Keeping Your Suspension in Check: Why Control Arm Replacement Matters
Published by Accomplished Auto | July 21, 2025
When you’re driving down the road, your vehicle should track straight with minimal steering correction. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the wheel just to keep your car straight, it might be more than just annoying—it could be a sign of a suspension issue, specifically a worn or damaged control arm.
What Does a Control Arm Do?
The control arms in your vehicle are a vital part of your suspension system. They connect the frame of your
vehicle to the wheel hub and allow for smooth up-and-down movement while keeping your wheels aligned with the road. Some vehicles have both upper and lower control arms, while others may only have one type, but all play a critical role in ride stability, steering, and overall handling.
Signs You May Have a Suspension Problem
Several symptoms can point to control arm or suspension issues:
- Your car pulls to one side when braking
- You hear clunking or knocking sounds over bumps or rough roads
- The vehicle feels unstable or wanders while driving straight
- You’re unable to get or maintain a proper wheel alignment
Any of these issues can be dangerous if left unaddressed. At Accomplished Auto, we always recommend having your suspension thoroughly inspected if you're experiencing these symptoms.
Why We Often Recommend Complete Control Arm Replacement
One of the most common questions we get is: “Do I really need to replace both control arms?” And often, the answer is yes.
Here’s why:
- Age and wear: Rubber bushings and ball joints within the control arm assembly deteriorate
over time due to exposure to the elements and everyday driving stress. - Matched wear: If one side is worn out, the other side is often not far behind. Replacing both at the same time ensures even performance and extends the lifespan of your suspension.
- Ball joint integration: Many control arms have non-serviceable ball joints, meaning you can't just replace one part. In these cases, a full arm replacement is the safest and most cost-effective option.
Why Wheel Alignment Is Always Part of Suspension Repair
After any suspension work—especially control arm replacement—your vehicle will need a wheel alignment. That’s because any worn or bent component can cause your alignment to shift subtly over time. If your vehicle was previously aligned with old or failing suspension parts, those settings won't be correct once the new parts are installed.
Driving with poor alignment leads to:
- Uneven tire wear
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Steering problems and safety risks
At Accomplished Auto, we always finish suspension repairs with a precision alignment to ensure your car drives safely and handles the way it should.
Don’t Let Suspension Issues Slide
Your suspension system doesn’t just give you a comfortable ride—it plays a major role in steering control, braking stability, and overall safety. If you've been in an accident or notice unusual behavior from your vehicle, don’t delay. A bent or damaged control arm needs to be replaced immediately to avoid further complications and ensure your vehicle is safe on the road.
At Accomplished Auto, our experienced technicians are here to help you stay in control. We use high-quality replacement parts and ensure every job is done right—with expert inspections, reliable repairs, and a professional alignment every time.
Your safety rides on your suspension—literally. Let us help you keep it in top shape.
Need a Suspension Checkup?
Contact Accomplished Auto today or call us at (555) 123-4567 to schedule your inspection or repair appointment. We’re proud to keep your car riding safe and smooth!