Your BMW is designed to deliver exceptional performance, handling, and comfort in all conditions. A crucial component of your suspension system that plays a vital role in providing you with proper performance and handling is your BMW’s Control Arm Bushing. The control arm bushing absorbs road shocks and ensures smooth handling. Over time, these bushings wear out and lose their effectiveness, which leads to compromised vehicle performance and safety concerns. The only repair for a worn-out control arm bushing is replacement. First, recognize the signs of failure. We at Tanner Motors, located near you in Phoenix, Arizona (AZ), will teach you the signs indicating control arm bushing failure and the testing methods to know when it’s time to replace these parts in your BMW.

4 Signs Your BMW’s Control Arm Bushings Are Failing

1. Poor Handling and Steering Response

Worn control arm bushings can significantly impact your BMW’s handling and steering response. You may notice increased body roll, where the vehicle leans excessively to one side when cornering. Additionally, the steering may feel loose or less responsive, making it harder to control the car accurately. These issues can compromise your safety on the road and should be addressed promptly by professional technicians like those at Tanner Motors, located near you in Cave Creek and Deer Valley, AZ.

2. Uneven Tire Wear

One of the telltale and most accurate signs of failing control arm bushings is uneven tire wear. When the control arm bushings on your BMW deteriorate, they can cause the control arms to move excessively, resulting in uneven tire pressure distribution. This uneven wear typically appears as bald spots or excessive tread wear on specific areas of the tires. If you notice irregular tire wear patterns, it’s time to visit a professional BMW-certified auto repair shop near you in Moon Valley and North Mountain, AZ, as this is a clear indication of worn control arm bushings.

3. Vibrations and Shaking

As control arm bushings wear out, they lose their ability to effectively dampen vibrations. Consequently, you may experience increased vibrations and shaking in the steering wheel, floor, or seats while driving. These vibrations are more noticeable when going over bumps or roads. If you notice excessive shaking, it could indicate a deteriorating control arm bushing, which needs to be replaced as soon as possible by expert technicians.

4. Clunking Noises

When control arm bushings fail, they can create clunking or knocking sounds while driving. The excessive movement and play in the control arm can cause metal-to-metal contact, resulting in these noises. You may hear clunking sounds when going over bumps, turning, or during sudden stops. Suppose you notice any unusual noises, especially from the front suspension area. In that case, it is essential to have your vehicle inspected promptly by expert technicians, such as those at Tanner Motors, located near you in Phoenix and Paradise Valley, AZ.

How To Test Control Arm Bushings of your BMW in Phoenix, AZ

Tanner Motors, located near you in Phoenix, AZ, has the tools and expertise to efficiently diagnose and replace worn control arm bushings, ensuring optimal vehicle performance. To do so, we’ll conduct a range of inspection tests to ensure everything is adequately evaluated. These diagnostics include:

• Visual Inspection – Check the bushings for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. If they appear dry or broken, they need to be replaced.
• Pry Bar Test – Use a pry bar to apply force to the control arm and observe any excessive movement in the bushings.
• Wheel Shake Test – With the vehicle safely lifted, grasp the tire at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions and shake it. Excessive play or movement suggests worn bushings.
• Driving Test – Unusual noises, vibrations, or poor handling while driving are indicators of deteriorating bushings.

Tanner Motors: The Best Auto Repair Shop Near You in Phoenix, AZ

Suppose you suspect your control arm bushings are failing. In that case, it’s time to schedule a diagnostic auto repair with us at Tanner Motors near you in Phoenix, AZ, as DIY replacement is not recommended and can be challenging without the right equipment. Choose the best auto service by giving us a call or driving into our garage near you in Phoenix, because we have ASE-certified, highly skilled technicians with years of experience, who’ve been serving the communities of Phoenix, AZ, since 1945.

We offer a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on all parts and labor, and provide digital updates on the vehicle repair process. To assist you while your car is in the shop, we offer discounted rental cars for your convenience. We also provide a complementary Shuttle Service as a gesture of polite expediency. Need car care? Contact us today!