Lateral Arm

What is a Lateral Arm?

A lateral link, also called a lateral arm, is part of a vehicle's multi-link suspension. Lateral links can be part of the front or rear suspension, and help keep the vehicle straight and centered while driving. The lateral arm or arms are designed to control the movement of the wheels in relation to the vehicle's body, specifically side-to-side motion, and prevent excessive lateral movement. In some cases and applications, your vehicle may also have a lateral arm assembly in place of the control arm which allows articulation of the wheels. Each lateral arm connects the frame and the axle assembly through a ball joint or rubber bushing at each end. This keeps the axle from shifting side to side for a smoother ride. By controlling side-to-side movement, the lateral arm also helps to maintain the correct wheel alignment, stable handling, and prevent uneven tire wear. Over time, the bushings or ball joints on a lateral arm can wear out or fail, leading to increased lateral movement and potentially causing handling issues or uneven tire wear. When this happens, the lateral arm usually needs to be replaced to restore proper handling. Symptoms of a failing lateral arm can include clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle, loose handling, and uneven or premature tire wear. If your vehicle feels wobbly or insecure when cornering, you may want to check your lateral arm for damage, looseness, or other signs of failure. For your next suspension repair, shop O'Reilly Auto Parts to find the lateral links and other suspension parts you need to keep your vehicle driving at its best.