In your vehicle's suspension system are lower control arms that connect the vehicle's frame or subframe to the lower ball joint. This keeps the wheels in contact with the road surface for better control and stability. Lower control arms in good condition will help promote a safer and more comfortable drive. Keep reading to learn more about lower control arms, including what to do if you have a faulty set on your hands.

Control Arm Types

Control arms typically differ based on the type of suspension system used.

Control Arm Type Suspension

In control arm suspensions, the lower control arms are separate from the shock absorber and are connected to the frame of the car and the steering knuckle by ball joints.

Strut-Type Suspension

In strut-type suspensions, there is no upper control arm. Instead, the struts play the role of the upper control arm.

Lower Control Arm Parts

In addition to its body, the lower control arm consists of bushings and a ball joint.

Bushings

Bushings allow the lower control arm body to connect to the vehicle frame. These are usually made out of rubber.

Ball Joint

The ball joint connects the lower control arm body to the wheel side of the vehicle suspension. They allow the wheels to turn smoothly, absorb vertical forces from uneven surfaces, and enable the suspension to move up and down freely to accommodate different road conditions.

How to Choose Lower Control Arms

Vehicle Compatibility

To guarantee a proper fit and the original level of performance, ensure that you're getting a set of lower control arms specific to your vehicle, as they can differ between models and even model years.

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) lower control arms are typically made by authorized manufacturers, whereas aftermarket lower control arms are made by third-party manufacturers.

We recommend investing in OEM lower control arms to return your vehicle's air conditioning system to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of OEM replacements. Not to mention, aftermarket units may void your vehicle's warranty.

Common Problems & When to Replace

Noise

Strange noises like clunking from the suspension might indicate that the lower control arm bushings or ball joints are worn down. These might be even more pronounced when driving over uneven terrain. You might need to get the bushings and ball joints replaced.

Pulling to the Side

If your vehicle drifts to one side while driving, your wheels might be out of alignment and need to be aligned, or the lower control arm bushings or ball joints might be damaged and need replacing.

Uneven Tire Wear

If one or more of your tires are wearing down faster than the others, there could again be problems with the bushings and ball joints, causing specific wheels to bear more weight than others.

Vibrations

The ability of the lower control arms to effectively reduce vibrations might be compromised when they are damaged, resulting in your vehicle shaking and/or the steering wheel vibrating.

Visible Damage

You can conduct a visual examination if any of the problems mentioned above sound familiar. Jacking up your vehicle should give you a clear sight of the suspension. If any of the lower control arms are damaged, they'll need to be replaced.

Routine Lower Control Arm Maintenance

You can incorporate the following practices to keep your lower control arms running healthily.

1. Keep your tires well inflated. This will reduce stress on the lower control arms and its components.
2. Wherever possible, avoid driving over uneven terrain such as potholes at high speeds as this subjects the lower control arms to high amounts of stress.
3. Properly aligning your vehicle's wheels will ensure even stress across all four wheels and reduce the likelihood of premature wear on the lower control arms.
4. Maintain good driving practices, such as not tailgating. By avoiding situations where you have to slam on the brakes suddenly, you'll avoid putting unnecessary stress on the lower control arms.
5. Avoid overloading your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can put more stress on your vehicle's lower control arms than it can handle.

Replacing Your Lower Control Arms

To replace the lower control arms, you will need a hydraulic jack and axle stand, a lug nut wrench, a socket set, pliers, a breaker bar, a torque wrench, and a ball joint separator. Once you've prepared your equipment, carry out the following steps:

1. Park your vehicle on a flat and level surface with the parking brake engaged.
2. Loosen the lug nuts, lift the vehicle up, and lower it onto the jack stands. You can then remove the wheel.
3. Remove any parts like the sway bar that might obstruct access to the lower control arms.
4. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle with the help of a ball joint separator.
5. Remove the control arm bolts by using a socket wrench or breaker bar.
6. Make sure the mounting points are clean and free from wear or damage.
7. Install the new control arms by positioning them in place, inserting the bolts, and tightening them with a torque wrench.
8. Repeat steps 4-1 in the reverse order.

Where to Buy Quality Used Lower Control Arms

Buy high-quality used lower control arms in excellent condition, all available at hard-to-beat prices from Japan's leading auto parts exporter - BE FORWARD Auto Parts. Our extensive selection features components that have been rigorously inspected to ensure reliability and performance. Whether you're looking to replace damaged parts or upgrade your vehicle, we offer a wide variety of options to suit your needs.