Why Choose Us?
Wide Range of Applications
The company specializes in manufacturing swing arms, ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers. The products are mainly suitable for Japanese and Korean models, such as Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, etc. American and Japanese models are gradually being developed and perfected.
Quality Assurance
After more than 20 years of stable development and accumulation of dedicated technology research and development experience, our company has become one of the most competitive companies in the field of automotive chassis parts, and has obtained ISO/TS16949:2009 quality system certification.
Broad Market
At present, our company's product sales lines are all over the major regional markets in China, and the sales in North Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, Europe and Russia have a stable layout and are constantly improving and developing.
Custom Service
Provide matching and OEM for customers in major markets, and provide OEM and ODM fine production.
Definition of Control Arm
Control arms are the core of your front suspension system. In simple terms, control arms are the link that connects your front wheels to your car. One end connects to the wheel assembly and the other end connects to the framework of your car. The upper control arm connects to the uppermost area of the front wheel and the lower control arm connects to the lower most area of the front wheel, with both arms then attaching to the frame of the car. If you have independent rear suspension, the design is similar.
Benefits of Control Arm
Stronger than stock - While some vehicles have better quality OEM control arms than others, very few offroad vehicles come with an OEM control arm that's as strong as a quality aftermarket unit. Strength is important whether you want to go fast or crawl over obstacles.
Upgraded ball joint - A uniball that's ready for off-road is not usually compatible with a factory control arm. Generally, a factory ball joint is all that will work with a factory control arm. That's very limiting.
Improved ride quality (depending on shocks) - There's absolutely no reason that an upgraded control arm has to reduce vehicle ride quality. In fact, most coilover kits for off-road use offer a smother, better ride than factory during regular day-to-day driving. Aftermarket control arms often weigh less than OEM control arms, reducing unsprung suspension weight and improving ride quality. Aftermarket control arms can also accommodate replacement shocks that offer better all-around performance than OEM shocks.
Increased suspension travel - Almost all control arms allow for a larger coilover kit to be installed in place of the OEM kit. This can make for several inches of increased travel.
Increased ride height (if that's what you're looking for) - Last but not least, a new control arm almost always gives the vehicle owner the option of increasing ride height.
Most modern cars have at least two control arms—one behind each front wheel. Some vehicles have control arms at all four corners. Depending on the suspension design, there may be both upper and lower control arms, or just lower control arms. Front control arms connect to the vehicle's frame at one end, and the steering knuckle at the other end.
The control arm's purpose is two-fold: First, it's designed to allow the car's wheel and tire assembly to move up and down while traveling over bumps. At the same time, the control arm limits the movement of certain steering and suspension components (hence the name, "control arm").
All control arms have bushings, which allow the control arm to move up and down freely without binding in the frame. Each bushing contains a rubber center portion and an inner metal sleeve. In many cases, a bolt slides through the sleeve to secure the control arm to the frame. Each front control arm also has a built-in ball joint. The ball joint allows the steering knuckle to pivot when the driver turns the steering wheel.
The Anatomy of Control Arms
Most vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheel-drive vehicles will contain both upper and lower control arms, while other front-wheel drive vehicles may only have a lower control arm with a strut in place of an upper control arm.
The control arms are located in the front wheels, with the upper control arms attaching to the uppermost part and the lower control arms connecting to the bottom part of the wheel. Both control arms connect to the car's front frame through 2 bushings which allow the arm to move up and down and absorb noise, vibration by preventing the metal to metal contact.
This is what creates a smooth ride and prevents wear and tear. The steering end of the control arm connects to a ball joint which attaches to the steel spindle, which bolts to the front wheel and is responsible for turning as you drive.
You will have probably come across control arms in cars, however control arms also aid axle location and resistance to breaking in traction forces in all automotive and rail vehicles. Control links are also used in industrial vehicle suspension systems, for example, off-highway vehicles. Different types of control arms are used for different purposes. Below, we have outlined the two main types of control arms and their applications:
Strut Type Suspension or MacPherson Strut Suspension
A MacPherson strut suspension is an independent front suspension found in most cars. In the MacPherson strut suspension, there is only a single, lower control arm, at each wheel and the strut becomes the upper control arm, which supports most of the weight. This type of control arm can be found in both front and rear suspensions, but usually at the front. Due to the compact design, low weight and relatively cheap manufacture cost, you generally see a strut type suspension in modern, inexpensive cars.
Double Wishbone Suspension
A double wishbone suspension is a type of control arm mechanism used when two control arms are installed in the suspension system. This type of control arm is usually used in modern vehicles, like sports cars, high-end performance cars and light trucks. This is because double wishbone suspension benefits better handling and control.
