Control arms and ball joints
More informationAt Global Parts, we offer a wide selection of original used car parts, including control arms and ball joints for many popular car brands such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, and others. The control arms and ball joints we offer are quality-controlled, ensuring you receive a top-quality product.
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In Stock
Price

Part no. 1K0199296E
Audi A3 8P Wishbone Bracket Arm Front Right O/S Suspension 1K0199296E
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 1K0199295E
Audi A3 8P Front Wishbone Bracket Arm Suspension Left N/S 1K0199295E
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8K0505312J
Audi A4 B8 Rear Wishbone Lower Control Arm Axle Suspension Right O/S 8K0505312J
£28.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8K0505311J
Audi A4 B8 Rear Wishbone Lower Control Arm Axle Suspension Left N/S 8K0505311J
Promo price
£28.95
£24.61
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 1K0505223K
Audi A3 8P Control Arm Rear Lower Suspension Wishbone Rear Left N/S 1K0505223K
Promo price
£23.95
£20.36
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8K0407151F
Audi A4 B8 A5 8F Q5 8R Front Control Arm Lower Wishbone Left N/S 8K0407155C
£23.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 5Q0505311D
Audi A3 8V Control Arm Wishbone Rear Left Right N/O/S 5Q0505311D
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 8K0505324H
Audi A5 8T Rear Axle Wishbone Control Arm Suspension Right O/S 8K0505324H
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8R0505312F
Audi A6 C7 Rear Control Arm Wishbone Suspension Handlebar Right O/S 8R0505312F
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8K0407693Q
Control Arm Audi A4 B8 A5 8F Q5 8R Lower Wishbone Front Left N/S 8K0407693Q
£47.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8J0407151D-1
Audi TT 8J Lower Control Arm Wishbone Front Right O/S 8J0407151D
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8J0407151D
Audi TT 8J Lower Control Arm Wishbone Front Left N/S 8J0407151D
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8W0505311H
Audi A4 A5 B9 Control Arm Wishbone Rear Left Right N/S 8W0505311H
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 1K0407151BC
Audi A3 8P VW Golf 6 Front Wishbone Left N/S Lower Control Arm 1K0407151BC
Promo price
£23.95
£20.36
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 3Q0505311G
Audi RSQ3 F3 Rear Lower Control Arm Axle Suspension Right Left N/O/S 3Q0505311G
Promo price
£23.95
£20.36
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8K0505323H
Audi A4 B8 Rear Axle Upper Wishbone Control Arm Suspension Left N/S 8K0505323H
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8K0407694Q
Audi A4 B8 A5 8F Q5 8R Control Arm Lower Wishbone Front Right O/S 8K0407694Q
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 1K0505224K
Audi A3 8P Control Arm Rear Lower Suspension Wishbone Rear Right O/S 1K0505224K
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8R0505311F
Audi A6 C7 Rear Control Arm Wishbone Suspension Handlebar Left N/S 8R0505311F
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8K0505324F
Audi A4 B8 Rear Axle Upper Wishbone Control Arm Suspension Right O/S 8K0505324F
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 5QF505226C
Audi RSQ3 F3 2.5 TFSI DNWA Rear Control Arm Wishbone Right O/S 5QF505226C
Promo price
£28.95
£24.61
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 7L0505376A
Audi Q7 4L Rear Top Suspension Control Arm Right O/S Wishbone 7L0505376A
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 3C0505223D
Audi Q3 8U Rear Axle Wishbone Lower Suspension Control Arm Left N/S 3C0505225B
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8K0501529L
Audi A4 B8 A5 8T A6 C7 Rear Wishbone Control Arm Left Right N/O/S 8K0501529L
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 3C0505224F
Audi Q3 8U Rear Wishbone Suspension Control Arm Right O/S 3C0505224F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 1K0407152BC
Audi A3 8P Arm Lower Handlebar Wheel Suspension Front Right O/S 1K0407152BC
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 5WA505311A
Audi A3 8Y Rear Axle Wishbone Control Shape Arm Right O/S 5WA505311A
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 8K0505323F
Audi A4 B8 Rear Axle Upper Wishbone Control Arm Suspension Left N/S 8K0505323F
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8K0407693N
Audi A4 B8 Front Wishbone Control Arm Left N/S Suspension Tie Rod 8K0407693N
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8K0407694N
Audi A4 B8 Front Wishbone Control Arm Right O/S Suspension Tie Rod 8K0407694N
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8W0501529D
Audi A4 B9 Trailing Control Arm Rear Left N/S Suspension Rod 8W0501529D
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 5Q0407151J-1
Audi A3 8V Front Wishbone Lower Control Arm Suspension Left N/S 5Q0407151J
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8E0501529K
Audi A4 B6 B7 Seat Exeo Rear Control Arm Suspension Right Left N/O/S 8E0501529K
