What happens if your control arm goes out?

If your control arm goes out, it can have serious consequences for the handling and safety of your vehicle. The control arm is a crucial component of your car's suspension system, and its failure can lead to a range of problems that require immediate attention.

Understanding the Control Arm

The control arm is a pivotal part of your vehicle's suspension system, connecting the wheel to the chassis. It allows the wheel to move up and down, absorbing the impact of bumps and potholes, and ensuring a smooth ride. The control arm is typically made of metal and is connected to the vehicle's frame or body by bushings, which allow for smooth movement.

Symptoms of a Failing Control Arm

• Uneven Tire Wear: If the control arm is worn or damaged, it can cause the wheel to be misaligned, leading to uneven tire wear.


• Steering Difficulties: A failing control arm can make it harder to steer your vehicle, as the wheel may not be able to move freely.


• Vibrations and Noises: You may notice vibrations or unusual noises coming from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or turning.


• Instability and Handling Issues: A broken control arm can cause your vehicle to feel unstable or difficult to handle, especially at higher speeds.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Consequences of a Failing Control Arm

A failing control arm can have serious consequences for the safety and handling of your vehicle. If the control arm breaks or becomes severely worn, it can cause the wheel to become misaligned, leading to a loss of control and potentially causing an accident. In some cases, a broken control arm can even cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle entirely, which can be extremely dangerous.

Addressing a Failing Control Arm

If your control arm is failing, the best course of action is to have it replaced by a qualified mechanic. This typically involves removing the old control arm and installing a new one, which may also require adjusting the wheel alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

It's important to address a failing control arm as soon as possible, as the consequences of continued driving with a damaged or broken control arm can be severe. By taking prompt action, you can help ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

What happens if you drive with a bad control arm?

Driving with a bad control arm is extremely dangerous and can lead to a loss of vehicle control, especially at high speeds or during turns. You risk a complete suspension failure, which could cause a wheel to detach or a sudden loss of steering. A bad control arm also causes other serious issues like poor handling, vibrations, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad control arm: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Oct 5, 2024
Immediate and severe risks

• Loss of control: A failing control arm can cause you to lose the ability to steer, and the vehicle could veer unexpectedly. 
• Wheel detachment: In a worst-case scenario, a broken control arm can lead to a wheel coming off, which would almost certainly result in a severe accident. 
• Brake failure: A control arm could tear a brake line, leading to the loss of one or both front brakes. 

Other symptoms and consequences

• Poor handling: The vehicle may drift to one side, and maintaining a straight line will require constant steering adjustments. 
• Vibrations: You may feel vibrations in the steering wheel, floor, or seats, especially when driving over bumps. 
• Loud noises: Expect to hear clunking, banging, or knocking sounds when you drive over bumps or make turns. 
• Uneven tire wear: The misaligned wheel will cause your tires to wear out prematurely and unevenly. 
• Further damage: Ignoring the problem will cause damage to other suspension and steering components, increasing repair costs. 

What to do

• Do not drive: If you suspect a bad control arm, avoid driving the vehicle if possible. 
• Get it inspected immediately: Have a professional mechanic inspect the control arms as soon as possible to prevent a catastrophic failure. 

What happens if my control arm breaks while I'm driving?

If a control arm breaks while driving, you will immediately and dangerously lose steering control, potentially causing the wheel to collapse and the vehicle to pull to one side. This is a critical safety failure that can result in a complete loss of vehicle control, making it an extremely dangerous situation.
 
This video demonstrates what happens when a control arm breaks while driving: 58sAutomotive affairsYouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Immediate consequences of a broken control arm

• Sudden loss of steering: The vehicle's steering will become unstable and you will lose the ability to control its direction. 
• Wheel collapse: The wheel on the affected side can shift out of position or even collapse, potentially causing further damage. 
• Vehicle pulling: The car will likely pull sharply to one side. 
• Collision risk: These combined issues create a high risk of collision, making it a severe safety hazard for yourself and other drivers. 

What to do if you suspect a broken control arm

• Pull over immediately: Safely steer the vehicle to the side of the road as quickly as possible and stop. 
• Do not drive the vehicle: Driving with a broken control arm is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. 
• Have the vehicle towed: Have the car towed to a repair shop for a professional inspection and replacement of the control arm and any other damaged suspension components. 

How much would it cost to fix a control arm?

The average cost to replace a control arm is between $400 and $1,000, but it can range from under $300 to over $1,700, depending on the vehicle, parts, and labor rates. This total typically includes parts and labor for the control arm replacement, and an alignment is also necessary afterward, adding another $100 or more to the final price.
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Control arm parts can cost from about $80 for a basic model to over $400 for a specialty vehicle. Some complex control arm assemblies, especially for high-end cars, can be much more expensive.
• Labor: The labor cost is often the largest portion of the expense. It typically ranges from $150 to $300 or more, depending on the shop and how long the repair takes.
• Alignment: An alignment is crucial after a control arm replacement to ensure proper wheel alignment, and this typically costs $100 and up. 

Factors that influence the total cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of parts and labor varies significantly between different makes and models. A basic control arm for a common car will be cheaper than a specialized or heavy-duty one for a truck or luxury vehicle. 
• Part vs. Labor: The parts themselves are often only a portion of the total cost. Labor is a major factor, with some jobs requiring two to three hours per arm. 
• Type of Control Arm: Some control arms are simpler, while others are part of a larger assembly that includes ball joints and other components. 
• Location: Labor rates can vary based on your geographic location. 

How to save money

• DIY: If you have the right tools and skills, you can save on labor costs by replacing the control arm yourself. 
• Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple shops, including independent mechanics, to find a competitive price for both parts and labor. 
• Consider Aftermarket Parts: Some aftermarket parts may be more affordable than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, but it's important to check the quality of the aftermarket part. 

What does a damaged control arm feel like?

A bad control arm feels like clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps, steering that pulls to one side, or vibrations felt in the steering wheel. You may also notice uneven tire wear or a generally unstable or "floaty" feeling, especially at higher speeds. 
Sounds

• Clunking or knocking: A common sign is a clunking or knocking sound coming from the suspension when you go over bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces. 
• Clicking or snapping: You might hear clicking or snapping noises when turning the steering wheel. 
• Squeaking: In some cases, worn bushings can cause a squeaking sound, especially when braking or accelerating from a stop. 

Handling and steering 

• Steering pulls to one side: Your vehicle may consistently pull to the left or right, forcing you to make constant small corrections to drive straight. 
• Unstable or "floaty" steering: The steering can feel loose or vague, and the car may feel like it's floating or wandering, particularly at highway speeds. 
• Vibrations: You may feel vibrations or a shimmy in the steering wheel, which can increase during acceleration and may smooth out at higher speeds. 

Other symptoms

• Uneven tire wear: A control arm issue can cause excessive or uneven wear on your tires because the wheels aren't properly aligned with the road. 
• Wobbly wheel: In more severe cases, you might feel a wobble or movement in the wheel itself when you brake, as described in this YouTube video.