What Is a Steering Arm and How Does It Work?

When you drive along Kellogg Avenue or head toward Old Town Wichita, your steering arm (often the Pitman arm or a control arm,) quietly helps you stay in control. This is because your car or truck’s steering arm is a key suspension and steering component that connects the steering gearbox or linkage to the front wheels. So, when you turn the steering wheel, the steering arm transfers that motion to the wheels so they pivot smoothly. As a result, your vehicle responds accurately when you change lanes near INTRUST Bank Arena or navigate tight turns downtown. Ultimately, without a properly functioning steering arm, steering would feel loose, delayed, or unpredictable.

Given the importance of your vehicle’s steering arm, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros take a close look at the driving habits that keep it in good shape and how to tell if it needs repair.

How Driving Habits Help Keep the Steering Arm in Good Shape

Smooth driving habits play a major role in protecting your steering arm here on our Wichita roads. For example, slowing down for potholes after winter freezes helps reduce stress on this critical steering component. Additionally, avoiding aggressive curb hits while parking near Bradley Fair prevents bending or premature wear. Add to that the habit of easing into turns instead of jerking the wheel, protecting steering joints and bushings. And to keep the steering arm working evenly and efficiently, schedule regular wheel alignments with Tracy’s Tire Pros on East First Street North in Downtown Wichita.  Finally, routine inspections during oil changes help catch small issues before they become costly repairs.

How Can You Tell If Your Steering Control Arm Needs Repair?

Changes in steering feel are often the first warning sign. Or, if you notice excessive play in the steering wheel while driving, as this can indicate wear. Additionally strange sounds, clunking noises when turning, suggest looseness. Uneven front tire wear can signal steering geometry problems linked to the steering arm, resulting in pulling to one side while driving. When considering your vehicle’s steering arm, any of these issues may mean steering components are no longer aligned. So call Tracy’s Tire Pros to have them assess visible damage or bent parts during with an inspection confirm the need for professional service.

Take Action to Protect Your Car or Truck’s Steering Arm

Ignoring steering issues can quickly affect safety and tire life. But when you address the problem early, you help ensure confident handling on our Wichita roads. But when in doubt, remember, a professional inspection by Tracy’s Tire Pros’ ASE certified experts can ensure repairs are done correctly and safely.

Tracy’s Tire Pros can help you with any automotive issues that you may have. And they have three locations for your convenience:  West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. And, Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.