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8K0407509A
Control Arm Audi A4 B8 A5 8F Q5 8R Upper Handlebar Front Left N/S 8K0407509A
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8W0501530D
Audi A4 B9 Rear Suspension Trailing Control Arm Right O/S 8W0501530D
Promo price
£28.95
£24.61
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 1K0407151BC-1
Audi A3 8P VW Golf 6 Front Wishbone Lower Control Arm Left N/S 1K0407151BC
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 4M0505292D
Audi A4 B9 Control Arm Lower Wishbone Rear Right O/S Suspension Rod 4M0505292D
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 3C0505224D
Audi Q3 8U Rear Axle Wishbone Suspension Control Arm Right O/S 3C0505224D
Promo price
£47.95
£40.76
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8K0501530N
Audi A4 B8 A5 8T A6 C7 Control Arm Rear Right O/S Suspension Arm 8K0501530N
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8W0505323F
Audi A4 B9 Wishbone Suspension Control Arm Rear Left N/S 8W0505323F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 1K0407152AK
Audi A3 RS3 8P Suspension Control Arm Cast Wishbone Front Right O/S 1K0407152AK
£28.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 1K0407151AK
Audi A3 RS3 8P Suspension Control Arm Cast Wishbone Front Left N/S 1K0407151AK
£28.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8K0407155B
Audi S5 8T Front Suspension Lower Control Arm Wishbone Left N/S 8K0407155B
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 5Q0407152R
Audi A3 8V Front Axle Wishbone Lower Control Arm Right O/S Suspension 5Q0407152R
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4F0505323K
Audi A6 C6 Upper Wishbone Rear Left Right N/O/S Suspension 4F0505323K
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 4M0505425D
Audi Q5 FY Rear Wishbone Suspension Control Arm Left N/S 4M0505425D
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4M0505361G
Audi Q5 FY Rear Axle Control Arm Wishbone Left Right N/O/S 4M0505361G
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 4F0407151A
Audi A6 C6 Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Left Right N/O/S 4F0407151A
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 5Q0407152J-1
Audi A3 8V Front Wishbone Lower Control Arm Suspension Right O/S 5Q0407152J
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 81A407152F
Control Arm Audi Q2 GA A3 8Y Lower Wishbone Front Right O/S 81A407152F
Promo price
£37.95
£32.26
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8K0407152D
Audi A4 B8 Front Lower Wishbone Control Arm Right O/S 8K0407152D
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 1K0505226H
Audi TT 8J Lower Control Arm Rear Right O/S 1K0505226H
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 5Q0407152AC
AUdi A3 8Y Avant Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Right O/S 5Q0407152AC
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 5Q0407151AC
AUdi A3 8Y Avant Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Left N/S 5Q0407151AC
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4M0505311J
Audi Q7 4M Rear Lower Suspension Control Arm Left Right N/O/S 4M0505311J
£28.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8W0505324F
Audi A4 B9 Rear Top Suspension Control Arm Right O/S Wishbone 8W0505324F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4F0505312M
Audi A6 C6 Rear Wishbone Control Arm Axle Air Suspension Right O/S 4F0505312M
Promo price
£142.95
£85.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4N0505398A
Audi Q5 FY A6 C8 A7 4K A8 D5 Rear Control Arm Wishbone Right O/S 4N0505398A
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8W0505398F
Audi A4 B9 A5 F5 Rear Suspension Control Arm Wishone Rod Right O/S 8W0505398F
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4H0407156A
Audi A8 D4 Front Axle Wishbone Control Arm Front Left N/S 4H0407156A
£23.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4H0407155A
Audi A8 D4 Front Axle Wishbone Control Arm Front Left N/S 4H0407155A
£23.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4E0501529G
Audi A8 D3 Wishbone Trailing Track Control Arm Rear Left Right N/O/S 4E0501529G
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8K0407696H
Audi A4 B8 Front Wishbone Control Arm Right O/S Suspension 8K0407696H
£37.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 7L0412391E
Audi Q7 4L Shock Absorber Bracket Mount Front Left Right N/O/S 7L0412391
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A505311A
Audi Q5 FY 80A Rear Lower Wishbone Control Arm Left Right N/O/S 80A505311A
Promo price
£42.95
£25.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A407151A
Audi A6 C8 Q5 FY Suspension Spring Control Arm Track Front Left N/S 80A407151A
Promo price
£66.95
£40.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A407152A
Audi A6 C8 Q5 FY Suspension Spring Control Arm Track Front Right O/S 8E0505312
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A505397A
Audi Q5 FY 80A Rear Wishbone Suspension Control Arm Left N/S 80A505397A
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8E0407509P
Audi A4 B7 Front Wishbone Lower Control Arm Left N/S Suspension 8E0407509P
