What tools do you need to replace control arms?
Materials Needed
- Ball joint separator tool.
- Breaker bar optional.
- Hammer.
- Ratchet / sockets.
- Replacement control arm(s)
- Wrenches – open/box end.
Can you replace a control arm by yourself?
Should You Do the Job Yourself? Front lower control arm replacement is straightforward on some cars. But on others, it can be a real challenge. If you have any doubts you can pull off control arm replacement yourself, it’s best to leave the job to a professional mechanic.
Should I replace all control arms?
It is not necessary to replace both lower or both upper control arms if one is bad, but often they wear out at roughly the same mileage. If one control arm is bad and the other is on its way, it makes sense to replace both arms at once. This way, you only need to do the wheel alignment once.
How can you tell if a control arm is bad?
Symptoms of a bad control arm
- Squeaking, knocking, clunking, banging, popping, or snapping noises, when going over bumps or while steering, accelerating, or decelerating.
- Steering issues including wandering, pulling to one side, or an inability to track straight when cruising, braking, or on uneven surfaces.
How long can you drive on bad control arms?
If you are asking how long you can drive a car with a bad control arm bushing, you should know that it depends on how far the damage has gone. If you are talking on average, you should be able to go 96 kilometers to 128 kilometers. However, it is not safe to drive around with a damaged control arm bushing.
When do you need to replace a control arm?
Control arm replacement may also be necessary if the ball joint is worn, because some ball joints cannot be serviced separately. However, even when the bushings and ball joints can be replaced, control arm assemblies that come fitted with these parts can be a boon to repair work.
Which is the best OE replacement control arms?
Dorman’s OE replacement control arms are engineered to resist corrosion. Our list would not be complete without Moog control arms. Moog is one of the most widely recognized suspension parts manufacturers in the automotive industry. It is well-known for its innovative suspension accessories, problem-solving parts, and reliable components.
What are the parts of a control arm?
A control arm is a metal component of the suspension system, which connects the wheel hub to the frame. Its parts include the metal body, bushings, and ball joint. They come in unitized, press in, and bolt in designs. There are two types of suspension systems that use control arms: double wishbone suspension and Macpherson strut suspension.
How to replace control arms and suspension links?
R-Series™ Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly by MOOG®. Replace your worn or damaged bushings with stronger and longer-lasting bushings from MOOG that effectively absorb substantial loads and are less prone to splitting or cracking… Supreme™ Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly by Mevotech®.