severely worn, control arm bushings might affect the tires. Look for signs of uneven tire tread wear.
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Other questions customers ask
Can you drive with a broken control arm bushing?
A control arm is the connection between your tires and your vehicle. If it is compromised, not only will your ride quality be diminished, but the safety of your vehicle will be as well. A squeaking bushing is no great concern, but a failed bushing can be serious. If you notice any of the signs of a bad control arm bushing, make sure to have your suspension evaluated by a trusted technician as soon as possible.
What happens if control arm bushings are bad?
The control arm bushings are made of rubber in order to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the control arm and its mounting brackets on the body or frame of your vehicle. They also dampen vibrations caused when you drive over bumps. When these bushings wear away, the wheel alignment, vehicle handling, and tire wear can all suffer.
What makes control arm bushings go bad?
Control arm bushings are subject to an immense amount of vibration and stress. They are constantly twisting and turning in response to your vehicle driving over bumps and around turns. Friction, stress, and time all lead to deterioration, as does excessive heat.
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