Should the control arms be replaced together when the Verna pulls to the left while braking?
4 Answers
When the Verna pulls to the left while braking, the control arms should be replaced together. Relevant information is as follows: 1. The specific function of automobile control arms: Automobile control arms guide and support the suspension, and their deformation affects wheel alignment, reducing driving stability. If there is a problem with the front control arm, the steering wheel may shake, the car may pull to one side when the steering wheel is released, and it may be difficult to control direction at high speeds. If these symptoms are not obvious, it may not be necessary to replace the control arms; instead, a four-wheel alignment may suffice to stabilize the direction. 2. Composition: Automobile control arms are the connecting mechanism between the frame and the wheels. Unlike bicycles, which have a rigid connection between the frame and wheels, making rides on rough roads uncomfortable, automobile control arms are designed with flexible connections and shock absorbers, significantly improving ride comfort and handling stability on uneven roads.
This is a problem I often encounter when repairing cars! The Hyundai Elantra pulling to one side when braking isn't solved by just replacing one control arm. I once repaired an identical model where the owner tried to save trouble by only replacing the left lower control arm, but the pulling became worse - the steering wheel would even shake during braking. The chassis specialist explained that when control arms age differently, the new arm's superior rigidity actually pulls against the worn component. The issue was only resolved after replacing the right side too and performing a four-wheel alignment. Honestly, suspension components work like twins - even if one side appears fine, the rubber bushings are already deformed, so replacing just one side is wasted money.
Advice from a decade-long auto parts store owner: It's recommended to replace them in pairs. Last week, there was an Elantra with the same issue. Upon removal, we found the left bushing cracked like a spider web, while the right one looked fine. However, when pried with a tool, the metal joint was found to be loose. Replacing just the left side might alleviate the alignment issue, but the new control arm would wear out faster due to excessive stress, and uneven tire grip during braking could make emergency stops even more dangerous. In my shop, control arms are sold as a set, including labor and alignment for just 600 RMB, which is more cost-effective and hassle-free than repairing them separately.
Having run an auto repair shop for 15 years, I'll be straight with you: it depends on the situation. If the mileage exceeds 80,000 km or the vehicle has been in an accident, it's best to replace both sides. Recently, we had a Hyundai Elantra with 120,000 km - we only replaced the left control arm, but two weeks later, the right ball joint started making noise and had to be redone. The truth is, rubber bushings on both sides age at roughly the same rate. Replacing just one side is like wearing a new shoe with a torn sock. However, if it's a relatively new car with only 20,000-30,000 km that's been in an accident, replacing just the damaged side might suffice. Remember, a wheel alignment is mandatory after replacement - incorrect alignment data can wear out tires in just two weeks.
