How Long Can You Drive On Bad Lower Control Arm
A bad lower control arm is one of the most common suspension problems that can occur in a vehicle.
While this problem can be caused by several different things, the most common cause is worn out or damaged control arm.
When these wear out, they can allow the control arm to move around too much, which can lead to all sorts of handling and stability issues.
But how long can you drive on bad lower control arm?
In this article, we will answer that question and learn more about this suspension problem.
Lower Control Arm
As you know, the lower control arm is one of the most important suspension components on your vehicle.
It is responsible for controlling the up and down movement of the wheel.
Without it, your ride would be extremely bumpy and uncomfortable.
There are a few different types of lower control arms available on the market today.
Some are made from stronger materials such as steel or aluminum, while others are made from softer materials such as rubber or polyurethane.
Depending on the type of terrain you typically drive on and the amount of weight your vehicle carries, you will want to choose a lower control arm that can best handle those conditions.
If you do a lot of off-roading in your Jeep or SUV, then you will want to choose a lower control arm made from a stronger material such as steel or aluminum.
These types of materials can better withstand the rough terrain and are heavyweight.
If you typically stick to paved roads, then a lower control arm made from a softer material such as rubber or polyurethane will be just fine.
When it comes to installation, lower control arms are usually pretty easy to install.
However, if you are not familiar with suspension components, it is always best to have a professional do the installation for you.
This way, you can be sure that everything is installed correctly and that there are no issues down the road.
How Long Can You Drive On Bad Lower Control Arm?
A bad lower control arm can cause serious problems while driving.
The problem can be acute and result in a complete loss of control over the car.
In some cases, it can even cause the car to overturn.
It is important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid any potential accidents.
Depending on the severity of the problem, it may take a few days or weeks to fix the issue.
Driving with a bad lower control arm is not advisable and should be avoided at all costs.
A bad lower control arm can cause your vehicle to handle poorly.
It can also cause premature tire wear and can be dangerous if it breaks while you’re driving.
A lower control arm is a vital part of your car’s suspension, so it’s important to keep it in good shape.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your lower control arm, take it to a mechanic for inspection.
Driving on a bad lower control arm is not worth the risk.
Causes For Lower Control Arm To Fail
There are several reasons why a lower control arm might fail.
Most often, it is due to either wear or corrosion.
Over time, the bushing that connects the lower control arm to the chassis can degrade, causing play in the connection.
This can lead to rattling and eventually complete failure of the bushing.
Additionally, the ball joint that connects the lower control arm to the wheel hub can also wear out, causing looseness in the connection and eventually leading to failure.
If a lower control arm fails while driving, it can be extremely dangerous.
The wheel could come completely detached from the vehicle, leading to loss of control and a potentially serious accident.
Sudden acceleration can cause the lower control arm to fail.
This is because the lower control arm is responsible for keeping the wheels in contact with the ground.
If the lower control arm fails, the wheels will no longer be able to grip the road, and the vehicle will lose control.
There are several reasons why the lower control arm might fail, but one of the most common is due to wear and tear.
Another common cause of lower control arm failure is impact damage.
If the vehicle hits a large object or is involved in a collision, the force of the impact can damage the lower control arm.
This damage can weaken the arm, and eventually cause it to fail.
Lower control arm failure can be dangerous and should be repaired as soon as possible.
If you believe that your lower control arm has failed, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for an inspection.
Control Arm: How Does It Work?
A vehicle’s control arm connects the wheel hub to the frame and is a suspension component.
The arm allows the wheel to move up and down as the suspension system absorbs impacts from bumps on the road.
The control arm also aids in keeping the tire aligned with the vehicle’s body.
Control arms may wear down over time and must be replaced.
It’s critical to ensure that replacement control arms are correctly fitted concerning other components of the suspension system when changing them.
Incorrect installation of control arms might cause issues with car handling.
The first is a standard A-arm, which uses a single lower ball joint and a single upper A-arm.
This configuration is often used on the economy or entry-level vehicles.
The second type of control arm is called a dual A-arm.
It consists of two lower ball joints and two upper A-arms.
