Control Arms, Ball Joints, Bushings & More

If your car’s suspension feels clunky, noisy, or loose — it’s probably more than just shocks and struts. Your suspension system is made up of dozens of moving parts that wear out over time, especially on Arizona roads. At CarLife Auto Repair, we handle everything from control arms to sway bar links, and everything in between.

An visual representation of the Service

Control Arms, Ball Joints, Bushings & More

If your car’s suspension feels clunky, noisy, or loose — it’s probably more than just shocks and struts. Your suspension system is made up of dozens of moving parts that wear out over time, especially on Arizona roads. At CarLife Auto Repair, we handle everything from control arms to sway bar links, and everything in between.

🛠️ Suspension Components We Service

🔩 Control Arms & Ball Joints

These parts connect your wheels to the frame and allow for smooth up-and-down motion. Worn control arm bushings or ball joints can cause clunking, uneven tire wear, and steering instability — not to mention safety concerns.

🌀 Sway Bar Links & Stabilizer Bushings

These help keep your car level and stable while turning. If you hear clunks on corners or the car feels “loose,” you might have a broken sway bar link or degraded bushing.

🧈 Bushings (Everywhere)

Suspension bushings absorb vibration and keep your ride quiet. Over time, heat, friction, and wear cause them to crack, squeak, and allow unwanted movement. We inspect and replace worn bushings with durable, high-quality parts.

🛠️ Tie Rod Ends & Steering Linkage

If your steering feels sloppy or the alignment is off, worn tie rods or linkage could be the culprit. We'll get it tightened up and dialed in right.

🚘 Strut Mounts, Bearings & More

Sometimes it’s the little things. Our techs also replace worn strut mounts, jounce bumpers, bearings, and other components that can affect your vehicle’s handling and noise level.

🚨 Don’t Ignore Suspension Noises

A small knock or squeak today could turn into a failed ball joint or collapsed bushing tomorrow — and that’s a safety issue. If something feels off, let us take a look before it becomes a costly repair.

Here are 7 essential vehicle maintenance tips that can help save costs on suspension issues.

🌵 Why It Matters in Arizona

Hot pavement, rough roads, and daily driving take a serious toll on suspension systems in Gilbert and Scottsdale. Our local roads are tough on control arms and bushings — and we see it every day.

Need help maintaining your tires? Read our comprehensive guide for maintaining your tires in the desert.

🧰 What to Expect at CarLife

  • Expert inspections (no guesswork)
  • Honest recommendations — we show you what we see
  • High-quality OEM or better parts
  • Fast, friendly service from techs you trust

1. What does my suspension system do?

Your suspension keeps your vehicle stable, comfortable, and safe. It absorbs bumps, supports weight, and helps your tires stay in contact with the road.

2. How do I know if my suspension needs service?

Look for:

  • Bouncy or rough rides
  • Clunking or knocking noises
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Excessive nose-diving when braking
  • Vehicle leaning to one side
  • Poor steering response
    If your ride feels different, it’s worth checking.

3. What suspension components can wear out?

Common items include:

  • Shocks
  • Struts
  • Control arm bushings
  • Ball joints
  • Sway bar links
  • Springs
    We inspect everything to pinpoint the problem.

4. How often should suspension components be replaced?

Shocks and struts usually last 50,000–100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Arizona roads, heat, and long freeway commutes can shorten that lifespan.

5. Can worn suspension parts affect tire wear?

Yes — in a big way. Bad shocks, struts, or bushings cause uneven tire wear and can shorten tire life significantly. Addressing suspension issues often saves money long-term.

6. Is it safe to drive with a failing suspension?

It depends on the issue. Some problems simply affect comfort, while others — like worn ball joints or broken shocks — can affect steering and safety. We can check it quickly and let you know.

7. What’s the difference between shocks and struts?

Shocks control bounce; struts combine shock absorption with structural support. Struts are a major suspension component and typically more complex to replace.

8. Do I need an alignment after suspension repairs?

In most cases, yes. Replacing struts, control arms, or ball joints can change your alignment. Alignments help protect your tires and improve handling.

9. Can suspension issues cause noises?

Absolutely. Clunks, squeaks, and rattles are common signs of worn bushings, loose components, or failing shocks/struts

Discounted rentals available

Get back on the road in the meantime.

Local shuttle

Available during your vehicle's servicing.

2 Year / 24k Mile warranty

Offering peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Comfortable waiting area

You'll find Wi-fi, coffee & water at each of our valley locations.

