How Often Should Suspension Control Arms Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Control arms should be replaced based on wear and tear. Generally, they do not need replacement if there are no issues, but if the control arms are deformed, rusted, etc., they should be replaced. Deformed control arms can affect wheel alignment, thereby impacting the car's handling and driving stability. Symptoms of damaged control arms: Reduced handling and comfort; decreased safety performance; unusual noises; inaccurate alignment parameters, causing the car to pull to one side and leading to wear or damage of other components (e.g., tire wear); affected or even failed steering. If any of these symptoms occur, promptly visit a 4S shop or auto repair shop for professional inspection. Function of control arms: As a guiding and force-transmitting component of the car's suspension system, the control arm (also known as the swing arm) transfers various forces acting on the wheels to the car body while ensuring the wheels move along a certain trajectory. The control arm connects the wheels and the body elastically through ball joints or bushings. The control arm (including its connected bushings and ball joints) should have sufficient stiffness, strength, and service life.
Last month, I just helped my neighbor check his old Tiguan, and the control arm bushings were cracked like a turtle shell. There's no specific replacement interval for this part; it mainly depends on the condition of the rubber bushings and ball joints. Driving in the city for over 100,000 kilometers might be fine, but for those of us who often drive on rough roads, it's best to inspect them every 60,000 to 70,000 kilometers. If you hear squeaking noises when going over speed bumps and the chassis feels as loose as a pile of scattered parts, quickly check under the car for any cracks or oil leaks in the bushings. When I last replaced mine, I went for reinforced bushings—they're a bit more expensive but worry-free. I also had the mechanic check the stabilizer bar bushings at the same time to avoid having to dismantle the chassis twice.