Dual A-arms provide greater wheel travel than standard A-arms and are therefore better suited for off-road or performance applications.
Suspension is the mechanism by which a car’s wheels are moved up and down as the road surface changes.
They connect the wheels to the vehicle’s structure and allow them to move up and down as conditions change.
They also assist in keeping the wheels aligned with the vehicle’s body.
There are several different sorts of control arms available, each with its own set of characteristics.
The most frequent variety of control arms is the conventional A-arms.
They have a fair balance of strength and flexibility, making them ideal for most uses.
Dual A-arms give you more wheel travel than standard A-arms but at a higher price tag.
Control arms can be constructed of a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and composite plastic.
Aluminum control arms are lightweight and sturdy, but they can corrode.
Steel control arms are more durable but also heavier than aluminum ones.
Composite plastic control arms are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but they may not be as strong as steel or aluminum ones.
When choosing control arms, it is important to select the right type for your application.
Standard A-arms are typically the best choice for most applications.
Dual A-arms are better suited for off-road or performance applications.
Composite plastic control arms are a good choice for applications where weight is a concern.
Steel control arms are the strongest and most durable type of control arm, but they are also the heaviest.
Control Arm Bushings
The control arm, also known as suspension, is an essential part of your vehicle’s suspension system.
These bushings attach the control arms to the chassis of your car, and they help to absorb bumps and vibrations from the road.
Over time, however, control arm bushings can wear out, causing your ride to become less comfortable and your car to handle poorly.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, your control arm likely needs to be replaced.
Luckily, this is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be done at home with the help of a few tools.
Keep reading to learn more about control arms and how to replace them yourself.
What Are The Symptoms Of a Bad Control Arm?
There are a few symptoms that can indicate that your control arm needs to be replaced.
These include:
- squeaking or creaking noises coming from the suspension area
- poor handling, particularly when turning corners
- a rough ride
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your car inspected by a mechanic to determine whether or not the control arm is the cause.
They can then advise you on the best course of action.
Uneven Tire Wear
Badly worn control arms can cause your vehicle’s tires to wear unevenly.
This can lead to decreased gas mileage and increased tire wear.
If you notice that your vehicle’s tires are wearing unevenly, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to check for worn control arms.
Worn control arms should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further tire wear and damage to your vehicle.
Unusual Braking Sensation
If you’re driving and notice an unusual braking sensation, it could be caused by a bad control arm.
The control arm is a suspension component that helps keep your wheels in proper alignment.
If it’s damaged or worn out, it can cause your brakes to feel spongy or unresponsive.
In extreme cases, it can even cause your brakes to fail.
If you suspect that your control arm is causing problems with your brakes, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Driving with a bad control arm is dangerous and should be avoided.
Steering Becomes Unstable
When your control arm is bad, it can cause your steering to become unstable.
This is because the control arm is responsible for keeping the wheels in alignment with the rest of the vehicle.
If it is not working properly, then the wheels can drift out of alignment, making it difficult to steer straight.
In some cases, a bad control arm can also cause the wheels to wobble or shake.
This can be extremely dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible.
A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose and fix this problem quickly and easily.
Do not try to drive your car if you suspect that the control arm is bad.
Doing so could put you and others at risk.
Instead, have your car towed to a nearby service station or garage so that the problem can be fixed properly.
How To Check A Faulty Control Arm Before Replacing It
There are a few ways that you can check your control arm to see if it is indeed faulty.
One way is to simply look at it.
If the bushing is cracked, split, or otherwise damaged, then it will need to be replaced.
Another way to check the control arm is to take it for a test drive.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above while driving, then there is a good chance that the control arm is indeed bad.
If you suspect that your control arm is faulty, the best course of action is to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
They will be able to properly diagnose the problem and advise you on the best course of action.
Replacing a control arm is generally not a difficult or expensive repair, but it should be done by a qualified professional.
Do not attempt to replace the control arm yourself unless you are confident in your ability to do so.
Incorrectly replacing a control arm can cause further damage to your vehicle and put you and others at risk.
