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Mazda MPV Control Arm
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Mazda MPV Control Arm Problem Symptoms and How to Diagnose Them
Problems with your Mazda MPV control arm usually exhibit symptoms like abnormal pops, clunks or squeaks; unusual tire wear patterns; steering wheel pull; and front end shimmy (a side-to-side vibration of the front wheels). In this article are some of the possible areas where symptoms of your control arm's ineffectiveness can arise and the possible cures to discontinue such occurrence.
Shock absorbers
Check the reliability of your shock absorbers by pushing down a corner of the car and counting how many bounces result when it is released. Worn shock absorbers should immediately be replaced as they can affect the performance of your Mazda MPV control arm.
Worn ball joints
To tell if a ball joint is worn, check the wear indicator and measuring the amount of play in the joint. Replacing worn ball joints is imperative to keep the vehicle running in good condition.
Suspension bushings
Your Mazda MPV's suspension system uses rubber bushings at the inner ends of its control arms (keeping the steering knuckle, bearing support, and axle housing in position while the wheel moves up and down). Bushings cushion control arms as they operate; when bushings are worn, steering problems and abnormal tire wear can occur. One test for worn bushings is to try to push the control arm in such a way that goes against its normal motion; if the control arm moves with respect to its shaft, the bushings are worn and should be replaced.
MacPherson struts
Failures of your Mazda MPV's MacPherson struts are related to its integral shock absorbers. Like ordinary shock absorbers, they can leak, thereby reducing the dampening action for which they were designed.
Tire problems
Carefully feel around the tire with your hand to see if there are deformities or bulges that indicate the thread separating from the steel belts. Such deformities can cause a problem to the vehicle's performance. Also take note if the front of your tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle as the tire's thread wears more quickly if the tire is angled inwardly too much. Have someone follow you at a moderate speed to observe the front-to-back wheel alignment and if the front wheels are not tracking in the same groove as the wheels in the back, then you may have a bent frame.
