Your Toyota vehicle features control arms that were originally installed at the factory. They're part of your suspension system, acting as the point of connection between the chassis and the front wheel assemblies.

How Control Arms Work

One control arm end connects to the chassis, where bushings prevent metal-on-metal contact and reduce vibration and noise. The other end connects to a steering knuckle by way of a ball joint. That enables smooth movement in all directions.

Types of Control Arms

Control arms can be made of steel, cast iron, or aluminum. They are offered in three different types of assemblies. Those are bolt-in, unitized, and press-in. Bolt-in assemblies are usually found in MacPherson struts. Unitized and press-in assemblies are both integrated with a ball joint, meaning you need to change the entire assembly when replacing them. That's both easier and less time-consuming than replacing a bolt-in assembly.

How to Recognize a Failing Control Arm

Control arms usually go bad in gradual stages. Here are symptoms of that failure:

The wheels vibrate or wobble
Your steering wheel roams or pulls to one side
You notice unusual sounds
Your ride is less comfortable than usual
You spot uneven tire wear

If your inspection indicates that a control arm does need to be replaced, you want to be sure to choose the kind for your model. Toyota makes their control arms to fit your vehicle's specific measurements, ensuring the guaranteed fit and performance you want. You can order yours online from the factory through our auto parts center. Buy now to save both time and money!