Track control arms link the chassis and the wheel suspension together. Connected to the subframe at one side and to the steering knuckle or the wheel hub at the other, they allow smooth and controlled wheel suspension movements while keeping the wheel aligned. To allow these wheel suspension movements, track control arms act as a pivot allowing the wheels to move up and down while keeping them aligned with the subframe.
The construction of front and rear control arms differs from one another:
- As the front wheels are the steered wheels, the track control arm should allow the steering movements. That’s why the front control arm is connected to the steering knuckle via a ball joint, which allows both steering and suspension movements. The other side of the front arm contains a silent block, which is bolted to the subframe.
- In general, the rear wheels are not steered. So, there’s no need for a pivoting ball joint: silent blocks at both ends of the rear track control arm are bolted to the subframe and the wheel hub to allow suspension movements.
The arm types can vary a lot, depending on the suspension type of the vehicle such as MacPherson struts, double wishbones or multi-link suspension.
WHY SIDEM TRACK CONTROL ARMS?
As the ball joint rotates with every steering movement and tilts along with the suspension, it is subject to wear over time. Using our premium Sidem ball joints with chromium steel ball stud; Klüber grease and chloroprene rubber anti-torsion dustcovers on ball joints, we’re sure they’ll last for a long time!
To ensure your driving comfort and stability, our strong Sidem silent blocks are mounted in the track control arms. They prevent impacts, vibrations and noise from being transferred to the subframe. With their excellent metal-to-rubber bonding and rubber quality, a comfortable and safe ride is guaranteed.
The body of our track control arms is made with strength and durability in mind. Following the OE-design, they’re made from top-notch forged steel or aluminum, sheet metal or nodular cast iron. The applied cataphoresis coating will protect them from corrosion.
CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEM TRACK CONTROL ARMS.
The main reason for the failure in track control arms is due to the the failure of ball joints which happens when corrosion is caused by water infiltration. To prevent this, we use durable raw materials: e.g. cold-forged, polished chromium steel for the ball pin. This material provides increased strength and rust resistance. The dust cover which shields the ball pin and housing, should be securely sealed to the ball-pin and housing using spring steel rings that have the appropriate diameter, for a fixed installation onto the housing and a smooth movement between pin and dustcover top (tilting and rotating of the pin).
The dust cover is designed with grooves on the inside to prevent water from seeping in between. Another important reason for failure is the use of low-quality lubrication. Therefore, the use of high-quality lubricant is crucial as it places a protective film on all vulnerable surfaces, and retains its composition and features which prevent drying out, eroding and eventually failing.
LIFETIME LUBRICATING GREASE.
Ball joint lubrication is important to prevent the part from drying out, corroding and wearing. The grease used in Sidem parts is co-engineered with Klüber Lubrication and assures a much longer life time due to a smoother movement and protection against water infiltration. Sidem always engineers its parts with in mind the longest possible lifespan, maximum safety, comfort and an easy installation.
Sidem specializes in designing and reengineering solutions for OE parts by solving their shortcomings. With our advanced engineering expertise, we enhance the durability, performance, and reliability of these components, ensuring they meet the specific demands of various vehicles. Our innovative approach not only addresses common issues with OE parts, providing customers with enhanced alternatives that improve the lifespan and efficiency of their steering and suspension systems, but we also prioritize ease of installation. We design Sidem parts to ensure that they meet the highest standards while being as efficient and user-friendly as possible for our clients during installation. Our commitment to quality and innovation results in improved components that offer superior performance and longevity for a wide range of vehicles.
SIDEM DOCUMENTATION & INSTALLATION VIDEOS.
Discover why Sidem is the preferred choice for automotive professionals worldwide. Our documentation provides insights into our production processes, technical specifications, and installation tips. Whether you are looking for specific product details or general information about our company, our resources are designed to support you every step of the way.
Visit the Sidem Youtube channel and find solutions about the installation of steering and suspension parts.