Suspension Control Arm Buyer's Guide
Control arms are a significant component of a vehicle’s suspension system. Many suspension and steering components are attached to the control arms, including ball joints, steering knuckles, and sway bar links. Longevity depends on factors like mileage, age, and operating conditions. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to understanding suspension control arms, including:
- What suspension control arms are and what they do
- How to identify when a suspension control arm is worn
- How to replace a suspension control arm
- Understanding OEM vs. aftermarket suspension control arms
What Is A Suspension Control Arm And What Does It Do?
Control arms are essential to a vehicle’s suspension system, maintaining stability, control, and comfort. A control arm is a metal bar shaped like a triangle or wishbone that connects the suspension and steering components to the vehicle’s frame or body structure. One end attaches to the frame or body, while the other connects to a steering knuckle or wheel hub to allow free movement. You can check out this article for more details on the job of the control arm. If you're considering upgrading your control arms, this post will explain why high-quality TRD control arms are a great choice.
How Do I Know When A Suspension Control Arm Is Bad?
Many suspension and steering components, including ball joints, steering knuckles, and sway bar links, are affixed to the control arms. Their longevity depends on factors like mileage, age, and operating conditions. Here are some signs that you may have a worn suspension control arm:
- Clunks or Squeaks
- Vibrations
- Tire Wear
- Steering Issues
Learn more detailed information about diagnosing a bad suspension control arm here.
How To Replace A Suspension Control Arm
You may be replacing worn control arms, or upgrading them for better appearance or performance. Either way, you can replace the control arms yourself if you have a little automotive repair experience and the necessary tools. You can save yourself a lot of money on expensive shop labor rates. We have created some basic instructions on how to replace a suspension control arm on the Toyota Tacoma here. Consult a vehicle-specific repair manual for more detailed instructions, including torque specifications on your model.
OEM Vs Aftermarket Suspension Control Arms
Materials, fit, and performance are all factors in the longevity of control arms. If aftermarket control arms come up short in one or all of these categories, it can significantly impact how long they will last. Buying OEM suspension control arms ensures quality construction, exact fit, and best performance for maximum service life and reliability. Learn more about the differences between OEM and aftermarket suspension control arms here.
Suspension Control Arms From Olathe Toyota Parts Center
Are you looking for new replacement control arms? We have a comprehensive selection, including these popular left and right TRD upper control arms for the Toyota Tacoma. At Toyota Parts Center we offer:
- A large selection of control arms in stock and ready to ship.
- All OEM parts are backed by the Toyota 12 month, unlimited miles warranty.
- An expert staff with decades of experience to help you find the right parts.
Do you have questions? We’re here to help. Feel free to use our many Toyota resources (like free downloadable owners manuals or our free VIN decoder), or contact us today!