Symptoms indicating potentially bad control arm bushings:
* Knocking or clunking noises: This is a classic symptom. You'll likely hear it when going over bumps, potholes, or turning. The noise is often worse at low speeds. The sound will be coming from the area of the front suspension near the tire.
* Wandering or loose steering: The car may feel vague or unresponsive to steering input. It might wander or pull to one side, especially on uneven roads.
* Excessive tire wear: Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inside or outside edges, can be a sign of misalignment caused by worn bushings.
* Squeaking or groaning noises: Especially when turning or going over bumps, a squeaking or groaning sound can indicate the bushing's rubber is worn and the metal parts are rubbing together.
* Visible damage: Inspect the bushings themselves (you might need to jack up the car and look closely). Look for cracks, tears, or excessive wear in the rubber. The bushing might be compressed more than it should be, or even separated from the control arm. This is more easily seen on the lower control arm bushings.
* Vehicle leaning: A noticeably tilted stance of the vehicle, especially on one side, could be a result of worn suspension components, including bushings.
Important Note: Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, or even worn shocks/struts. A proper diagnosis requires a mechanic to inspect the suspension system. Don't attempt to diagnose this solely based on symptoms; a professional inspection is needed for accurate identification and repair. Ignoring worn bushings can lead to more serious and costly damage.
