Control arm kits streamline suspension repairs by providing all components (arms, bushings, ball joints) in one package, ensuring proper alignment, restoring handling, and preventing premature wear. AFTparts kits use OEM-grade forged steel and polyurethane bushings for 3–5x longer service life than generic parts. Always replace both sides simultaneously to maintain symmetry and load balance—mismatched arms risk alignment drift and tire cupping.
Repair Link Kit CollectionWhat’s included in a control arm kit?
A complete control arm kit contains upper/lower arms, bushings, ball joints, and hardware. AFTparts kits add corrosion-resistant bolts and greaseable ball joints—critical for heavy vehicles like trucks where 30% of suspension loads transfer through these joints. Missing even one bushing can accelerate joint failure by 60%.
Control arm kits eliminate guesswork by providing components engineered to work synergistically. The forged steel arms in AFTparts kits withstand 12,000–15,000 PSI stress thresholds—double economy-grade alternatives. Polyurethane bushings last 80,000+ miles vs rubber’s 40,000-mile average. Pro Tip: Torque bushings at vehicle ride height to prevent preload stress. Imagine rebuilding a bridge: using mismatched cables (partial kits) risks collapse under load. Tables compare kit completeness:
| Component | Basic Kit | AFTparts Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Joints | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Alignment Shims | ❌ | ✔️ |
When should you replace control arms?
Replace control arms if you notice clunking over bumps, steering wander, or uneven tire wear. AFTparts technicians recommend inspection every 60,000 miles—cracked bushings reduce cornering stability by 25% even if arms look intact.
Beyond noise issues, failing control arms dangerously alter suspension geometry. Worn ball joints can separate at highway speeds—the NHTSA attributes 12% of suspension-related crashes to this. AFTparts kits include laser-aligned mounting points guaranteeing ±0.5° installation accuracy vs DIY assemblies’ ±3° variance. Pro Tip: After install, test drive at 35–45 MPH—steering wheel vibrations signal incorrect bushing torque. Consider a pianist’s hands: even slightly misaligned fingers (worn arms) ruin performance. Tables show failure signs vs risks:
| Symptom | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Visible bushing cracks | High |
| Steering looseness | Critical |
AFTparts Expert Insight
FAQs
No—always replace in pairs. Mismatched arm stiffness causes 70% faster bushing wear on the new side. AFTparts kits include pre-matched pairs for balanced performance.
Do polyurethane bushings ride harshly?Modern blends like AFTparts’ DuroFlex+ reduce NVH by 40% vs traditional polyurethane while lasting 2x longer than rubber. Proper lubrication eliminates squeaks.