Your vehicle’s control arms are critical components that connect the wheels to the frame and help manage wheel movement for optimum ride, handling and stability. The front lower control arm and rear control arms work together to achieve this.
Front Lower Control Arm
The front lower control arm connects the wheel assembly to the bottom of the vehicle’s frame on each side. It allows the wheel to move up and down over bumps while stabilizing it for braking, steering and cornering forces.
The lower arm helps determine:
• Camber angle – The tilting angle of the wheel for proper tire wear and handling.
• Toe angle – How the wheels are aligned side by side for straight line tracking.
If the lower arm deteriorates and loses alignment, issues like abnormal tire wear, poor handling and vibration can occur.
Rear Control Arms
The rear control arms function similarly on rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles. They connect the rear axle or suspension to the frame and allow wheel movement for absorbing shocks.
The rear arms control:
• Rear camber – The tilting angle of rear wheels which affects stability and towing ability.
• Rear toe – Proper toe alignment is important for smooth braking and stability.
When rear control arms wear out, common problems include rear tire wear issues, reduced brake performance and reduced handling stability.
4 Methods To Inspect The Control Arms
To ensure your vehicle’s suspension functions properly, both the front lower control arm and rear control arms should be inspected regularly for:
• Loose or worn bushings
• Cracked arms
• Loose or damaged joints
• Alignment issues
Replacing Worn Control Arms Can Restore Proper:
•Wheel alignment
• Shock absorption
•Tire wear balance
•Steering and handling responsiveness
•Suspension stability