Bad Control Arm Symptoms
Popping Noise
One of the earliest signs of a failing control arm is hearing a popping noise when you drive over road irregularities. You may also hear a popping noise when you speed up or reduce the speed of your vehicle, but normally going over bumps at slower speeds, like speed bumps is an indicator of a ball joint that is popping, or possible worn bushings.
Steering is Unstable
Another symptom that can indicate control arm problems is unstable steering. This is very common in failing bushings, where the alignment of the steering wanders, causes the car to veer either to the left or the right when the driver runs over a bump in the road. This issue becomes more apparent if the car is driving on uneven surfaces or unstable terrain. This symptom may also indicate that your idler arm or steering tie rods are in bad shape, so when inspecting, make sure to check the steering components.
Consistent vibration throughout the vehicle could also be an indicator that the control arm may be starting to fail, but not exclusive to this. Given that the control arm absorbs a lot of the energy and is the link between the suspension and the frame, other issues like unbalanced tires, or failing steering components will only be worse if your control arms also have weak components.
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear is also a potential sign of a failing control arm, as this is an indicator of alignment issues. As control arm bushings wear, this can force the vehicle out of alignment, causing wear on the outer or inner edges of the tire. While sometimes this is just an indicator that a proper alignment is needed, it can also be caused because of worn bushings. Any alignment shop will be able to properly diagnose this. You can search here for a list of Preferred Repair Shops in your area that can deal with alignments and suspension diagnosis like control arms.
Control arm bushings tend to be made of rubber because it is a soft material that's good at reducing road noise and vibrations. However, their rubber construction means the bushings are susceptible to dry rot, tears, and cracks. Bad control arm bushings make noise and have visible wear or damage that indicates it's time to replace them. You may also notice abnormal tire wear or an off-center steering wheel.
Why do motorists replace the control arms at the same time as the bushings? It's because it isn't that much more expensive to replace the entire assembly. Another reason is that it's actually easier to replace the entire assembly, saving you on labor. It makes sense to pay a little more now to have new control arms, bushings, and ball joints vs paying again if another part reaches failure.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Control Arm Bushings
Once you have inspected your control arm bushings and determined they are in good condition or have performed the necessary maintenance, following these tips can help extend their lifespan:
Regular Lubrication
Apply a suitable lubricant to the control arm bushings as recommended by the manufacturer. Lubrication helps reduce friction and wear, enhancing the bushings' lifespan.
Avoid Excessive Loads
Overloading your vehicle can stress the control arm bushings and lead to premature wear. Stay within the recommended weight limits for your vehicle to prevent unnecessary strain on the suspension system.
Drive Carefully over Bumpy Roads
Excessive impact from rough terrain or potholes can accelerate control arm bushing wear. Slow down and navigate carefully to minimize stress on the suspension.
Periodic Inspections
Regularly inspect your control arm bushings for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. By catching issues early, you can address them promptly and prevent further damage.
Materials of Control Arm
Control arms are mainly built with three materials – Iron, aluminium and steel. Aluminium control arms are lighter than other types which translate to reduced unsprung mass and lighter weight on the vehicle. Such arms can absorb noise and vibrations better due to the density of the material. Another advantage is their corrosion resistance making which allows them to be used in varied weather conditions. Therefore aluminium is ideal for performance and luxury vehicles as they provide enhanced comfort and handling properties or in places where the weather is mostly wet.
Steel control arms are more affordable than aluminium and generally have a long service life unless exposed to constant wet conditions. These types of control arms are sufficient for most compact cars and sedans that do not face harsh driving conditions.
Cast and forged iron control arms are sturdier than steel and can withstand heavier loads which is necessary for heavy-duty applications like trucks and pickups. They can even be lighter than steel arms for reduced unsprung weight.
Our Factory
Jinhua city Liubei Auto Parts Co., Ltd. was founded in 2003. The company specializes in manufacturing swing arms, ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers. The products are mainly suitable for Japanese and Korean models, such as Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, etc. American and Japanese models are gradually being developed and perfected.
Our company has become one of the most competitive companies in the field of automotive chassis parts, and has obtained ISO/TS16949:2009 quality system certification. Our company's product sales lines are all over the major regional markets in China, and the sales in North Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, Europe and Russia have a stable layout and are constantly improving and developing. Provide matching and OEM for customers in major markets, and provide OEM and ODM fine production.
Our Certificate
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Control Arm
We're well-known as one of the leading control arm manufacturers and suppliers in China. Please rest assured to buy high quality control arm in stock here from our factory. For price consultation, contact us.
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