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If the control arm is defective, there may be various symptoms that indicate this. In some cases, the car may even become uncontrollable.
Defective control arm – symptoms caused by the damage
When the control arm is defective, the first symptoms are often limited controllability of the car. Since the control arm is an essential component of the car, you should consider repair at the first sign to avoid more serious damage. If you want to take a look at it yourself beforehand, you may need a dismantling tool set.
- Since control arms allow steering to the left and right, the symptoms are most noticeable in such situations. Unusual noises when turning indicate a problem with the component. Similarly, impaired steering is possible. If you find it harder than usual to turn left or right, a defect is likely.
- The other extreme, where the car reacts to the slightest movement of the steering wheel, is also a symptom of a defect. It is important to note that these symptoms indicate a deformed control arm, for example. If there is a break, it is no longer possible to steer at all. If the control arm is warped, in some cases it is no longer possible to keep the track straight without having to actively countersteer.
- A glance at the car tires can also provide information. If the control arm is affected, increased wear can be observed on one of the front wheels. Since the position of your wheels and the control arms are aligned with each other, a deformation also means that the wheels are no longer ideally seated and thus the safety of you and your passengers can no longer be guaranteed.
Control arm defective – these causes can cause problems
In general, wear is the main cause of problems with control arms. Nevertheless, you should seek an early replacement or repair, as neglecting the problem can have expensive and, in the worst case, devastating consequences for you and your passengers.
- Due to wear, individual parts of the control arms, such as the rubber connections, become brittle and detach from the component. The brittle, loose rubber then causes the audible noises already mentioned while driving.
- Similarly, the ball bearings of the control arms will eventually suffer from years of wear and tear and will no longer be firmly seated. Wear and tear will affect the accuracy of your car’s steering and precise steering will often be difficult.
- How quickly your control arms wear depends largely on your driving style and what type of road surface you frequently drive on. If you are concerned about the cost of repairs, you can get an estimate from auto repair shops that itemizes the estimated cost of the repair for you.
