Know the Signs of a Damaged Car Lower Arm, Check This Part!
The lower arm is a component of the car suspension system that has various important functions. It controls the movement of the car wheels, ensures the wheels turn in unison, and supports the weight of the car. Over time, the function of the lower arm will decline due to wear or damage to the component. Therefore, as a car user, understanding the signs of a damaged lower arm is very useful.
Understanding the signs of lower arm damage early can minimize the risk of more severe damage. This way, the performance of the suspension system will not be disrupted, ensuring driving comfort remains guaranteed. The following are the complete signs of lower arm damage.
Signs of a Damaged Car Lower Arm
When the car's lower arm is damaged, the following signs may appear.
1. The steering wheel becomes heavy
Damage to the lower arm can be indicated by the difficulty in controlling the steering wheel. As is known, the lower arm is responsible for the movement of the car wheels. The lower arm ensures that the car wheels are in sync with the movement of the steering system when moving. Therefore, when the lower arm is damaged, the steering system's movement will not be synchronized, making the steering heavy.
2. A rough sound appears
Signs of a damaged lower arm can also be identified when a rough sound occurs as the car passes over uneven road surfaces. This usually happens due to a broken lower arm bushing (rubber sleeve) and the ball joint coming out of its working angle. As is known, the lower arm contains other components such as the ball joint and lower arm bushing. These components function to dampen vibrations when the car passes over uneven or damaged roads.
Over time, the lower arm components can break and become loose, making it difficult to dampen vibrations when the car is in motion. The loose ball joint can detach, posing a danger to the driver and passengers. This is because a loose ball joint makes the car unable to run upright.
3. The car jerks when braking
Another sign of a damaged lower arm can be noticed when you are braking the car. A damaged lower arm can cause the brakes to feel jerky when the brake pedal is pressed. This condition occurs because the lower arm bushing is cracked or brittle.
4. The car feels wobbly
The next sign is that the car feels wobbly (pulling to one side or uneven weight) when you press the gas pedal. This condition certainly disrupts your comfort and safety while driving. Especially when you pass through steep roads, the car will feel even wobblier.
Read Also : What is a Car Lower Arm? Its Function and How It Works
Causes of Damaged Car Lower Arm
When the signs above occur in your car, it can be confirmed that your car's lower arm is damaged. So what causes the car's lower arm to be damaged? The causes are as follows.
1. Age factor
The main cause of a damaged car lower arm is the age of the lower arm's usage.
2. Reckless driving
Driving recklessly can also cause the lower arm to be damaged. This happens because the lower arm bushing works too hard, causing it to crack and become brittle.
3. Cabin carrying too heavy a load
Basically, every car is designed with a certain load capacity. If the load in the cabin exceeds the maximum load limit, the engine will work harder when the car is in motion. This condition causes the engine temperature to rise and brings the car body closer to the road surface, making the lower arm bushing brittle.
Thus, these are the signs that arise when the car's lower arm is damaged. Make sure to avoid several things that can cause the lower arm to become damaged. If your lower arm is already damaged, visit the nearest Daihatsu workshop for proper handling and original spare parts.
