Size tapers range from 10mm to 18mm depending on the make and model of your vehicle. You should reference your maintenance manual and confirm the taper size for your vehicle.

A simple task you can do to inspect your control and idler arms is to place a pry bar between the control arm and the frame of your vehicle. Only a small amount of play is acceptable; if you notice an excessive amount of play, it is vital to have your control and idler inspected more thoroughly by a professional.

Control and idler arms can be made from various materials, including Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, and Forged Aluminum. A firm material such as Steel is commonly used for the ball studs.

Driving over various road conditions can cause wear to occur to your control and idler arms. Signs of wear will be loose or damaged ball joints, bent or cracked arms, or excessive play in the joints.