When To Replace Your Control Arm Bushing
There are a few different factors that will affect how often you need to replace your control arm bushing.
These include:
The type of vehicle you drive – Some vehicles are more prone to suspension problems than others. If you drive a particularly heavy-duty vehicle, then you may need to replace your control arm bushing more frequently.
How often you use your car – If you use your car regularly, then you will need to replace your control arm bushing more often than someone who only uses their car occasionally.
The conditions you drive in – If you frequently drive in off-road conditions or on rough roads, then you will need to replace your control arm bushing more often.
Replacing Control Arm Bushings
If your control arm bushings do need to be replaced, don’t worry – it’s a relatively straightforward repair that can be done at home with the help of a few tools.
You’ll need:
- a jack and jack stands
- a socket set or wrench set
- a pry bar
- replacement control arm bushings
The first step is to use jack stands to raise your automobile and support it on them.
Once the car is secure, you’ll have to remove the wheels to access the suspension components.
The next step is to remove the control arm from the chassis.
Loosen and remove the bolts that connect the control arm to the chassis.
You can now get rid of your old bushing by inserting a pry bar between the control arm and the bushing and prying it out.
After the old bushing has been removed, you may replace it with the new one.
Simply press the new bushing into the control arm until it is correctly seated to do this.
Finally, remove and replace the bolts that connect your control arm to the chassis, then lower your automobile to the ground.
Install the wheels after your vehicle has been lowered to the ground to ensure that any issues have been addressed.
If you’re not comfortable handling your control arm bushings, don’t worry.
Take your automobile to a mechanic for assistance if you need it.
They’ll be able to repair it quickly and effectively, as well as advise you on any additional issues that may be affecting your car’s suspension.
FAQs
How Long Does A Control Arms Last?
The lifespan of a control arm can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving habits.
However, in general, control arms should last for the lifetime of your car with no problems.
Do I Need To Replace Both Sides?
If one side of your car is exhibiting symptoms, both sides will likely need to be replaced.
This is because replacing just one side can cause uneven wear and tear, which can lead to further problems down the line.
As such, it’s generally advisable to replace both control arms at the same time, even if only one side is currently causing the problem.
How Often Do I Need To Replace My Control Arms?
There is no definite answer to this question as it depends on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving habits.
However, in general, control arms should last for the lifetime of your car with no problems.
If you do notice any symptoms that could indicate a problem with your control arms, it’s always best to have your car inspected by a mechanic to be sure.
They’ll be able to advise you on whether or not replacement is necessary.
Should The Lower Control Arm Be Replaced, Will An Alignment Be Required?
In most cases, an alignment will be required after replacing the lower control arm.
This is because the lower control arm is responsible for keeping the wheels in proper alignment.
As such, when it’s replaced, the alignment of the wheels will need to be checked and adjusted as necessary.
Is It Possible That Arm Wobble Is Caused By Uncontrollable Arms?
In short, yes.
Death wobble is a condition that can be caused by several different suspension components, including control arms.
If you suspect that your car is suffering from death wobble, it’s important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Driving with death wobble can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
How Much Does A Control Arm Cost?
Bushings are a common, and often inexpensive, repair.
On low-end vehicles, a new control arm may cost as little as $5; more expensive automobiles can cost upwards of $150.
The expense of labor is always the most significant expenditure since it takes time and effort to complete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your lower control arm is bad you may only be able to drive for a short time before needing to get the problem resolved.
You might not be able to drive at all in some situations.
It is important to check your control arm regularly and replace it if necessary to avoid any problems.
Driving with a bad control arm is dangerous and can cause your brakes to fail or your steering to become unstable.
If you suspect that your control arm is bad, the best course of action is to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Replacing a control arm is generally not a difficult or expensive repair, but it should be done by a qualified professional.
Do not attempt to replace the control arm yourself unless you are confident in your ability to do so.
Incorrectly replacing a control arm can cause further damage to your vehicle and put you and others at risk.
In general, you should expect to replace your control arm bushing every 50,000 miles or so.
However, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it is a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
They will be able to tell you for sure whether or not your control arm needs to be replaced.
