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The control arm is not a big deal to replace on a car, it just looks that way to someone who's never done it before! At Autoparts, we figure that it's crucial to understand how that car of yours works. The control arm unites the wheel to the body of your vehicle. If it’s damaged or worn-out, this can manifest as issues with the drive of your car. This post will walk you through how to replace a control arm, show you how to tell if your car needs new ones and some tips for novices. Let’s get started.
When to Replace Your Car’s Control Arm
You may be thinking about when it’s time to change the control arm. There are a few things that might tip you off. First, focus on how your car feels as you drive it. If you find it pulling to the side or wobbling, that might indicate a control-arm issue. Listen for unusual noises, too. If you get clunking or banging noises over bumps, something may be wrong. You can also verify it by crawling under your car. Check for rust or cracks that have formed on the control arm, then it may be time to consider a new one.
Also, if your tires are developing uneven wear patterns, that’s a bad sign. This occurs if the car control arm is not aligning the wheel correctly. You’ll want to watch for things like alignment, too. If you feel the need to correct your alignment frequently, then it may be the control arm at fault. If you’re not sure, it’s probably a good idea to take your car into the shop for a check-up. They see things really closely and can tell you best what to do.
How Do I Know if My Control Arms Are Bad?
When control arms go bad, they exhibit several symptoms. The car’s handling is one of the first things you’re likely to notice. You may feel as if you’re driving it with too loose a grip, too. It isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. Another sign is the noise. If you hear squeals or grinding noises when cornering or hitting bumps, take notice! This noise is usually a sign that the bushings in the control arm have failed.
Shakes in the steering wheel can also indicate trouble. If you are noticing shaking or vibrations, then it might be possible that the control arm is performing incorrectly. Additionally, check your tires regularly. A bad control arm really could go a long way to causing uneven tire wear. “If one side of the tire is more worn than the other, you can bet something’s wrong,” he said. Monitoring these signs can save you from issues down the road.
Tips for Beginners
If this is your first time working on cars, here are some tips for replacing a control arm. For one, you’ll want to up front ensure that you have all of the proper tools. You’ll need a jack, a set of jack stands, wrenches and in some cases new bolts. It should go without saying, but it probably won’t always use jack stands when raising a car. Never, on life pain of agonizing death, work under an automobile supported only by a jack.
Next, take your time. Don’t rush through the steps. Better to done it right than do it fast. If you have any doubts about what you’re doing, find videos online or ask someone who understands cars. It’s okay to ask for help. When taking off the old control arm, you should take notes or pictures to help you remember how the new one goes on.
Finally, always double-check your work. Before you take your car for a drive, double check that everything is tight and secure. After you’re finished, take the car for a short drive to get a sense of how it feels. If it moves softly, excellent job! And remember, working on your own car can be very rewarding, and you’ll learn more about how it all works with every step. We’re at Autoparts with you, taking your confidence to the next level.
Selecting the proper Control Arm for Your Car or Truck
The correct control arm for your specific vehicle is critical. Part of the vehicle's suspension system. It keeps your wheels where they should be and ensures a smooth ride in your car. Select the wrong one, and it can mess with the way your car drives. Here are the initial steps: 1) Determine your vehicle’s make and model. In other words, you should know the brand of your car and how that model is specifically called. For instance, a Ford and a Honda use different parts. With this information, you can now begin searching for the correct control arm. You could check on the Autoparts website, or you go to a local store next to you and browse the shelves.
Material While searching for vehicle control arm, you will find them made of different materials. Control arms are typically made from several types of material, such as steel or aluminum. Steel is strong and therefore can last a long time; aluminum is lighter and can contribute to fuel efficiency. Consider what would be best according to your driving style. Also, see if the control arm includes bushings. Bushings are small components that aid in dampening noise and vibration. Some control arms have these, some do not. Adding these to your bike can help it run more smoothly.
Next, consider the price. You need to ensure that you are getting a high quality part for the right cost. And sometimes paying a little more can save you money in the end if the part lasts longer. As a final step, both read reviews and the experts at Autoparts. They’ll help you decide which control arm is best for your vehicle. So if you do your research and ask for advice from others, hopefully you’ll have years of amazing performance out on the road.
Benefits for Automotive Retailers
Control arms are a great addition for automotive retailers. Control arms are a crucial vehicle parts, and having them in stock may bring in customers. If a customer needs a control arm, they may go to the store that has what they need on hand. This in turn can result in higher sales for the retailer. Aside from that, control arms are also replaced regularly during routine car maintenance. That means retailers can develop strong relationships with the customers who return for other components or services.
Another upside is that control arms are generally easy to sell. They are an item many people need and that gets replaced when a car is being repaired. Retailers can package control arms with additional suspension parts such as shocks or struts. This could entice customers to purchase more items at once, spiking sales. The control arms can also be discounted or put on promotion deals that will help you attract even more customers.
Additionally, retailers can promote control arms and the benefits on social media accounts as well as websites. Informing people of how to select the correct control arm can make them understand why this part is so essential. This helps in developing a rapport, and ensures that the customer comes back to store for any future requirements. Creating a loyal customer base attractive return policies customer service smarter, or people who can advise trustworthy the retailers can ensure a permanent and repeat clientele by offering proper advice. Generally, providing control arms can be a great way for automotive resellers to increase both their business and the satisfaction of their customers.
Where Can You Get Pro Tips to Change Control Arm for DIY Novice?
For beginners who would like to replace a control arm, there are numerous resources for you to get professional advice. One of the most ideal places to start is right here on the Autoparts site. And they frequently have articles and videos demonstrating a step-by-step process to change control arms. These guides can help simplify the process. You can view videos that demonstrate exactly how to do each step. That way you can decide what tools you need, and how best to do it.
Online forums and communities are also powerful sources. There are a lot of experienced folks who will gladly share on sites like Reddit or car enthusiast forums. You can ask questions about control arm replacements, and people who have done them will tell you how it went. A lot of folks like to help newbies, and share their hacks. You will be taught what the most common mistakes are as well and how to avoid them.
You could also look into local workshops or classes that offer instruction on car repair skills. Some places provide hands-on training where you can be taught by a pro. This might be an interesting way to practice if you want more confidence when it comes time to replace the control arms on your car. Finally, don’t forget about YouTube! There are plenty of car repair channels, and you will find videos that walk you through the process of replacing a control arm with video. Watching these will let you know more of what to expect. Working with these resources, you can find information you need to replace a control arm properly.