Arizona Fleet Service & Auto Repair Shop

Visit our two locations in the greater Phoenix area.

Proudly servicing in Scottsdale & Gilbert.

A map featuring both Car Life Auto Care locations in Scottsdale & Gilber
The front of the Car Life Auto Care Scottsdale Location

Scottsdale

8830 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
Call us: (480)-270-5930
or Text Us: (480)-725-7788
Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Saturday - Sunday: Closed

The front of the Car Life Auto Care Gilbert Location

Gilbert

4461 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, 85234, AZ, United States
Call us:
(480)-800-3171
or Text Us: (480)-725-4590
Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

See more reviews on Google:

The Scottsdale CarLife shop stood behind their "We are Awesome" motto.

Friday, late afternoon and I'm on my way to my home in Payson. I hear a clunking sound in my wheel and quickly looked for a repair shop nearby with good reviews. CarLife was it and I'm so thankful for their professionalism!

Justin took the initiative and offered one of his busy mechanics to test drive and diagnose the problem. It was something that needed attention, but I was able to drive it with caution. I did drive home and had it properly repaired on Sunday near my home.

Without the honest diagnosis, I would have incurred the inconvenience and expense of a weekend of lodging (and no car). I feel completely confident in the quality and customer service of this CarLife shop and wouldn't hesitate to utilize them for any service.

Thank you!
I do a lot of work on my own vehicles, which makes it hard to find a shop that I feel confident and comfortable leaving my vehicles with. The team at CarLife Scottsdale made me confident in their work and kept me informed with photos of everything they found along the way. Their prices are very fair and I will definitely be back whenever I need any help with my vehicles in the future.

Brandon

I can’t speak to the car service itself but the people at CarLife Scottsdale are incredibly honest and kind—they looked at my car, determined that it wasn’t worth ordering an incredibly expensive part and figured out a solution that was essentially free. They basically made my day and I am incredibly grateful.

Judy

CarLife is above and beyond your average mechanic/auto shop. They're attention to detail and genuine caring nature make them my car people for life. Elsie goes out of her way to take care of her people.

We've taken our cars in for routine maintenance and the "stop light" report they share is incredible. We also just had our wheels and tires stolen from our car and in less than 24 hrs she had new ones for us AND sent her guys to our home to install. Incredible business, incredible humans.... don't take your care anywhere else!

Kaitlyn

Once the estimate was finalized the work was completed surprisingly fast. I didn't even have time to pick up the rental. The prices were very reasonable and they worked with my warranty company. I'm a big fan and will take my car back whenever needed.

Sharon

CarLife saved the day as my passenger side window regulator went out and we had rain coming that week. I called Elsie and she connected me with Casi & the Gilbert team and they had my window back in place the very next day. This is my second time using CarLife and they are the most efficient and thorough auto service center I have experienced here in Phoenix. Thank you again CarLife!

Sean

Fast, friendly & professional. I had two separate issues a week apart. Both times they took my car in without an appointment, did the assessment and work that same day. Priced about where I figured it would be, so no surprises. Two experiences, two thumbs up.

Stephen

This is an excellent place to take your vehicle. The owner is very knowledgeable and likable. The staff is top notch and are the type of people you can trust your vehicle to.

David

I had the best experience here at CarLife. I know it can be super uneasy walking into an auto shop not knowing what to expect, these were the shoes I was in but was quickly reassured everything would be okay and I was in good hands. Casi, Geoff, and the entire staff were so welcoming and made this whole process so smooth for me. Thank you all.

Sarah

The whole staff at Car Life goes above and beyond to help with knowledge and works within your budget. Have been back several times already for preventative maintenance.

Anthony

See more

Explore our other auto services

Suspension & Steering

Control Arms, Ball Joints, Bushings & More

If your car’s suspension feels clunky, noisy, or loose — it’s probably more than just shocks and struts. Your suspension system is made up of dozens of moving parts that wear out over time, especially on Arizona roads. At CarLife Auto Repair, we handle everything from control arms to sway bar links, and everything in between.
Suspension & Steering

Shocks & Struts Repairs and Replacements

Your car shouldn’t feel like a roller coaster — and it definitely shouldn’t bounce, dive, or sway on every bump. Whether it’s time for new shocks and struts, or your electronic suspension is acting up, CarLife Auto Repair has the tools and tech to get you gliding down the road again.
Suspension & Steering

Steering shouldn't be a workout.

If your wheel feels stiff or you're hearing moaning sounds when turning, it might be time to check your power steering system. At CarLife, we diagnose and repair steering issues with precision and transparency.

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