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.