How can you identify a bent control arm?

Identifying a bent control arm is primarily focused on the alignment and positioning of the wheels. When a control arm is bent, it can cause the wheels to be misaligned. This misalignment may result in the wheels being angled improperly, leading to uneven tire wear and affecting the vehicle's handling. A visual inspection of the wheel positioning can reveal if the wheels are not parallel or perpendicular to the ground correctly.

While unusual tire wear can be a symptom of a bent control arm, it's not a definitive method to identify the bent part, as many other issues can also lead to similar wear patterns. Oil leaks are not typically associated with control arms, and inspecting brake pads for damage does not directly relate to the condition of control arms. Each of these methods can provide clues about the vehicle's overall health, but checking wheel alignment is the most direct way to identify a bent control arm.