How Do You Know It's Time to Replace Your Ford Mustang Control Arms?

When you make a turn, how smooth does it feel? If your answer is anything other than “Like a hot knife through butter,” you probably need new Mustang control arms. You may also notice a lot of stability issues or a steering wheel that has a mind of its own. Plus, driving over a bump with worn-out suspension and steering parts is a nightmare. These are only some of the symptoms of failing Ford Mustang control arms, so stick around to discover all of the warning signs.

Your Mustang Needs Functional Control Arms (Of Course)

Your Mustang needs control arms to connect the steering knuckle to the body or frame. The steering knuckle functions as a pivot point that makes it possible for your wheels to turn, and the control arms also house ball joints and bushings that keep your movements smooth when your wheels move up and down – they do so by absorbing motion and vibrations. Without functional control arms, say goodbye to smooth steering and a comfortable ride. In fact, a lot of vehicles have upper and lower control arms for each front wheel, but some Mustangs may only have a lower control arm because the MacPherson strut replaces the role of the upper control arm. One of the most common variations is the solid-axle setup that you find with the S197 suspension, where an upper control arm connects to the top of the differential’s housing to keep the entire axle stable. The newer S550s and S650s, however, use an independent rear suspension (IRS), which includes an upper and lower control arm for each rear wheel. That said, there are many different types of control arms, so it's not a bad idea to learn more about the difference between upper and lower control arms before proceeding.

How Long Do Mustang Control Arms Last?

The control arms on your Mustang tend to last for around 70,000 to 100,000 miles on average. If you drive aggressively or hit the track often, though, your control arms won't last as long unless you choose more durable aftermarket options.

How You Can Tell Your Mustang Needs New Control Arms

When you need new control arms, your Mustang will let you know. Still, some of the signs may be subtle, so it's always a good idea to learn more about them below.

Your Mustang Sounds Like a Clunker

When you make a turn, does it sound like everything is sort of just clanking and clunking around? If it gets worse when you go over bumps, or even if you turn a specific direction, you may want to check your control arms. You'll notice these noises when bushings wear down because the control arm might start to contact the frame or other components. The longer you wait, the worse it will get.

Your Mustang Is Fighting Back

Are you fighting your Mustang to stay in a straight line? Or do you notice that your Mustang seems to favor pulling to the right or left? If you notice these issues or your steering feels sloppy in general, it's time to check your control arms. Another sign that your Mustang is fighting for new control arms is a vibrating steering wheel, especially if the intensity is changing at different speeds. Your steering may also feel less responsive, especially if you encounter a bump in the road.

Your Mustang’s Tire Wear Is a Little Uneven

When you check the wear on your tires, you'll know you have a control arm problem when the wear is uneven. With improper alignment and wheel movement, the edges of your tires will get chopped up fast, while the rest of it may look just fine. Not only will your control arms wear unevenly, but you may also run into problems with premature tire wear. If you’re swapping out tires frequently, it might be bad control arms and not bad tires.

Your Mustang’s Control Arms Don't Look Too Good

You can also visually inspect your control arms, and if you're lucky, you may notice an issue before it starts to cause problems. First, check for any cracks. Once a control arm is cracked, it's time for a new one. While more subtle, bent control arms are also a sign that replacement is necessary. You should also check the ball joints and bushings. If the ball joints have excessive play or grease leaks, it may be time to swap out your control arms. You can also check the polyurethane bushings for tears or cracks.

Get Back to Enjoying a Comfortable Ride with the Best Mustang Control Arms

If you want your Mustang to have a smooth and comfortable ride, or even if you want to impress the Euro crowds at the track, don't overlook your control arms. When it's time to replace or upgrade your control arms, our sales techs are ready and waiting to help you find the best Ford Mustang control arms for your build when you shop online.