Should you drive with a bad control arm?
As a seasoned auto repair professional at Kevin's Autos, I’ve seen countless vehicles come into the shop with suspension issues, including problems with control arms. A bad control arm can significantly impact your vehicle's safety and performance. In this article, I’ll explain what a control arm does, the risks of driving with a damaged one, and what you should do if you suspect an issue.
What Is a Control Arm and Why Is It Important?
The control arm is a critical component of your vehicle’s suspension system. It connects the wheel hub and steering knuckles to the car’s frame, allowing for smooth up-and-down movement of the wheels. This ensures a comfortable ride and proper handling. Most vehicles have upper and lower control arms, which work together to maintain stability and alignment.
When a control arm is damaged or worn out, it can compromise your car’s ability to handle properly, leading to uneven tire wear, vibrations, and even loss of control in extreme cases.
Risks of Driving with a Bad Control Arm
Driving with a bad control arm is not only unsafe but can also lead to further damage to your vehicle. Here are the key risks:
- Compromised Steering and Handling: A damaged control arm can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, making it difficult to steer and maintain control.
- Increased Tire Wear: Misalignment caused by a faulty control arm can lead to uneven tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires.
- Suspension Damage: Continuing to drive with a bad control arm can put additional stress on other suspension components, leading to costly repairs.
- Safety Hazards: In severe cases, a broken control arm can cause the wheel to detach from the suspension, resulting in a dangerous situation on the road.
Signs of a Bad Control Arm
It’s essential to recognize the warning signs of a failing control arm early. Here are some common symptoms:
- Clunking or banging noises when driving over bumps.
- Excessive vibration in the steering wheel.
- Uneven or rapid tire wear.
- Vehicle pulling to one side while driving.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Bad Control Arm?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Here’s what you should do:
- Stop Driving: Avoid driving your vehicle until it has been inspected by a professional. Continuing to drive can worsen the damage and increase safety risks.
- Schedule an Inspection: Bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, for a thorough inspection. A professional mechanic can determine the extent of the damage and recommend the necessary repairs.
- Replace the Control Arm: If the control arm is damaged, it will need to be replaced. This is not a DIY repair, as it requires specialized tools and expertise to ensure proper installation and alignment.
Conclusion
Driving with a bad control arm is never a good idea. It poses serious safety risks and can lead to more extensive damage to your vehicle. If you suspect an issue with your control arm, don’t wait—schedule an inspection with a trusted auto repair shop. At Kevin’s Autos, we have the experience and tools to get you back on the road safely and efficiently. Your safety is our top priority!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a control arm?
Signs of an inadequate control arm include clunking noise, uneven tread wear on tires, vibrations when driving, and visual damage. Control arm prices vary depending on the car's size, but in most cases, they cost between $220 and $530 to replace.
What happens if you don't fix your control arm?
If the control arms are going bad, they no longer have the ability to reduce the impact of the impact of driving over a bump, resulting in a bumpier ride.
How bad is it to drive on a bad 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 long does it take a mechanic to replace a control arm?
For a mechanic to do the job typically takes around 1.5 hours or so.
What happens if your control arm goes out while driving?
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.
What are the symptoms of a failing control arm?
Uneven tire wear, vibrations and shaking, clunking noises, poor handling and steering response, and excessive vibration during braking are common indicators of control arm bushing failure. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Are control arms worth replacing?
If your control arms are in bad condition, they can cause severe problems and should be replaced with new parts by a professional. The main components of a car control arm are an upright, bushing, and ball joint.
How long can you ride 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. The vehicle is equally dangerous if the ball joint is broken and at risk of detaching the entire assembly from the wheel hub or steering knuckle.
What does a bad control arm feel like?
Worn control arm bushings can significantly impact your vehicle's handling and steering response. You may notice increased body roll, where the vehicle leans excessively to one side when cornering. Additionally, the steering may feel loose or less responsive, making it harder to control the car accurately.
What does a damaged control arm feel like?
A failing control arm can cause your car to feel unstable when steering. The vehicle pulls to one side or feels loose when you turn the wheel.
