My BMW mechanic says I need new control arms… what is that?

A control arm is part of your BMW suspension. It connects your axles to the frame of your BMW. Many vehicles have upper and lower control arms and they all assist in absorbing the vibrations from your wheels to the frame and body of your car.

When should I replace a control arm?
Your BMW’s control arms contain rubber bushings and  ball joints which can break down over time. Some symptoms of needing to replace your control arms are..

-Wheel alignment difficulties.
-Vehicle won’t track straight or pulls to one side.
-Clunking or squeaking noise.
-Vehicle pulls to one side only when braking.

Is it safe to drive with a control arm problem?
No. If you feel additional vibration while braking, if your car pulls to one side, or if you notice noise from your suspension, you should consult your BMW repair specialist immediately..

Control arms on your BMW should be replaced in pairs (both sides of a front or rear axle).
All other suspension components should be inspected when control arms are replaced because looseness, damage, or excessive wear in other parts of the suspension system will make it impossible to perform a wheel alignment after the control arms are replaced.

If you have concerns that your BMW’s control arms are in need of repair, don’t hesitate to contact BMW Repair Seattle, and our certified technicians will be more than happy to assist you.