The control arm commonly referred to as an A-arm is part of the suspension system that most Nigeria drivers don't pay much attention too until it start giving them problem that comes with expensive repair

Control arms connect the car’s frame to the steering knuckles, which the tires and wheels are mounted on. As you go over bumps and potholes, the control arms pivot, allowing the wheels to move vertically.

Between the control arms and the car body are control arm bushings. These allow the control arm to move without excessive friction and help reduce vibration and noise. Typically, control arm bushings have a metal sleeve surrounded by rubber or polyurethane padding. A large bolt or pin goes through the center of the bushing to secure the control arm to the frame.

Each control arm usually has two bushings, one at each point where the arm mounts to the frame. Many front suspensions, as well as some rear suspensions, use control arms and bushings.

As you drive, your wheels move up and down. Springs and struts help make this possible, as do control arms and control arm bushings. The following problems can be caused by one or more bad control arm

Noise: A knocking or thumping noise — especially when going over bumps — can indicate a bad control arm bushing. This happens because the worn bushing no longer holds the control arm firmly in place. Instead, the arm bangs around, causing a noise.

Tire wear: Worn control arm bushings can allow the control arm to shift from its intended position. This will create abnormal wear on one or both sides of the tire’s tread.

Steering problems: Worn control arm bushings can greatly affect a vehicle’s alignment. This can make the car hard to steer, or give it vague, wandering steering. Bad control arm bushings can also make a car pull to one side.

The control arms on a vehicle are very important suspension component, as they are the component that links the spindle, hubs, and therefore wheel to the vehicle’s chassis. When they become worn it can cause problems for the vehicle that may compromise handling, comfort, and safety. For this reason, if you suspect that your vehicle’s control arms may be bad or worn, have the vehicle’s suspension inspected by a professional technician, such as one from CarMecx.