Do lower control arms need to be replaced in pairs?
When replacing a control arm keep in mind: Control arms should be replaced in pairs — arms on both sides of a front or rear axle — if the reason for replacement is worn control arm bushings or a worn ball joint.
What do I need to replace front lower control arm?
But, in general, you’ll need: 1 Ball joint separator (optional) 2 Breaker bar 3 Jack and jack stands 4 Long-handled diagonal cutting pliers (optional) 5 Large hammer 6 Pickle fork (optional) 7 Pry bar 8 Ratchet and appropriate size sockets and wrenches 9 Safety glasses 10 Torque wrench 11 Wheel chocks
What makes the lower control arm and bushings work?
These arms consist of two rubber bushings a metal frame and in some cases a ball joint. Responsible for allowing the wheel to move upward while the car hits at bump without transferring the motion to the body of the car a control arm acts like a hinge which supports the weight of the car by using a spring and shock assembly. What Goes Wrong?
Are there two control arms in a car?
Your car may have two to form control arms in it, the upper control arm and the lower control arm, though many vehicles only have the lower control arm because of how they are constructed these days. Older vehicles would have an upper and lower, and some even had front and rear control arms.
How much does it cost to replace a control arm?
The choice of whether to replace only a ball joint or bushings or the entire control arm often depends on the price, the overall condition of the arm and part availability. What is more cost-effective? Prices to replace one control arm in a car or medium-sized SUV vary from $220 to $530.
Can a front lower control arm be replaced?
Front lower control arm replacement is straightforward on some cars. But on others, it can be a real challenge. The level of difficulty depends a great deal on the vehicle’s suspension design. If you’re dealing with a MacPherson strut suspension, generally, the job is pretty easy.
Where are the control arms on a car?
Control arms also provide a pivot point for your wheel to travel up and down as well as turn left and right. The front lower control arm is attached at its inner end to the engine or suspension cradle by rubber bushings and at the outer end by a ball joint to the wheel hub.
Can a ball joint in a control arm be replaced?
However, the rubber bushings and the ball joint in a control arm have a limited life. A mechanic should investigate if you notice: Wheel alignment difficulties. Should the bushings, or the ball joint, in a control arm be worn, it will be impossible to properly align the vehicle. The worn components, or the entire arm, must be replaced.
How does the control arm work on a Honda Fit?
Many vehicles have upper and lower control arms. The inboard link (s) of the arm securely bolt to the frame of the vehicle through rubber bushings, while the outboard link of the control arm connects to the steering knuckle through a ball joint; all of which allow the control of the up and down movement of the steering knuckle or axle carrier.