2006 Saturn Vue - Control Arm

What is a Control Arm?

A control arm is a suspension component that connects the vehicle's chassis or frame to the wheel assembly, allowing for controlled movement of the wheels while ensuring proper alignment and stability. It serves as a pivotal link between the suspension system and the vehicle's body, enabling the wheels to move up and down with the road surface while maintaining safe handling and ride comfort. Control arms are designed to help the wheels maintain alignment, absorb shock and vibration, and allow the wheels to move vertically when going over bumps and uneven terrain. Most vehicles have an upper and lower control arm for each front wheel, while some rear-wheel-drive vehicles have a single control arm per wheel.

Control arms typically also include bushings at one end and a ball joint at the other. The ball joint may be pressed or bolted in, and in some cases, may need to be replaced as assembly with the rest of the control arm. The control arm hinges at the frame, and the bushings are designed to keep this connection tight to prevent excessive movement. Control arms may also have connection points for the sway bar links or bushings, which keep the control arms connected to one another across the vehicle to prevent sway when turning or cornering.

Signs of a Damaged Control Arm

Over time, the bushings or ball joints in your control arms can wear out due to constant stress and friction, leading to symptoms such as poor handling, clunking noises, or uneven tire wear. Control arms can also be bent or damaged in an accident, which may prevent them from being able to maintain appropriate alignment. Torn or damaged bushings can allow the control arm to move out of position or become loose, leading to alignment issues and accelerated tire wear or oversteer. You may also have a control arm that has a ball joint that is permanently mounted and can't be serviced separately, in which case the complete control arm and ball joint assembly will be required for the repair.

When a control arm is damaged or worn out, it can cause a variety of issues, including vibrations, uneven tire wear, and poor handling or vehicle alignment. Steering wheel vibration or clunking sounds coming from underneath the vehicle may also indicate an issue with the control arm or ball joint, but a complete diagnosis may be necessary to determine which parts require replacement.

Replacing worn or damaged control arms is critical for maintaining vehicle alignment, suspension integrity, and overall driving performance When you need to replace your control arms or other suspension system parts, shop O'Reilly Auto Parts for control arm assemblies, ball joints, tie rods, bushings, and more for your complete repair. You can also shop our selection of Loaner Tools for your control arm or suspension repair to help you get the job done right.