What does lower control arm do?

The suspension system consists of many components. There are at least ten car suspension components that we know. One of them is a component called the lower control arm. The lower control arm is often referred to as the lower swing arm or lower arm.

The lower control arm is located at the bottom and is connected to the car frame. The model and shape of the lower control arm also vary depending on the design and type of suspension used. For example, for double wishbone suspension, generally, the lower control arm has a model and shape like the letter A.

As for the Macpherson suspension, they often use a lower control arm shaped like the letter L. In addition, on some other suspension models, the lower control arm is only shaped like the letter I. Pay attention to the lower control arm model below

Although the model and shape of the lower control arm are different, the function of the lower control arm remains the same. There are at least three lower control arm functions that are important to know. What are the lower control arms do? So, here are what the lower control arm does on the car suspension.

1. Support the knuckle arm

The function of the first lower control arm is as a place to support the knuckle arm. As we already know, the knuckle arm is a component where the wheels (tires and wheels) are installed along with the hub and brake components.

The lower control arm supports the knuckle arm, wheels, and brake device via a ball joint that connects to the bottom of the knuckle. That way, the knuckle arm can move freely and not be tied to the lower control arm.

On the other side of the lower control arm will be connected to the frame and body of the vehicle. On the side, a control arm bushing which is generally made of flexible rubber, is installed so that the lower control arm movement becomes smooth and comfortable.

2. Control the movement of the wheels

The next function of the lower control arm is as a component that will control the wheel's movement. The lower control arm's movement will limit the movement of the wheels that move up and down, forward and backward, due to the motion effect of the driving.

In addition, the lower control arm is also connected to the shock absorber so that directly the damping effect due to shock during the trip will also occur in this lower control arm. That way, the lower control arm will maintain the tilt angles of the wheel to stay in its position. It is also maintained and makes driving safe and comfortable.

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3. Ensure the wheels can turn in one rhythm

The last lower control arm function is as a component that functions to ensure the wheels can turn, move in one rhythm with the appropriate steering angles between the right and left wheels of the vehicle.

The outer end of the lower control arm, which is near the wheel and holds the knuckle, is connected by a ball joint. That way, the wheels can turn and move freely following which direction the steering rotation is turned