What are control arm bushings?
Control arm bushings are an important part of your car’s suspension system. Their purpose is to secure the control arm to the chassis of your car. There are two control arms in the suspension―upper and lower―and they contain a rubber bushing at each end.
Control arm bushings serve several important purposes:
- Absorbing shocks and vibrations: As the vehicle drives over bumps and rough roads, the control arm bushings help to absorb the shocks and vibrations generated by the road surface. This helps to provide a smoother ride and prevent excessive wear and tear on other suspension components.
- Improving wheel alignment: The control arm bushings help to maintain proper alignment of the wheels and suspension system. This is important for maintaining good handling and steering control, as well as preventing uneven tire wear.
- Reducing noise and vibration: The control arm bushings also help to reduce noise and vibration in the suspension system. This can improve overall driving comfort and reduce driver fatigue.
Control arm bushings are made of rubber so that the arm can be secured but a certain amount of movement can still take place. Due to the constant levels of stress they are under, the control arm bushings can be prone to cracking over time. When the control arm bushings start to fail, the stability and safety of your car may be affected. A new set of control arm bushings allows for improved handling, control and alignment while driving. This improves your overall comfort and safety while driving.
If your vehicles control arm bushes are worn, cracked, leaking or damaged in any way then your vehicle will fail a Warrant of Fitness (WoF), and need to have then replaced.
Learn more about how control arm bushings work >
Symptoms of worn control arm bushings:
Over time, control arm bushings can wear out due to constant stress and exposure to the elements. Here are some common symptoms of worn control arm bushings:
- Less responsive steering – The first problem you will notice is that your steering doesn’t feel right. Your steering wheel will be less responsive, and may even start tracking to one side on its own at higher speeds.
- Vibrating steering wheel -Your car’s steering wheel may begin to vibrate at higher speeds. This can affect your control over the vehicle and make driving feel a lot less stable.
- Uneven tyre wear – When the control arm bushings are worn, it can cause uneven tire wear. This is because the suspension system is not properly aligned, causing the tires to wear unevenly.
- Excess noise – Worn control arm bushings can also cause noise in the suspension system, such as squeaking or creaking sounds. This can occur when going over bumps or turning the wheel.
- Reduced driving comfort – Damaged control arm bushes will affect your car’s ability to absorb impacts. This can lead to bumps and vibrations being felt throughout your vehicle.
- Unstable braking – The stability of your car’s braking can be affected by a faulty control arm bush. Your brakes will be unpredictable, often working faster or slower than normal.
Can you drive safely with damaged control arm bushes?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is important to have your vehicle inspected. Worn control arm bushings can lead to serious safety issues if not addressed, and can also cause additional damage to other components of the suspension system.
For this reason, we recommend that you be wary of long trips and get your car’s bushes replaced as soon as you can.
Control Arm Bushes Replacement & Diagnostics in Hamilton
Are damaged control arm bushes affecting the comfort, stability or safety of your vehicle? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can thoroughly examine your car’s control arms and bushes. If we detect a problem, we can install new control arm bushes for you. This will allow for increased control of your car and increased improved comfort while driving.
As well as control arm bushing repair, we offer a wide range of other suspension repairs.
For control arm bushing replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!