When running a control arm business, choosing the right manufacturer can be a challenge. Why should we consider the lifespan of control arms? As it affects both quality and customer satisfaction. Like any other car component, control arms will wear out over time. However, understanding control arm lifespan can help you make better-informed decisions when choosing suppliers.
What Is the Lifespan of Control Arms?
Under normal driving conditions, control arms generally last between 60,000 and 100,000 kilometers. However, factors like road conditions, vehicle load, and driving style can all influence their durability. For instance, frequent driving on rough roads can wear them down faster, while proper maintenance can extend their life. As control arms age, they can bend or experience damage, leading to a gradual failure.
If you’re buying control arms for resale, knowing the lifespan of these parts can help you gauge whether a manufacturer’s products will provide long-term value for your customers.
How Often Should You Replace a Control Arm?
Every year, we should check the control arms for signs of wear or damage when we have our cars serviced. While you don’t necessarily need to replace them at this interval, regular checks can help detect any issues early. If the control arm shows any bending, cracking, or excessive wear, it’s time for a replacement. Even if the part isn’t visibly damaged, ball joints or bushings might have worn out, affecting the control arm’s performance.
Replacing control arms on time can prevent bigger issues, like suspension system failure, which could result in unsafe driving conditions. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific replacement intervals based on the vehicle model.
How Do You Know If Your Control Arm Is Bad?
A bad control arm can significantly affect vehicle handling. Here are some common signs that it’s time for a replacement:
- Sluggish steering response: if you notice that the steering response is sluggish or needs more effort than usual, the control arms or bushings may be worn.
- Wandering or pulling to one side: A worn control arm may cause the car to veer left or right, even if you aren’t steering.
- Uneven tire wear: Misaligned control arms can cause uneven wear on your tires, affecting their lifespan and performance.
- Noisy suspension: Clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises when driving over bumps could indicate a damaged control arm or loose components.
Is It Worth Replacing Control Arms?
In most cases, control arms are not replaced unless they’re damaged or show signs of significant wear. Often, only the bushings or ball joints need to be replaced. Replacing the entire control arm is more costly and is only necessary when parts are severely damaged or worn beyond repair. However, in some cases, such as a crash or extreme wear, the entire control arm may need to be swapped out to ensure vehicle safety.
If you’re a business selecting parts for resale, consider whether you’re offering just the bushings for replacement or the whole control arm assembly, as this can affect the cost and overall customer satisfaction.
Lower Control Arm Lifespan: What You Need to Know
Lower control arms often have a slightly shorter lifespan than upper control arms due to the extra strain they endure from road impact and vehicle weight. These parts are generally replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on conditions. If you’re in the business of selling control arms, understanding this difference in lifespan can help you stock the right products for your customers’ needs.
Since lower control arms bear more weight and stress, they might require more frequent inspections and maintenance. Offering both upper and lower control arms ensures you’re meeting the full range of customer needs.
