Synergy suspension control arm bushings9/22/2023 ![]() ![]() The lubricant was usually a very high-viscosity lubricant. Historically, most ball joints had grease fittings called grease zerks and were designed to have lubricant periodically added. Most modern ball joints are sealed and do not require lubrication as they are lubed for life. It acts only as a second pivot point for steering. The lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint in this type of suspension, while the upper ball joint is the follower, with no significant load to support. In the majority of these designs, the coil spring is seated in the lower control arm, supporting the weight of the vehicle. In a non-MacPherson strut automobile suspension, the two ball joints per wheel are called the upper ball joint and the lower ball joint. The bearing plate of the upper strut mount carries the vehicle's weight, leaving the lower ball joint to act only as a pivot point. In this design, the lower ball joint is a follower, with the bottom of the strut connected directly to the steering knuckle and wheel. Many currently manufactured vehicles worldwide use a MacPherson strut suspension, which utilizes one lower control arm and one lower ball joint per wheel with the necessary small amount of movement at the top of the strut usually provided by an elastomeric (rubber like) bearing, within which is a ball bearing to allow free rotation about the steering axis. These two types of joints often have different wear and failure rates, with the load-carrying joints usually failing first. Follower ball joints are designed to maintain precise dimensional tolerances as well as a pivot point for the steering system. Load-carrying ball joints are designed to support the weight of the vehicle while providing a pivot point for the steering system. Ball joints are classified as either load-carrying or follower types, and their position in the suspension varies depending on the suspension design. Combining two such joints with control arms enables motion in three planes, allowing the front end of an automobile to be steered and a spring and shock suspension to make the ride controlled and comfortable. A single ball joint is used to allow free movement in two planes at the same time, including rotating in those planes. In the same way your leg can move up and down, and side to side, a ball joint enables the wheel and suspension to move together in the same manner.īall joints allow a limited range of movement in all directions and are the pivot between the wheels and the suspension. Like the ball and socket joint that connects and holds your leg bone to your hip bone, a ball joint connects and holds the front suspension of your vehicle together. Bushings deteriorate due to heat, age, exposure, heavy loads, salt, oils, and the stress of frequent movement. Worn or damaged bushings can allow metal on metal contact, tire wear, discomfort, noises, and vibrations. Worn or damaged cartilage results in bone on bone contact and discomfort. ![]() Bushings have a function similar to cartilage in joints of the body. Bushings are used in control arms, shock absorber mounts, stabilizer bars, stabilizer links, engine and transmission mounts, and other suspension and steering components. Many suspension and steering joints utilize bushings when components need to be mounted together where vibration is a concern. Bushings can flex and move while retaining stiffness and the ability to return to their original shape and position. They cushion the suspension system which in turn controls noise and vibrations, and also provide a softer ride over bumps. Control arm bushings are important for driving comfort and handling. Control arms allow wheels to move up and down while preventing forward and rearward movement.Ĭontrol arm bushings usually consist of an outer metal sleeve, a durable rubber or polyurethane bushing, and an inner metal sleeve. They are typically equipped with bushings on the frame side of the vehicle and a ball joint on the wheel side of the vehicle that allow flex and controlled movement according to road conditions and steering input from the driver. A control arm connects the wheel hub and steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle. Many front-wheel drive vehicles only use a lower control arm, while trucks and SUVs often have both an upper and lower control arm. Most vehicles use either one or two control arms per wheel, on both the front and rear suspension. ![]() Without them, your ride probably wouldn't be very enjoyable. You may have never even heard of them, but they are critical components of your vehicle's suspension system that allow your tires to smoothly go up and down in a controlled fashion. Control arms, bushings, and ball joints may not be common household terms for many vehicle owners. ![]()
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