Promo price
£61.95
£37.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8E0407151R
Audi A4 B7 Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Left N/S 8E0407151R
Promo price
£56.95
£34.17
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A505291
Audi Q5 FY Front Control Arm Left N/S 80A505291
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A501530A
Audi Q5 FY Rear Control Arm Right O/S 80A501530A
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4M0505465D
Audi Q7 4M Rear Wishbone Suspension Control Arm Left Right N/O/S 4M0505465D
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8E0505311AB
Audi S4 B6 Quattro Rear Axle Guide Control Arm Left N/S 8E0505311AD
£113.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4M0505371R
Audi A6 C8 Q7 4M Rear Wishbone Lower Control Arm Right O/S 4M0505371R
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8K0407695F
Audi S4 B8 Front Control Arm Lower Curved Wishbone Left N/S 8K0407695F
Promo price
£28.95
£17.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4H0407693G
Audi A8 D4 Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Left N/S 4H0407693G
£113.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8W0407152D
Audi TT FV Front Lower Control Arm Right O/S 8W0407152D
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4H0407694G
Audi A8 D4 Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Right O/S 4H0407694G
£113.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 8W0505311E
Audi A4 B9 A5 F5 Rear Lower Control Arm Wishbone Left Right N/S 8W0505311E
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A505311B
Audi A6 C8 Q5 Rear Lower Arm Wishbone Suspension Left Right N/O/S 80A505311B
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4M0501530Q-1
Audi A6 C8 Control Arm Wishbone Rear Left Right N/O/S 4M0501530Q 4M0501529Q SET
Promo price
£47.95
£28.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 420407457M
Audi R8 42 Control Arm Mount Bracket Lower Front Left Right N/O/S 420407457M
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4E0407509F
Audi A8 D3 Control Arm Front Suspension Rear Left Upper N/S Guide 4E0407509F
£28.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 4E0407505F
Audi A8 D3 Control Arm Front Suspension Wishbone Link Upper Left N/S 4E0407505F
£32.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4E0407693R
Audi S8 D3 5.2 FSI Quattro Front Lower Control Arm WIshbone Left N/S 4E0407693R
Promo price
£118.95
£71.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 3Q0505311G-1
Audi Q3 F3 Rear Lower Control Arm Axle Suspension Right Left N/O/S 3Q0505311G
Promo price
£37.95
£22.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 80A407694F
Audi A6 C8 Front Axle Lower Wishbone Control Arm Right O/S 80A407694F
Promo price
£75.95
£45.57
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 4M0505371R-1
Audi A6 C8 Q7 4M Rear Wishbone Lower Control Arm Left N/S 4M0505371R
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 8W0505415E
Audi A4 B9 A5 F5 Control Arm Cover Lower Trim Rear Left N/S 8W0505415E
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 4M0505291D
Audi A4 B9 Control Arm Lower Wishbone Rear Left N/S Suspension Rod 4M0505291D
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 5QF505225C
Audi RSQ3 F3 Rear Axle Track Control Arm Wishbone Suspension Left N/S 5QF505225C
Promo price
£32.95
£19.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 7L8501529A
VW Touareg 7L Audi Q7 4L Track Rod Control Arm Rear Left Right N/O/S 7L8501529A
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 1K0501476
Audi TT 8J Control Arm Rear Mount Bracket Holder Right O/S 1K0501476
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Part no. 8W0505397E
Audi A5 F5 Wishbone Control Arm Rear Left N/S Suspension Rod 8W0505397E
£18.95
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 7L0505375A
Audi Q7 4L Rear Top Suspension Control Arm Left N/S Wishbone 7L0505375A
Promo price
£23.95
£14.37
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-40%
Part no. 420505362
Audi R8 Rear Upper Control Arm Right O/S 4.2 TSI 420505362
Promo price
£127.95
£76.77
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-15%
Part no. 4F0501529E
Audi A6 C6 Wishbone Control Arm Rear Suspension Left Right N/O/S 4F0501529E
Promo price
£18.95
£16.11
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

-5%
Part no. 6R0407151F-1
Front Axle Wishbone VW Audi Skoda Front Left N/S Lower Control Arm 6R0407151F
Promo price
£13.95
£13.25
Free delivery: Jul 22
If paid before 14:00

Top-quality control arms and ball joints – stability and driving precision
Maximum suspension control and cornering confidence
Control arms and ball joints are essential suspension components responsible for vehicle stability, comfort, and steering precision. They allow the car to move smoothly over uneven surfaces while ensuring the driver maintains full control even in difficult road conditions. In the Global Parts automotive store, you will find a wide selection of used car parts, including control arms and ball joints, compatible with many brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and others.
