Control Arm Bushing

Basic Description

The control arm bushing is a rubber insert usually surrounded by a metal sleeve that is pressed inside of the control arm.

Technical Description

Control arms come in lots of different shapes and sizes, but are designed to allow the wheel to pivot up and down when the vehicle hits a bump. The control arm - shown here in blue - is attached to the brown subframe - the part of the vehicle that supports the engine. The end of the control arm closest to the wheel has a ball joint that attaches the control arm to the wheel while allowing a range of movement. The inside ends of the control arm - the parts closest to the center of the vehicle - are attached to the subframe normally with a rubber bushing. The bushing allows a small amount of movement between the control arm and subframe, and reduces the bump felt through the vehicle when a pothole is hit. Worn control arm bushings can cause clunking noises under acceleration or braking and can cause the tire to wear unevenly.