Control Arms for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
Your car’s suspension is a system of multiple components that connect the chassis, or moving framework, to the body of the vehicle. One of the more important components in this system is the control arm, or A-arm.
What is a control arm?
On your car, control arms are what connect the wheels to the frame. The control arms on your car allow you to steer, and also help guide the wheels up and down over changing road surfaces. Though basic in theory, the control arm is actually one of the more vital pieces of your suspension and overall safety.
What’s inside a control arm kit?
All of our control arm kits offer a complete repair solution. Each kit comes with everything you need to install. They’re also pre-assembled, saving you time and money.
Control arm. All of our control arms are designed for durability, and specially coated with corrosion resistance in mind.
Ball joint. Replacing both the control arm and ball joint at the same time makes sense, which is why we’ve included it in the control arm assembly.
Bushings. All bushings are pre-fitted into the ball joint and control arm assembly, making installation straightforward.
All necessary hardware. All of the hardware you need to install means outfitting with one of our kits is a breeze.
Because all of our control arm kits come pre-assembled with everything you need, switching to a Strutmasters setup couldn’t be easier. This design makes DIY installation not only possible, but quick and easy. And even if you don’t install it yourself, that means less time at the mechanic. In either case, you’ll save big.
When should you replace your control arm?
Over time, like any other component on your car, control arms wear down over time. Usually, some part of the control arm assembly, whether it’s the bushings, ball joint, or the control arm itself, wear out between 90,000 and 100,000 miles.
It’s imperative that any issue with your control arm assembly is repaired immediately. As the control arm is an integral link between the wheels and frame of your vehicle, neglecting to fix a problem can cause the loss of control over your vehicle, and could have extremely dangerous consequences.
How can you tell if your control arm is bad?
While most modern cars have warning lights that will signal any problem with your suspension, they don’t always light up before your problem gets out of hand. To confirm a problem with your control arm assembly, it’s best to have it inspected by a mechanic, though there are a few common early warning signs you can look out for.
Steering wander. If you have a problem, your car may pull to the left or right, even if you aren’t touching the steering wheel.
Clunking noise. You may hear a clunking noise coming from the control arm, especially after hitting a bump, a hard turn, or braking.
Vibration. If you have a problem with the control arm, it means your wheels may not be secure, causing a rapid vibration that can usually be felt in the steering wheel.
Uneven tire wear. If your tires show signs of uneven wear, it could be due to a problem with the control arm assembly.
What you should look for in a control arm replacement
Control arm assemblies are not all made to the same standard. When it comes to the safety of your vehicle, it’s important to be able to rely on the parts you’re putting into your suspension. Here are a few things to look for when you’re replacing a control arm assembly.
Good materials. When replacing parts on your suspension, you want to make sure you’re investing in a long-term solution. A part made from good materials is going to be more long-lasting and durable.
Quality manufacturing. A lot of companies outsource their manufacturing, which can make it difficult for them to maintain quality standards. With its made-in-the USA parts, Strutmasters takes pride in being able to assure the quality of all of their components.
Customer service. When a company has good customer service, it means they are invested in their customers. You want to be sure that if you ever have a problem, they are dedicated to making it right.
Strutmsters was founded by Chip Lofton in 1999. With over twenty years of experience specializing in suspensions, Strutmasters has earned its good reputation.
Finding a replacement for your control arm from Strutmasters couldn’t be easier. There’s an integrated search tool on our website to help you find what you need.
You can also call one of our Suspension Experts at 866-597-2397— we’ll help you get set up with everything you need, and we’ll be there to help with any problem. If you’d rather chat with one of our experts online, you can find the chat feature on the right-hand side of our website.