Design and purpose of control arms
A control arm is a component connecting the wheel to the chassis, allowing for vertical movement while maintaining proper geometric positioning. In practice, this means that even on rough road surfaces, the wheel remains in constant contact with the ground. Depending on the suspension design, such as multi-link or McPherson strut systems, lower, upper, and transverse control arms are used. The control arm is typically mounted on the front or rear axle, depending on the vehicle's design. A standard component consists of a steel or aluminum body, metal-rubber bushings, and mounting points for a pin or joint. Its task is to maintain the correct wheel path during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Function of ball joints and related components
Control arms and ball joints are components that work together to ensure the proper operation of the suspension system. Their key functions are:
- Control arms – act as the connection between the wheel and the vehicle chassis. They are responsible for stability and vibration damping when driving on uneven surfaces.
- Ball joints – provide suspension mobility, allowing the wheels to rotate in various directions, which is essential for precise steering. Together, control arms and ball joints act as a bridge between the wheels and the body, enabling stable and safe driving. A ball joint is a movable spherical connection that allows the suspension to work during steering and wheel deflection. It is used to transfer loads between the control arm and the steering knuckle without restricting the natural movement of the suspension. Other parts that work with these components include bearings, wheel hubs, and bushings as well as steering knuckle pins, so it is worth evaluating the entire mounting area during diagnostics.
Comparison of control arm types and data to check before purchase
| Component type | Typical application | Construction | What to check before purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower control arm | Front or rear suspension | Usually steel or aluminum body, bushings, and pin point | OEM number, mounting side, arm shape, bushing type, and mounting points |
| Upper control arm | Multi-link suspension | Lighter construction, shorter arm, different operating angles | Compatibility with axle version, body type, interchangeable numbers, and vehicle position |
| Ball joint | Connection of control arm to steering knuckle | Housing, ball pin, cover, and seat | Diameter and seat type according to OEM, mounting method, and compatibility with the steering knuckle |
Types and technical parameters of control arms
Control arms can be categorized based on their position and construction:
| Control arm type | Application | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Lower control arm | Front or rear suspension | Handles the highest loads; often steel or aluminum; crucial for stability and vibration damping. |
| Upper control arm | Multi-link suspension | Stabilizes wheel position vertically; often used in multi-link suspensions. |
| Transverse control arm | Rear independent system | Responsible for maintaining the driving path and even tire wear; sometimes used in multi-link sets. |
Premium class cars use constructions made of aluminum or high-strength steel. Depending on the car version, they differ in arm length, bushing position, pin diameter, and the type of mounting to the steering knuckle and suspension subframe.
Why is it worth taking care of control arms and ball joints?
Worn or damaged control arms and ball joints can lead to handling problems and reduce driving safety. Typical symptoms of failure include:
- Suspension noise – knocking sounds when driving over bumps may indicate wear of ball joints or control arms.
- Handling difficulties – faulty suspension components can cause vehicle instability or delayed reaction to steering inputs.
- Uneven tire wear – damaged control arms or ball joints can affect wheel geometry, leading to faster tire wear. At Global Parts, we offer used control arms and ball joints that have been thoroughly checked for durability and reliability.
Symptoms and diagnostics of worn control arms
To detect control arm wear, pay attention to several symptoms: the car pulling to one side, uneven braking force distribution, or the vehicle "floating" on straight road sections. Suspension diagnostics should include measuring play in ball joints and assessing the condition of bushings. Often, complete control arm sets are replaced to maintain full suspension symmetry and avoid differences in flexibility.
How to choose the right control arms and ball joints?
When choosing control arms and ball joints, several key aspects should be considered:
- Compatibility with the vehicle model – every suspension system has its specific technical requirements. In the Global Parts automotive store, you will find control arms and ball joints perfectly matched to BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and others.
- Technical condition – ensure that the parts are free from corrosion, cracks, and play that could affect their performance.
- Suspension type – choose the appropriate control arms and joints depending on the suspension type, e.g., independent or dependent.
