Keeping Yourself in Suspension (Control Arm Assembly Replacement)
July 28, 2024
When you are pointing your vehicle straight down the street, it should go straight. That’s pretty straightforward, right? Sometimes, though, you may notice you have to keep adjusting the steering wheel to keep going straight. While that could be caused by many different issues, one possibility is that you have a failing or bent control arm.
Another sign is that when you brake, your vehicle pulls to one side or the other. Sometimes your suspension may sound noisy, especially when you’re traveling on rough surfaces. A damaged control arm may also make it almost impossible for you to get a good wheel alignment.
The control arms are part of your suspension, and some vehicles have upper control arms and lower control arms. Not all have the same number of control arms, but one thing is important: If you have worn bushings on your control arms or a worn-out ball joint, the control arm on the other side should also be replaced. The rubber bushings are susceptible to damage from age and exposure to the elements, and ball joints usually shouldn’t be replaced separately.
Any time you have a suspension issue, it’s important that a technician inspects the other parts of your suspension as well. If one part of it is showing its age, it’s not unusual for other components to show similar wear.
One other thing. If you’ve had one of your control arms bent or damaged in an accident, you must have it replaced. Your suspension is an important part of your vehicle’s safety and handling, so you should keep it in good operating condition. After all, your life is riding on it, literally.
Auto Lab Troy
2790 West Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48084
(248) 643-7690
Need Service?
More articles from Auto Lab Troy
Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter: What?s the Difference?
March 8, 2026
You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle. But did you know your vehicle has two different major air filters and they both perform quite differentbut very importantduties? Todays vehicles have a cabin air filter, and an engine air filter. The engine a... More
Why is My Brake Pedal Hard to Push?
March 1, 2026
When you push on your brake pedal, you should find your vehicle easy to stop. But at some point, you might notice stopping takes much more pressure on the pedal than it used to. When it gets to that point it becomes a safety issue, and you should bring your vehicle in so we can track down whats... More
Power Steering Pump Replacement
February 22, 2026
When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More