2008 Ford Taurus X - Control Arm With Ball Joint

What Is A Control Arm Assembly?

A control arm and ball joint assembly includes a preassembled control arm, ball joint, and the necessary bushings to restore your suspension system performance. Control arms allow the wheels on your vehicle to move up and down while preventing forward and rearward movement, allowing you to more comfortably travel over rough terrain or uneven surfaces. Though some ball joints are serviceable independently, many vehicles on the road today include control arms with built-in ball joints, and these parts must be replaced as a unit if they begin to wear out or fail. If the control arm bushings, ball joint, or the control arm itself suffers extensive damage, it can compromise handling and driving comfort and may result in the separation of the control arm and knuckle, leading to a loss of control and more severe issues. The signs of damaged control arm bushings or ball joints may include clunking, groaning, or wheel wobble and poor alignment, and you may also experience creaking or popping noises when turning or driving over uneven roads. If you suspect your vehicle's control arms, control arm bushings, or ball joints may be failing, these parts should be inspected promptly to prevent a loss of control or other serious problems. Control arm and ball joint assemblies from O'Reilly Auto Parts not only help reduce repair time by coming preassembled, but can also prevent the need for specialty tools and ensure a complete, lasting repair.