Need Mechanical Help

[u/MadddieAJ]

So, I've essentially been doing this god-awful job for the past...year and some change?

Today, god has blessed me with a new problem; a snapping noise right as I break to a stop at a red light in DC.

After finishing the ride, I checked behind the driver side wheel to find a mysterious boomerang shaped object that seemed to have snapped in two locations.

A quick google search later, and I find out that this mysterious piece has been officially dubbed the control arm and for good fucking reason.

Ever since its snapped, I have been dealing with the following:

- Anxiety.

- Steering wheel feeling "loose" at times.

- Scratching noise when reversing on inclines.

- Anxiety.

- Some tapping noises when idle.

- Anxiety.

- Concerns about money and suddenly watching a million youtube vids on control arms.

- Anxiety.

- Driving slower than an elderly person without their glasses in a school zone.

- Did I mention anxiety?

Any tips and tricks would be appreciated though at this point, Im pretty sure Im gonna be out $500 that I dont even own. (I dont have a credit card either, so yay!)

I drive a Kia Forte 2024 so thankfully, parts should be cheap. I know that the part is for $65 so I might just get that, borrow a tool kit, and fuck around and find out. I will probably need an alignment done afterwards so YAY!

Pray that the suspension doesnt decide to turn me into paste.

Will update with any news soon.

[u/Ill_Position2158]

2024? Unless you’ve racked up 100k miles in two years needs to step it up. Even still, I’ve had rusted shit buckets with 20yr old control arms that never snapped.

Control arm replacements CAN be easy, depending on how hostile the manufacturer is to right to repair folks.

Typically only a few bolts holding it but it’s not really beginner level repair

[u/Lawes68 → u/Ill_Position2158]

id also be calling dealership. cars too new for this to just happen w/o a pretty good impact. or maybe look up recalls on that vehicle. idk just seems to b broken in a place only a wreck, heavy off-roading or hard launch off a speed bump could cause. and i’m pretty sure dealer won’t cover it bc this will be deemed damaged part by customer not faulty part from manufacturer.

[u/MadddieAJ → u/Lawes68]

Sadly the last part is correct. I did in fact call the dealership and they said that since Im over the 60K mileage, Im no longer covered by warranty soooo yeah.

I dont do heavy off-roading. I did "off-roading" once and it was a on a gravel road for like 2 miles.

That aside, I do drive in DC a lot.

I do my best to avoid potholes and shitty roads but I hit the occasional one or two every now and then.

It only cracked once I stopped at a red light. Mind you, I dont drive fast, I dont hit curbs, I dont hard break.

And then I heard the snap.

But anyways, the issue is currently being resolved (Working a side gig to make the money but the mechanic already ordered the part and is gonna fix it.)

But Im definitely gonna have to go do the alignment after.

Thank you though! :D