Control arm: Key to a comfortable Mazda ride |
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| Topics: Mazda
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Anthony Fontanelle
October 2, 2007
The triangular sub-frame of the Mazda drivetrain called control arm is the chief suspension part of the car. It connects the frame to the drive wheels: through a ball joint on its narrow end, and through a bushing on the broad end of the triangle. For Mazda to effectively support driving and brake torque, up to two Mazda control arms are fitted on each of the region between the car's axle billet and frame. In such cases, the car's suspension setting is configured in a double wishbone setting, where the lower Mazda control arms provide the suspension setting parts with a rotational movement when the car hugs curves while the upper Mazda control arm helps disperse chassis flex for a comfortable ride.
In addition to its pivot-joint functionality, the Mazda control arm allows the coil springs to respond to the axle and wheel assembly during bumps. The pivots at either end of the Mazda control arm, which attaches the parts to the chassis, allow the upward and downward motion of the coil springs in order that bumps are less felt in the car's cabin. In allowing a steady, regulated movement of the suspension parts, the Mazda control arm synchronizes all four tires to the motion of the car.
Equipped with cylindrical bushings, a typical Mazda control arm has a friction-reduction capability for improved car handling. The considerably less-traction contact surface where the rubber meets the road results to a better steering and tire wear-out rate. Due to the wear and tear that usually pound on the control arms in the performance of their duty, some Mazda control arm inboard pivots come in twos to share the pressure of dispersing flex across the chassis. With this is the durability of the Mazda control arm that enables it to sway over the car's suspension setting. But, with the flex and road salt that this integral part of the car assembly is exposed to, maintenance and checkup are but imperative to continue running the car on a comfortable ride.
Source: Amazines.com