The materials for upper control arms on the market include steel and aluminum. So, when you choose to replace the control arms, is aluminum a better choice?
Aluminum: High-End in the Automotive Field
First, if you are familiar with the automotive industry, you know that many high-end vehicles use aluminum alloys for body components. This is because aluminum alloys can maintain the same or even higher strength at a lighter weight. Additionally, aluminum forms an oxide layer on its surface, so when the paint is damaged, it does not rust like steel does. These features bring lighter weight and better performance to the vehicle.
Materials Make Everything Different
Traditional steel control arms, due to the weight of steel, need to be designed as tubular hollow structures to ensure they are light enough while maintaining sufficient strength. This means the tube, bushing ends, and ball joint ends must be made separately and then welded together. Welding marks are visible between the parts.
The manufacturing process for aluminum control arms is completely different. In fact, aluminum alloy is so light that even a solid aluminum control arm is lighter than a hollow steel one! Therefore, aluminum arms are fully forged in molds, and then CNC-machined to cut out the ball joint, bushings, and other holes. The final control arm is one solid, integrated piece.
Better Performance? Yes
Because of the nature of steel, if the powder coating on steel control arms is damaged, there is a risk of rust and even cracking. In contrast, aluminum alloys have an oxide layer on the surface that prevents rusting. Secondly, solid forged aluminum has much higher tensile and yield strength than welded steel. More importantly, solid aluminum control arms are even lighter than hollow steel ones and easier to install.
Looks Cooler!
Most lifted pickups have greater tire-to-body clearance, making the control arms more visible. Silver aluminum control arms look more attractive and premium. Meanwhile, aluminum control arms come in more diverse styles. Different brands show significant appearance differences, whereas steel control arms tend to look almost the same.
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