Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Control Lever Assembly
Common symptoms include steering wheel vibration, steering wheel pull left or right, and clanging.
The control arm, commonly referred to as an A-arm, is a suspension component found on almost all road-going passenger cars. This is the suspension link that connects the wheel hub and steering knuckles to the chassis, that is, to the bottom of the car. They are equipped with bushings and ball joints that allow them to flex and move based on road conditions and driver input. Over time, the bushings or ball joints on the control arm can wear out and cause all sorts of problems. Typically, a problematic control arm assembly will cause any of the following 3 symptoms, which may alert the driver to a potential problem that needs to be addressed.
1. Steering wheel vibration
One of the first symptoms usually associated with faulty control levers is steering wheel vibration. If the bushings or ball joints in the suspension arm are excessively worn, this can cause wheel vibration, which can result in noticeable vibrations in the wheel. Vibrations can increase with acceleration and smooth out when driving at speed.
2. Wandering steering wheel
Another symptom commonly associated with a bad or faulty control lever is steering deflection. Excessively worn ball joints or bushings can cause the vehicle's steering to shift, which can cause the steering to lean to the left or right when driving on the road. This will require the driver to make constant adjustments in order to steer the car straight ahead.
3. Knock
Knocking is another symptom of possible problems with the vehicle control levers. If the bushings or ball joints have excessive play or looseness, this can cause them to rattle during takeoff or when driving over rough terrain. The knock will steadily increase as the component wears out or until it breaks.
The control arms on a car are very important suspension components as they link the spindle, hubs and therefore the wheel to the car's chassis. When they wear out, it can cause problems for the car that can compromise handling, comfort and safety. For this reason, if you suspect that your vehicle's suspension arms are faulty or worn, have a professional technician check your vehicle's suspension. If necessary, they will be able to replace your control arm assembly.
