What Are the Advantages of Control Arms？

WHAT DO CONTROL ARMS DO?

Responsible for maintaining control and alignment while allowing for the up and down travel of the suspension system while you’re driving, control arms are key for maintaining your vehicle’s directional stability, torque and traction. The control arm connects your vehicle’s wheels to the frame and helps maintain proper wheel alignment and movement to improve overall handling. Control arms have a direct effect on wheel travel, suspension durability and wheel alignment.

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TYPES OF CONTROL ARMS

There are two main types of control arms – Original Equipment (OE) replacement and performance. An OE replacement arm will have the same shape and geometry as the arm your vehicle came with. A performance arm will use different shape and geometry to change the alignment, and often use different material and design for increased strength. There are situations when it may be wise to upgrade to a performance control arm. c

WHEN TO REPLACE CONTROL ARMS

While control arms are key to the performance of your vehicle when driving around town, they take on increased importance when off-roading and driving over rough terrain. The most common reason to replace the upper control arms is in conjunction with installing a lift kit or larger tires, or when making any suspension modification. Making changes to your vehicle’s suspension can impact its geometry. When you install a lift kit, the OE control arms can lose their ability to handle the clearance and alignment changes that come with lifting or modifying a vehicle’s suspension. The upper control arm moves farther down and can rub against other suspension components while larger tires can rub on the upper control arms. In addition, the ball joint may bind and fail or cause damage to the steering knuckle. Upgrading the control arms to handle the new lifted geometry of your vehicle can help alleviate all of these situations. If you don’t update the control arms, you may experience:

• Bad wheel alignment
• Premature tire wear
• Premature wear or damage to ball joints and bushings.
• Poor handling and performance

ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLING PREFORMANCE CONTROL ARMS

Replacing your stock control arms with aftermarket performance control arms is a modification that enhances your vehicle’s overall performance. Aftermarket upper control arms realign the suspension geometry to and improve camber and caster to ensure that your truck is aligned correctly after a lift is installed.

• Improves wheel travel – The vertical distance that a vehicle’s wheels can move, wheel travel is especially important for trucks and SUVs that are used for off-roading. An aftermarket control arm increases the wheel travel of the vehicle, keeping it as level as possible when travelling over rough terrain.
• Enhances ride performance – Upgrading the control arms improves the flex, droop and off-road capabilities of the vehicle. A new performance control arm can handle the different suspension angles that comes with a lifted vehicle.
• Strengthens suspension – Off-roading places stress on suspension components, and a stronger control arm can handle the rigors of the trail. Replacing the stock control arms with an aftermarket control arm designed for lifted vehicles will not only last longer but will help to strengthen the entire suspension system.

RANCHO® ADJUSTBALE CONTROL ARMS

Rancho performance upper control arms enhance the performance and durability of your level or lifted truck or SUV. Rancho control arms keep the ball joint in the proper angle and provide additional wheel travel and caster to aid in alignment compared to factory control arms on lifted applications. Made of heavy-duty tubing, the direct fit, bolt-on design comes with all necessary hardware for easy installation. Each control arm features OE-style rubber bushings for a maintenance free, smooth comfortable ride and preinstalled, replaceable ball joints. Maintaining the control arms is easy, thanks to ball joint zerk fittings for easy maintenance and quiet operation. Part Number Location Application RS Front Upper - Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra RS Front Upper - Ford F-150 RS Front Upper - Toyota Tacoma RS Front Upper - Toyota Tundra RS Front Upper - Toyota 4Runner, - Toyota FJ Cruiser RS Front Upper - Ram DT (coming Oct. ) RS Front Upper Ford F-150 (coming Feb. )

Learn more about performance control arm kits, find your performance suspension part, or find where to buy your shock or suspension part today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

As everyday car owners, it’s easy to overlook certain components of your vehicle—especially those hidden under the hood or undercarriage. One critical part that deserves attention is the lower control arms. This essential component plays a significant role in your vehicle’s handling, safety, and overall performance.

Lower control arms connect your vehicle’s suspension to the chassis, allowing controlled movement of the wheels and maintaining proper alignment. However, fast driving, heavy braking, and rough highways in our area lead to faster wear on suspension bushings and related components. At Driven Auto Care, we see these conditions affecting the control system more than expected, making regular inspection essential for safe driving.

Signs of Wear

How can you tell if your control arms need attention? Watch out for these key signs:

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• Wobbling Steering Wheel: A wobbling wheel can indicate misalignment as components struggle to keep your wheels in place.
• Diving Front End During Braking: If your vehicle dives excessively when braking, it may signal worn parts in the suspension.
• Loose Steering at High Speeds: Reduced steering responsiveness can mean that the front assembly is not providing the support your vehicle needs.

Typically, lower control arms last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, but local road conditions and driving habits can impact their lifespan. Recognizing these signs early and scheduling a Confidence Inspection at Driven Auto Care can prevent further issues and keep your vehicle performing at its best.

The Cost of Neglect

Deferring replacement of worn suspension parts can lead to serious issues down the road. While it might seem costly at first, addressing this repair can prevent accelerated wear on other components like struts, brakes, and tires. Over time, this proactive approach saves you money and keeps your vehicle safe.

At Driven Auto Care, we inspect these bushings as part of our Confidence Inspection, performed on every vehicle in our care. Different levels of wear require specific responses—surface cracking may not need an immediate replacement while tearing certainly does. Additionally, we inspect ball joints within the assembly, recommending replacement when necessary to ensure vehicle safety and handling.

Take Action for Your Safety

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect wear in the control system, it’s time to take action. Schedule a Confidence Inspection today at either our Fremont or Campbell locations.

Visit drivenautocare.com to book your appointment and keep your vehicle safe and responsive on the road.

Visit us at one of our convenient locations:

Fremont, CA Location:  Albrae St., Fremont, CA  – (510) 659-

Campbell, CA Location: 335 E McGlincy Ln #3, Campbell, CA  – (408) 377-

Stay safe and confident in your ride!