The suspension arm is a fundamental part of any vehicle’s stability and safety.
The main function of this component is the connection between the body and the wheels of the car, which is essential for control and comfort when driving. Therefore, any wear and tear can compromise the car’s performance.
In this article, explore what this component is, the main types, functions and signs of wear, as well as replacement prices.
What Is Suspension Arm?
The suspension arm is a component of the vehicle’s suspension that allows the wheels to move in a controlled and safe manner, connecting them to the body.
This arm acts as a shock absorber, absorbing road irregularities and providing stability to the vehicle.
What Is The Function Of The Suspension Arm?
The function of this component goes beyond connecting the wheels to the body. In short, the suspension arm is responsible for:
- Damping Vibrations: it helps absorb road irregularities, providing a smoother ride;
- Maintaining Stability: it works together with other suspension components to prevent oscillations and ensure the vehicle adheres to the road;
- Facilitating Vehicle Control: allows the driver to have control over steering and stability, especially when cornering or braking.
What Are The Main Types Of Suspension Arms?
Suspension arms can be found on cars, as well as on other vehicles such as trucks or off-road vehicles.
In this sense, there are different types of suspension arms for different purposes.
The 2 main types of suspension arms are:
Macpherson Suspension
This is an independent front suspension found on most cars.
In this type of suspension, there is only a single lower arm on each wheel. In turn, the structure becomes the upper suspension arm, which supports most of the weight.
This type of component can be found on both the front and rear suspension, but is more common on the front.
Due to its compact design, low weight and low manufacturing cost, this type of component is often found in modern, economical cars.
Double Wishbone Suspension
A double wishbone is a type of mechanism used when two arms are installed in the suspension system.
This type of arm is commonly used on modern vehicles such as sports cars, high-performance cars and light trucks.
This is because the double wishbone suspension benefits from better handling and control.
What’s The Difference Between Front And Rear Suspension Arms?
The main difference between the two is their location:
Front Suspension Arm
They connect the front wheels to the car’s chassis. They are responsible for controlling the up and down movement of the wheels.
When you hit a bump or pothole, the front control arms help absorb the shock, creating a smoother ride and keeping the steering under control.
Rear Suspension Arm
They perform the same function as the front control arms, except their location is at the back of the vehicle, connecting the rear wheels to the car’s structure.
The rear control arms keep the rear wheels stable, whether you’re driving on a straight road or taking a corner.
What Are The Main Components Of The Suspension Arm?
This component is made up of:
- Bushes: rubber components that cushion the contact between the arm and the body;
- Ball Joints: connect the arm to the wheels, allowing controlled movement;
- Bolts And Connectors: connect the arm to the vehicle chassis.
How Do Suspension Arms Affect Vehicle Stability?
The vehicle’s stability depends on the proper functioning of the suspension arm, which is essential for maintaining the wheels’ grip on the ground, especially on uneven surfaces.
Lack of stability can lead to tire wear and increased fuel consumption.
How Often Should I Check The Suspension Arm?
Remember that regular checks on your vehicle’s components prevent major problems and contribute to driving safety, so check them often.
How Do I Know If My Suspension Arm Is Bad?
The main signs of suspension arm wear are:
- Noises When Passing Over Irregularities: knocking noises can indicate wear or loose suspension arm bushes;
- Car Shaking: the arm may be misaligned or damaged;
- Uneven Tire Wear: the suspension system is not distributing the weight evenly;
- Steering Deviation: failure of the suspension arm ball joint or other components.
Can You Drive With A Broken Suspension Arm?
It is inadvisable to drive with this component worn or damaged, as it compromises stability and increases the risk of accidents.
It is therefore advisable to have it inspected and replaced immediately to avoid further damage and high repair costs.
Which Tools In The Kroftools Catalog Help Remove The Suspension Arm?
KROFtools has a variety of tools to facilitate the removal and installation of the arm, making the process safer and more efficient.
In our catalog, these are the most recommended tools for this task:
Trailing Arm Bush Tool Ford/Volvo
This tool is ideal for removing the bushes from the suspension arms of Ford and Volvo vehicles, providing a simpler and more efficient operation without damaging other parts.
Click on the image to find out more about the Trailing Arm Bush Tool Ford/Volvo (ref. 6310).
Wishbone Suspension Arm Lever
This bracket is essential for adjusting the suspension arm precisely, ensuring an aligned installation and avoiding problems with uneven wear.
The tool has been developed to facilitate the process and ensure that the arm is correctly positioned.
Click on the image to find out more about the Wishbone Suspension Arm Lever (ref. 6341).
Lever Remov. Wishbone Heads & Shock Absorb. Pillar
The extraction lever is a robust tool that allows the swingarm and shock absorbers to be removed quickly and efficiently, ensuring safe operation.
This lever provides the necessary support to carry out the work with precision.
Click on the image to find out more about Lever Remov. Wishbone Heads & Shock Absorb. Pillar (ref. 6350).
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Suspension Arm?
The price of suspension arm varies between tens and thousands of euros, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
In addition to the cost of the part, it is important to consider the labor for installation.
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