Lower Control Arm

Lower Control Arm – Double Wishbone

People love a lot of different things about their cars. Some people love the color of their car, or the way the interior looks on a sunny day as you set out down the highway in search of adventure. Some people particularly love the power and torque of their vehicle, and they will not pass up a chance to show you how fast or strong their vehicle is. However, you might be able to say that the most important parts of what make a car a prized possession are often the ones that go unnoticed, like the control and stability offered by the lower control arm.

Now, the idea of the lower control arm might make you sleepy with how non-exciting it sounds, but when you really start to think about it, you wouldn't really have a car to enjoy and brag about if this essential part simply didn't exist. The control arms are an important part of your car's suspension system, which is made up of the mechanisms that allow you to control the direction of your car, and allows you to glide over the road without feeling every little bump or divot. If you are experiencing a ride that makes you a little seasick, you might want to take a look at your suspension system first.

If you've never heard of a lower control arm before, and don't even know whether your car has one, you should know that every car has a wishbone shaped part connecting the shocks to the wheel. These are typically made in the shape of the letter A, and while two points of the part connect to the wheel, the top point connects to the spindle. Some cars double up on this feature in order to support the part and allow for more comfort while driving. This is known as the double wishbone design, and this is what allows for both upper and lower control arms.

If you are having trouble with your suspension and you are thinking that one or more of these mechanisms might have to be replaced, be sure to get it up on a lift somewhere, or request to accompany your mechanic while he looks at it. Many people recommend checking your upper and lower control arm once or twice a year for safety. If they look worn or cracked, keep in mind that it is often wise to replace both at once, instead of having them wear unevenly.