ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairSuspension and SteeringMedium
A technician is inspecting a vehicle's front suspension and observes that the upper control arm bushings are severely cracked and deteriorated. Which of the following symptoms is MOST likely to be reported by the customer due to this condition?
- AExcessive body roll during cornering and braking
- BTire wear concentrated in the center of the tread
- CA 'shimmy' or vibration felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds
- DA clunking or popping noise when going over bumps or turning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A clunking or popping noise when going over bumps or turning
Severely cracked and deteriorated control arm bushings allow excessive movement of the control arm. This play can lead to metal-on-metal contact or sudden shifts in suspension geometry when going over bumps or during turns, resulting in clunking or popping noises.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Excessive body roll is typically indicative of worn or weak springs or stabilizer bar issues, not primarily control arm bushings.
- B. Tire wear concentrated in the center of the tread is a symptom of overinflation.
- C. A 'shimmy' or vibration is more commonly associated with wheel imbalance, bent wheels, or worn tie rods.
Worn Control Arm Bushing Symptoms
When control arm bushings are worn or deteriorated, they allow excessive movement, leading to symptoms like clunking or popping noises over bumps, wandering steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Clunking/popping noise over bumps.
- Excessive play in suspension.
- Can cause wandering steering and uneven tire wear.
Memory trick: Bumpy roads make worn bushings 'clunk', like a loose 'joint' that's sunk.