The control arm is an important part of a car's suspension system, connecting the wheel to the car's frame and helping to maintain stability, handling, and ride comfort. If the control arm starts to wear out or become damaged, it can cause the car to lose control and uneven tire wear. Replacing the control arm is not the easiest job, but it can be done at home if you have the necessary tools and a little technical knowledge.

 

What do you need?

The following tools and accessories are required to replace the control arm:

• Jack and stands: To raise and support the car securely.
• Wheel wrench: To remove the wheels.
• Socket wrench set: To remove the control arm mounting bolts.
• Pry bar or lever: To release the control arm.
• Torque wrench: To ensure the bolts are properly tightened.
• Rotated bolt release spray: To make it easier to remove the bolts if necessary.
• Hammer: To loosen fasteners if they are stuck.
• New control arm: Make sure the replacement part fits your car exactly.

 

Step-by-step guide to replacing the control arm

1. Prepare the work area

Find a flat, safe surface to work on. Put the car in gear or place the automatic transmission in "P" (Park), apply the parking brake, and chock the wheels.

2. Jack up the car and remove the wheel

Use a jack to jack up the car and support it firmly on stands. Then, remove the bolts from the appropriate wheel and set the wheel aside.

 

3. Find the control arm mounting points

The control arm is attached to three main points:

• To the body (via the bushing).

• To the control arm via the ball joint (hinged joint).

• To the shock absorber or control arm connecting rod (depending on the car).

Check your car manual for the exact location of the mounting points.

4. Remove the ball joint mounting

Unscrew the ball joint mounting bolt and use a ball joint separator or pry bar to free the joint from the joint. Sometimes this may require tapping with a hammer to loosen the mounting points.

5. Remove the bushings and mountings

Unscrew the bolts that secure the control arm bushing to the car body. If the bolts are very tight, use a lubricant or pry bar to loosen them.

You can find the special tools for removing bushings here.
 

6. Remove the old control arm

Once all fasteners are loose, remove the control arm. Be careful as the suspension system components may be under tension. If necessary, use a lever to release the control arm.


7. Install the new control arm
Place the new control arm in place and begin attaching it in the same order as you removed the old one:

• First attach the bushings to the frame, but leave the bolts slightly loose until all fasteners are in place.
• Attach the ball joint and other connections.

8. Tighten all bolts correctly

Once all mounting points are in place, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torques. Correct tightening is essential to ensure safety and prevent excessive wear on the control arm.

 

9. Reinstall the wheel and lower the car

Once the control arm is fully installed and the bolts are properly tightened, reinstall the wheel. Tighten the wheel bolts and carefully lower the car to the ground.

10. Test drive

After replacing the control arm, take a short test drive and observe the car's handling. If there are any extraneous noises or the car's behavior seems unusual, recheck all fasteners.

 

When is it necessary to replace the control arm?

The control arm needs to be replaced if the following symptoms occur:

• You hear rattling or creaking sounds from the suspension.
• Uneven tire wear.
• The car's handling deteriorates, especially on bumps.
• Visible damage to the control arm bushings or ball joint.
• The car "pulls" to one side.
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Beginner's Tips

• Replace both control arms at the same time: If one side needs replacing, it is recommended to replace the control arm on the other side as well to ensure even suspension.
• Use quality parts: Cheaper control arms can wear out faster and affect the car's handling.
• Be careful with live parts: Suspension parts can be under a lot of pressure - keep your hands and tools at a safe distance.
• Monitor your car's alignment: After replacing a control arm, you may need to have your wheels aligned to prevent tire wear and improve handling.

 

Replacing a control arm is a more demanding task than regular car maintenance, but it can be done at home if you are careful and follow the instructions. If you feel the job is too much for you, it is always wise to contact a professional mechanic.

Are you ready to fix your car's suspension?

You can find special tools for replacing control arms and for the entire suspension system here!

You can find a new control arm for your car here.