How Long Can You Drive With Bad Control Arm Bushings
Bad control arm bushings can cause several problems with your car, and if you don’t replace them soon enough, it could lead to an accident.
Knowing how long can you drive with bad control arm bushings is extremely important.
In this article, we will answer that statement and learn more about controlling arms.
Depending on the severity of the problem, you may only be able to drive for a short distance before needing to get the problem fixed.
In some cases, you may not be able to drive at all.
If you’re driving with bad control arm bushings, be sure to keep an eye on your speed and be extra careful when making turns.
It’s also a good idea to have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible so that they can fix the problem before it becomes worse.
What Is A Control Arm?
A control arm is a suspension component in a vehicle that connects the wheel hub to the frame.
The arm allows the wheel to move up and down as the suspension system absorbs impact from bumps in the road.
The control arm also helps keep the tire aligned with the body of the car.
Over time, control arms can become worn and may need to be replaced.
When replacing control arms, it is important to make sure that they are properly aligned with the rest of the suspension system.
Improperly aligned control arms can cause problems with the handling of the vehicle.
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.
Control arms play an important role in the suspension of a vehicle.
They connect the wheels to the chassis and allow them to move up and down as the terrain changes.
Control arms also help keep the wheels in alignment with the body of the vehicle.
There are several different types of control arms, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Standard A-arms are the most common type of control arm.
They offer a good balance of strength and flexibility, making them well suited for most applications.
Dual A-arms offer greater wheel travel than standard A-arms, but they are also more expensive.
Control arms can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and composite plastic.
Aluminum control arms are lightweight and strong, but they can be susceptible to corrosion.
Steel control arms are very durable, but they are also much heavier than aluminum control arms.
Composite plastic control arms are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but they may not be as strong as steel or aluminum control arms.
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
Control arm bushings, also known as suspension bushings, are 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 bushings likely need 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 arm bushings and how to replace them yourself.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bad Control Arm Bushings?
There are a few symptoms that can indicate that your control arm bushings need 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 bushings are 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.
How To Replace 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 (you can purchase these from your local auto parts store)
The first step is to safely jack up your car and support it on jack stands.
Once the car is secure, you’ll need to remove the wheels so that you can access the suspension components.
Next, use a socket or wrench to loosen and remove the bolts that attach the control arm to the chassis.
With the control arm freed, you can now remove the old bushing.
To do this, simply insert a pry bar into the space between the control arm and the bushing, and then pry the bushing out.
Once the old bushing is removed, you can install the new one in its place.
To do this, simply press the new bushing into the control arm until it’s seated properly.
Finally, replace the bolts attaching the control arm to the chassis, and then lower your car to the ground.
Once your car is back on the ground, replace the wheels and test-drive to make sure that the problem has been fixed.
If you’re not confident in your ability to replace your control arm bushings yourself, don’t hesitate to take your car to a mechanic for help.
They’ll be able to repair quickly and efficiently, and they’ll also be able to advise you on any other potential problems that might 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 Bushing Cost?
Bushings are a common, and often inexpensive, repair.
On low-end vehicles, new bushings 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: How Long Can You Drive With Bad Control Arm Bushings
In conclusion, 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.
If you suspect that your car has a problem with its control arms, it’s important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and advise you on the best course of action.
In most cases, control arms will need to be replaced if they’re damaged.
However, if the damage is minor, it’s sometimes possible to repair them instead.
Replacing or repairing your control arms can be expensive, but it’s generally cheaper than leaving the problem untreated and risking further damage to your car.
