OEM Ford Control Arms & Parts

The suspension system in your Ford car, truck, SUV, or van has control arms that are the connection points between the chassis and the front wheel assemblies. One end connects to the chassis, with bushings that help to reduce noise and vibration. The other end is connected to a steering knuckle by way of a ball joint. The result? Smooth, easy movement in every direction, whether side-to-side or up-and-down.

Types of Control Arms

Available in steel, aluminum, or cast iron, control arms are offered in three types of assemblies. Those are bolt-in, unitized, and press-in. Bolt-in assemblies are common in MacPherson struts. Both press-in and unitized assemblies are integrated with a ball joint, so you need to replace the whole assembly if you're changing one. That's quicker and easier than replacing a bolt-in assembly.

How to Spot a Failing Control Arm

Control arms tend to go bad over time, rather than all at once. That's good, since this is an essential part that you rely on to drive safely. Signs of trouble include:

• The wheels vibrate
• The steering wheel seems to wander about
• Your ride comfort gets worse
• You hear odd sounds
• Your tires wear unevenly
• Your brakes don't perform consistently

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, go ahead and have your suspension system checked out. If the control arms are at fault, you'll want to replace them as soon as you possibly can. You also want to make sure that you use the right parts for your vehicle. The genuine control arms that are made by Ford are the only ones guaranteed to be compatible with your model, ensuring the kind of fit and performance you can trust. Our online auto parts center has everything you need. Buy today and we'll ship your order right to your front door!