A car’s control arm sits between the suspension system and the frame, supporting the vehicle’s weight as it travels along the road. Over time, stress from wear and tear can affect these control arms, which connect to your car’s steering, suspension, and axles. Here are five warning signs that your car’s control arm is failing and needs replacement.
1) Listen for Rattling From Inside Your Vehicle
If you’re driving along and hear a rattling noise coming from inside your car, it could be a sign that your control arm is failing. The control arm is responsible for keeping your wheels in alignment, so if it’s not working correctly, it can affect your car’s handling. Pay attention to the sound and see if it gets worse when you turn or go over bumps. If you notice any warning signs, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to get it checked out.
2) Feel and Listen for Clunking When Turning
When you’re making a turn, do you hear a clunking noise? That’s one of the most common signs that your car’s control arm is failing.
3) Look for Excessive Tire Wear on One Side
One of the most common signs that your car’s control arm is failing is excessive tire wear on one side. This happens because the control arm is responsible for aligning the wheels. So if it starts to fail, it can cause the wheels to become misaligned, leading to uneven tire wear.
4) Listen for Scraping Noises Under Your Vehicle When You Turn
If you hear scraping noises coming from under your car when you make a turn, it could be a sign that your control arm is failing. If you’re hearing any scraping or other noises coming from the bottom of your car, call your mechanic as soon as possible to have them inspect the problem.
5) Watch Out for a Feeling of Looseness or Play With Your Steering Wheel
One of the first and most common signs that your car’s control arm is failing is a feeling of looseness or play on your steering wheel. This is usually caused by wear and tear on the control arm bushing. If you notice this, it’s essential to get to a mechanic as soon as possible to have it checked out.
Please don’t ignore the signs of a failing control arm, as they will eventually break and put stress on other suspension components, eventually causing them to fail as well. Instead, see your auto care professional get your car repaired and running as good as new.