Control Arm Bushings -

Control Arm Bushings

Control arms link your vehicle’s frame to the steering knuckles, which are mounted to the wheels and tires. The control arms will pivot when you go over bumps and potholes, which allows your wheels to move vertically to compensate.

The control arm bushings are located between the control arms and the car body. This makes it possible for the control arm to move with minimal friction. The bushings also help reduce the vibration and noise from the shock of the bumps. Control arm bushings are covered in a metal sleeve which are typically covered in a rubber padding. A large bolt from the center of the bushing secures the control arm to the frame of the vehicle. Each control arm has two bushings, one at each point that the arm mounts to the car frame. Many suspension systems make use of control arms and therefore control arm bushings.

Signs of a bad control arm bushing

Issues with steering – A worn control arm bushing will affect the car’s alignment greatly. This makes it difficult to steer or might make your car wander. Bad bushings could also make your car pull to one side, which is a serious safety concern.
Knocking or thumping noise – If you hear this noise when going over bumps, it can indicate that you have worn control arm bushings. This noise comes from the arm itself moving around too much as a result of the worn bearing no longer being able to hold the control arm in place.
Uneven tire wear – If your control arm bushings become too worn, the control arm won’t be held firmly in place and will shift around the vehicle. This creates abnormal tire wear on the tires that are affected by the control arm.