What happens when rear control arm bushings go bad?
When a control arm bushing begins to go bad on your vehicle, likely the first symptom you will notice is increased vibrations often felt in the steering wheel. Usually the vibrations will intensify when accelerating, which can quickly become annoying. This is due to wobbly wheels because of excess play in the system.
Is it safe to drive a car with bad bushings?
Can you drive with bad bushings? A slightly worn bushing will not make the vehicle undrivable, but since steering and suspension parts can be expensive to replace, it is important to install new bushings at the first sign of deterioration. If there is metal-to-metal scrapping, replace the bushing immediately.
When to replace control arm?
If the control arm on a vehicle is damaged in a crash or impact with a pothole or parking block, the suspension will be out of alignment and cause uneven tire wear and poor vehicle handling. The control arm should be replaced as soon as possible.
When do the control arms need to be replaced?
Test drive the car on the freeway. Torn and worn out control arms or bent control arms will cause a car’s steering to vibrate.
When should you replace bushings?
While there’s no set schedule, the bushings may wear out and need to be replaced as a vehicle approaches 100,000 miles. Driving aggressively or over rough roads can decrease the lifespan of the control arm bushings. On some vehicle models, the bushings are permanently installed in the control arms.
What problems do worn suspension bushings cause?
Worn control-arm bushings can allow the vehicle’s front end to slip out of alignment and cause premature tire wear . What feels or sounds like worn shocks or ball joints, or another suspension problem, may not be the fault of the part itself but the bushing that cushions joints and mounting points.