Selection by OEM, mounting location, and suspension version
Control arms and ball joints are designed for specific engine and body versions. When selecting, it is worth following the VIN or OEM number, as well as comparing interchangeable numbers, vehicle placement, and mounting side. If you are looking for a component such as a Mercedes W204 control arm, you should check not only the part number itself but also the suspension type and compatibility with elements from the Shock absorbers and struts category. When choosing a component like an Audi A6 C7 control arm, it is important to compare mounting points, pin diameter, and whether the part is intended for the front or rear of the vehicle. In practice, it is also helpful to check if the given unit works with parts from the Stabilizers, clamps, and bushings and Control arms and tie rods groups.
Compatibility and installation
Installing a new control arm requires following the correct work sequence and tightening after setting the suspension in the working position. Compatibility means compliance not only with the OEM number but also with the type of bushings, mounting points, and body version. In the case of parts such as a BMW E60 stabilizer link, it is worth additionally verifying the element length, mounting type, and cooperation with adjacent parts from the Tie rods and ends category. A separate category is the control arm ball joint, which is the element mediating between the arm and the steering knuckle. The control arm ball joint is the part responsible for the smooth movement of the connection and proper wheel guidance during suspension operation. Wear of this component can produce similar symptoms to a worn bushing, which is why the entire set must be evaluated during installation and diagnostics.
Durability and parameters of used control arms
Well-maintained aluminum and steel control arms can work for a long time if the bushings and joints remain in good technical condition. Durability is primarily determined by material quality, the absence of excessive play, and correct installation combined with wheel geometry control. Additional tips regarding suspension maintenance can be found in the article Suspension system – a comprehensive guide to shock absorbers, control arms, and stabilizers.
Why is it worth choosing used control arms and ball joints?
Choosing used car parts, such as control arms and ball joints, is an economical solution that allows for savings while maintaining high quality. By choosing used control arms and ball joints, you gain:
- Lower costs – used components are significantly cheaper than new ones but offer equally high quality.
- Ecology – you support recycling and reduce the amount of automotive waste.
- Wide offer – in our store, you will find control arms and ball joints for many car brands.
How to take care of control arms and ball joints?
To ensure control arms and ball joints work reliably for a long time, it is worth following a few rules:
- Regularly check the suspension condition during technical inspections, especially if the vehicle often travels on uneven roads.
- Replace damaged suspension components on time to avoid further damage to other system parts.
- Maintain proper wheel geometry and suspension settings to prevent excessive wear. If you need to replace control arms or ball joints, at Global Parts you will find suitable used car parts, matched to your car version and mounting location.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are control arms and ball joints made of? | Control arms and ball joints are suspension elements mounted between the body, subframe, steering knuckle, and wheel. A typical control arm consists of a body, metal-rubber bushings, and a point for a pin or joint, while a ball joint includes a housing, a ball pin, and a cover. These parts are found on the front or rear axle, depending on the vehicle design. |
| What are control arms and ball joints used for? | Control arms and ball joints are used to guide the wheel in the correct path and to maintain suspension geometry while driving. They allow suspension movement over bumps and transfer loads generated during braking, cornering, and acceleration. Without their proper operation, the car may lose stability, and tires will wear unevenly. |
| What role does the control arm ball joint play? | The control arm ball joint is the element connecting the control arm to the steering knuckle, allowing for rotational movement and suspension deflection. It is responsible for the smooth transfer of forces between the wheel and the suspension arm and works with a cover protecting the joint from dirt. Its condition affects steering precision, the absence of play, and stable vehicle handling. |
| How to choose a control arm or ball joint for a specific car version? | The safest way is to compare the OEM number, interchangeable numbers, mounting side, and placement on the vehicle. It is also worth checking the body version, suspension type, and compatibility of mounting points. With similar-looking parts, differences may concern arm length, pin diameter, or bushing type. |
| What symptoms indicate wear of a control arm or ball joint? | The most common symptoms are knocking when driving over bumps, the car pulling, worse steering response, and uneven tire wear. In practice, there is also play noticeable during suspension inspection and reduced stability during braking. Such symptoms should be confirmed by inspecting the bushings, pins, and mounts. |
| What does proper installation of control arms and ball joints involve? | Proper installation involves matching the part to the correct location on the vehicle and following the correct assembly sequence. It is important to tighten according to the manufacturer's specifications and check the geometry after finishing the work. In many cases, it is also worth checking the condition of adjacent bushings, links, and the steering knuckle. |
Summary: control arms and ball joints at the Global Parts automotive store
Control arms and ball joints are key suspension components that ensure stability, comfort, and driving safety. In the Global Parts offer, you will find used parts matched to many car models, including brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and others, taking into account the OEM number, interchangeable numbers, and mounting location. This is a practical solution for those who want to choose the right suspension element without compromising on quality and part compatibility. We invite you to contact us – we are here to help! For more information and interesting facts, we also invite you to visit our automotive blog.