Can I drive with a bad lower control arm?
The lower control arm is a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system, connecting the chassis to the wheels and ensuring smooth handling and stability. If you're experiencing issues with your lower control arm, you might wonder whether it's safe to continue driving. In this article, we'll explore the risks, symptoms, and consequences of driving with a bad lower control arm, as well as what you should do if you suspect a problem.
What Does the Lower Control Arm Do?
The lower control arm plays a vital role in your car's suspension system. It helps maintain proper alignment of the wheels, absorbs shocks from the road, and ensures that your tires remain in contact with the ground. This component works in conjunction with other suspension parts, such as ball joints and bushings, to provide a smooth and stable driving experience.
Signs of a Bad Lower Control Arm
Driving with a bad lower control arm can lead to noticeable symptoms. Here are some common signs that your lower control arm may be failing:
- Clunking or knocking noises: You may hear unusual sounds, especially when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
- Uneven tire wear: A damaged control arm can cause misalignment, leading to uneven wear on your tires.
- Steering issues: You might experience difficulty steering or notice that your vehicle pulls to one side.
- Vibrations: Excessive vibrations in the steering wheel or throughout the car can indicate a problem with the suspension system.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Bad Lower Control Arm?
Driving with a bad lower control arm is not recommended. Here's why:
- Compromised safety: A failing control arm can lead to loss of control, especially at higher speeds or during sharp turns.
- Increased damage: Continuing to drive with a damaged control arm can cause further harm to other suspension components, leading to more expensive repairs.
- Risk of accidents: A broken control arm can result in sudden wheel misalignment or detachment, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
For these reasons, it's crucial to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Problem?
If you suspect that your lower control arm is damaged, follow these steps:
- Inspect the symptoms: Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues.
- Stop driving: Avoid driving your vehicle until the problem is diagnosed and repaired.
- Consult a professional: Bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin's Autos, for a thorough inspection and repair. Our experienced technicians can quickly identify and resolve suspension issues to get you back on the road safely.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to continue driving with a bad lower control arm, doing so can put your safety at risk and lead to costly repairs. If you notice any signs of a failing control arm, it's best to address the issue promptly. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing suspension problems to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your car is in top condition!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't fix lower control arm?
If you drive with a bad control arm, you'll encounter issues like strange noises and sudden changes in your vehicle's steering and handling. Bad control arm symptoms include irregular or uneven tire wear, banging or clunking noises, and problems like unresponsive steering and shimmy in the steering wheel.
What's the worst that can happen with a bad control arm?
Increased Wear: A damaged control arm can lead to uneven tire wear, affecting tire life and performance. Poor Handling: You may experience poor steering response, increased vibration, or a loose feeling in the steering wheel.
What causes lower control arms to go bad?
While control arms can fail from standard wear and tear, many times the cause is from a sudden impact or environmental conditions. Damage to the control arm can happen to the body, ball joint or bushings.
How many hours does it take to replace a lower control arm?
replacing both side lower arm(s) (front and rear positions) as well as the front shocks and shock upper mounts. The labor to replace the front shocks is 2.6-3.0 hours and the lower control arms are also 2.6-3.0 hours shop time labor.
Can you drive with a broken lower arm?
We advise you do not drive whilst you are wearing your cast as you will not be able to have full control of your car and your insurance will be invalidated.
How much does it cost to fix a lower control arm?
Prices may differ depending on whether a front or rear part needs replacement, depending on the make and model of your car. Control arm prices vary depending on the car's size, but in most cases, they cost between $220 and $530 to replace. Labor costs may add another $150 to $200 to the total cost.
What happens if you drive with a bad lower control arm?
If the control arm lets loose, the tire will fold under and you will lose any ability to steer the car and braking will also be affected. This is a major safety concern and the safe way to get the car home would be to have it towed and or trailered if you are not able to get it fixed where you are right now.
How much does it cost to replace lower arm?
How much does it cost to replace the lower arms of a vehicle? The average cost of replacing a lower arm is £150, with prices ranging from £120 and £180. You can expect to pay slightly less if the rear lower arm needs to be replaced, as its average cost is about £135.
What happens if you don't fix the control arm on a car?
In addition to causing steering issues, bad control arms can also throw the suspension system out of alignment, leading to irregular tire wear.
How far can you drive on a bad control arm?
You should not drive any vehicle with a cracked, bent, or broken control assembly. If it's only beginning to rust, it still has some miles left.
