When to Use Control Arms？

WHAT DO CONTROL ARMS DO?

Responsible for maintaining control and alignment while allowing for the up and down travel of the suspension system while you’re driving, control arms are key for maintaining your vehicle’s directional stability, torque and traction. The control arm connects your vehicle’s wheels to the frame and helps maintain proper wheel alignment and movement to improve overall handling. Control arms have a direct effect on wheel travel, suspension durability and wheel alignment.

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TYPES OF CONTROL ARMS

There are two main types of control arms – Original Equipment (OE) replacement and performance. An OE replacement arm will have the same shape and geometry as the arm your vehicle came with. A performance arm will use different shape and geometry to change the alignment, and often use different material and design for increased strength. There are situations when it may be wise to upgrade to a performance control arm. c

WHEN TO REPLACE CONTROL ARMS

While control arms are key to the performance of your vehicle when driving around town, they take on increased importance when off-roading and driving over rough terrain. The most common reason to replace the upper control arms is in conjunction with installing a lift kit or larger tires, or when making any suspension modification. Making changes to your vehicle’s suspension can impact its geometry. When you install a lift kit, the OE control arms can lose their ability to handle the clearance and alignment changes that come with lifting or modifying a vehicle’s suspension. The upper control arm moves farther down and can rub against other suspension components while larger tires can rub on the upper control arms. In addition, the ball joint may bind and fail or cause damage to the steering knuckle. Upgrading the control arms to handle the new lifted geometry of your vehicle can help alleviate all of these situations. If you don’t update the control arms, you may experience:

• Bad wheel alignment
• Premature tire wear
• Premature wear or damage to ball joints and bushings.
• Poor handling and performance

ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLING PREFORMANCE CONTROL ARMS

Replacing your stock control arms with aftermarket performance control arms is a modification that enhances your vehicle’s overall performance. Aftermarket upper control arms realign the suspension geometry to and improve camber and caster to ensure that your truck is aligned correctly after a lift is installed.

• Improves wheel travel – The vertical distance that a vehicle’s wheels can move, wheel travel is especially important for trucks and SUVs that are used for off-roading. An aftermarket control arm increases the wheel travel of the vehicle, keeping it as level as possible when travelling over rough terrain.
• Enhances ride performance – Upgrading the control arms improves the flex, droop and off-road capabilities of the vehicle. A new performance control arm can handle the different suspension angles that comes with a lifted vehicle.
• Strengthens suspension – Off-roading places stress on suspension components, and a stronger control arm can handle the rigors of the trail. Replacing the stock control arms with an aftermarket control arm designed for lifted vehicles will not only last longer but will help to strengthen the entire suspension system.

RANCHO® ADJUSTBALE CONTROL ARMS

Rancho performance upper control arms enhance the performance and durability of your level or lifted truck or SUV. Rancho control arms keep the ball joint in the proper angle and provide additional wheel travel and caster to aid in alignment compared to factory control arms on lifted applications. Made of heavy-duty tubing, the direct fit, bolt-on design comes with all necessary hardware for easy installation. Each control arm features OE-style rubber bushings for a maintenance free, smooth comfortable ride and preinstalled, replaceable ball joints. Maintaining the control arms is easy, thanks to ball joint zerk fittings for easy maintenance and quiet operation. Part Number Location Application RS Front Upper - Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra RS Front Upper - Ford F-150 RS Front Upper - Toyota Tacoma RS Front Upper - Toyota Tundra RS Front Upper - Toyota 4Runner, - Toyota FJ Cruiser RS Front Upper - Ram DT (coming Oct. ) RS Front Upper Ford F-150 (coming Feb. )

Learn more about performance control arm kits, find your performance suspension part, or find where to buy your shock or suspension part today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

What Are Control Arms?

The suspension system in your car is the connection of your wheels, springs, shock absorbers, and other car parts which maximize contact between your tires and the road. A control arm, also sometimes referred to as an A-arm, is a fundamental aspect of your suspension system, connecting your car frame to the front wheel hubs.

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Suspension components known as bushings and ball joints can be found on either end of a control arm. The primary function of the control arm is to guide the car's wheels up and down on the road and control proper steering.

How Do Control Arms Work?

The bushings that are connected to the control arms are flexible and cause the control arms to swing upwards and downwards when driving on rough terrain and other road surfaces so the car can stay on the road. A swivelling ball joint connected to the control arm enables the car to be turned in a specific direction.

The Anatomy of Control Arms

Most vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheel-drive vehicles will contain both upper and lower control arms, while other front-wheel drive vehicles may only have a lower control arm with a strut in place of an upper control arm.

The control arms are located in the front wheels, with the upper control arms attaching to the uppermost part and the lower control arms connecting to the bottom part of the wheel. Both control arms connect to the car’s front frame through 2 bushings which allow the arm to move up and down and absorb noise, vibration by preventing the metal to metal contact.

This is what creates a smooth ride and prevents wear and tear. The steering end of the control arm connects to a ball joint which attaches to the steel spindle, which bolts to the front wheel and is responsible for turning as you drive.

The Functions of Control Arms

The control arm enables the car’s frame and wheels to move simultaneously for proper maneuvering of the vehicle. To properly steer and keep a car on the road, you need a properly maintained control arm. The control arms are also what keep the geometry of your vehicle in proper alignment when you lift your car.

Control Arm Damage

Because the control arm is needed for proper steering and maintaining tire contact with the road, it should go without saying that damage to the control arm reduces your safety while driving. Various possible problems can arise within the control arm or connective parts, such as a:

• Worn out ball joint - Wear and tear of the ball joint can cause safety hazards such as separation of the front wheel from the suspension, which can result in a loss of control of the car

• Damage to the car frame -The frame may become rusted or can break on impact

• Damage to bushings - Bushings may or may not be replaced separately from the control arm itself, but in some cases, an entirely new control arm will be needed. Damage to the bushings can occur when your car gets into an accident or bumps into a curb

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