What are the Common Syndromes of Damaged Control Arm Bushing of Car

Most car owners consider the total suspension system as a single part because the suspension is made up of several components for playing different roles. Among the different parts of the suspension, the control arm is the most important one which is generally found in the front wheels of the car as well as rear wheels in few of them. It can connect the front suspension of the car to its frame. Your car generally has two control arms in the suspension one is upper and lower and contain a rubber bushing at the end.

How does the control arm bushing work?

As it is made up of a rubber lining which is encased between two metal sleeves. The bushing of the control arms helps to cushion your car from small bumps and vibrations. Here the inner metal sleeve connected to the frame through a center bar and the outer sleeve connected to the wheel assembly through a control arm. Both the sleeves are independent and different from each other. Moreover, the rubber bushing of control arms provides lubrication between them. If your car is bearing a high amount of stress, then the control arm bushing wear out faster by becoming cracked and hard. Here is the common syndrome of failed control arm bushing of your car.

Make drive uncomfortable

The failed control arm bushing can affect the performance and comfort of your car. The main purpose of the arm bushing is to cushion your car from the small bumps, prevent the damages and vibrations throughout the drive. When it comes to severe damages, the rubber bushing is worn out completely. Then the metal sleeves began to rattle and create a clunking noise from the front end while turning or reversing the car. However, the wheels of your car with a failed bushing will begin to wobble while driving.

Unstable brakes

The failed or damaged control arm bushing can affect the braking efficiency of your car. The reason behind is the forward and backward oscillation of the control arm bushing in which it is affects the pressure of brakes when you apply it. The effects of a failed arm bushing will not be constant, as a result, it will make your brakes unstable. Moreover, when you apply the brakes suddenly, the front end will continue to oscillate forward.

Problem in steering

When you found problems in the steering is the first indication of a failed control bushing. Due to the worn out arm bushing, your steering may lose a bit of its responsiveness. In high speeds, the steering may start or make the car turn erratically and the driver feel in motion due to the vibrate wheels. When you take a sharp turn, your car may start leaning to one side.

Issues in acceleration

When you are accelerating your car from a static position, a backward movement can be observed in the rear end of the car with the problem in the erratic steering. If you drive your car speedily or taking turns at the slow pace, then the steering start to trembling and tugging on the road.

Way to diagnose the failed control arm bushing?

When you notice the above-mentioned syndromes in your car, your next step is to diagnose the issues as soon as possible. Here the steps help you to diagnose the failed control arm bushing of your car.

Do a test drive

For determining the damaged arm bushing, first, you need to take the test drive of your car by increasing the speed, extreme turns and abandoning the wheels. If you feel a clunking sound, wheel misalignments or vibrations in the car, then make sure that your car has a failed control arm bushing.

Slippage of axle

If you apply the brakes to stop your car, then you will notice that your car can be raised on a lifting platform. When you turn the steering from left to right, you can even observe the axle due to the damaged bushing. The reason behind is it will make the axle slip momentarily during the turning motions.

Wheel alignment

You can check the failed bushing of your car by raising it with a jack and press the wheels in your hand. If you notice any degree of play in it, then the control arm bushing needs replacement.

Uneven tire wear

When you notice any problem in the wheel of your car, then raise that end with a jack to reach under the car and observe the edges of the tires. If the edges of the tire are wearing out unevenly either from the inside or outside, then it will be caused due to the bad control arm bushing.

Conclusion

So, when you diagnose this issues in your car and the syndrome defined above, get the car examined by a professional. If you observe the failed control arm bushing in your car, get it replaced by your mechanic. Thus, the arm bushing are worn out very quickly, so, try to replace it once in a year.

If you are searching for a best car repair shop, then we at Master Mechanics Auto Repair located in Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, Michigan provide full-service auto repair for European, Asian and domestic makes & models. All our technicians are ASE certified