ADAC data shows premature wear on control arms and poorly performing brakes in some examples of the Volkswagen ID.3. These mechanical problems occur less frequently than software issues, but are an important point of attention when buying a used electric car. Regular inspection of these components can prevent expensive repairs and ensures a safe driving experience.
What are control arms
The control arm forms the connection between the suspension and the chassis of your car. This metal component ensures that the wheels can move correctly while you are driving on the road. Thanks to the control arm, your tyres remain in constant contact with the road surface, which is essential for stable steering and safety.
The metal structure itself is sturdy and only breaks in an accident or a heavy impact. The weak spot lies in the rubber bushes and ball joints. These rubber-metal bearings provide damping and prevent vibrations and noise from being transmitted to the interior. This is where the wear concentrates.
‘ This extra weight accelerates wear on the rubber-metal bearings in the control arms. ’
Why control arms on the ID.3 wear out faster
The higher weight of electric cars due to the batteries places more load on the suspension. The ID.3 weighs on average 200 to 300 kilos more than a comparable car with a combustion engine. This extra weight accelerates wear on the rubber-metal bearings in the control arms.
In addition, the powerful acceleration of electric motors plays a role. The instant torque when pulling away loads the suspension differently than in a traditional car. In some examples this has led to premature wear, especially under intensive use or a sporty driving style.
The rubber parts deteriorate further due to exposure to heat, poor road surfaces and natural ageing. In the ID.3 these factors are amplified by the specific weight and use of the vehicle.
Recognisable symptoms of control arm problems
The first signs of worn control arms are noticeable in the way the car drives. Thumping or squeaking noises when driving over uneven surfaces often point to problems with the rubber parts. At first you only hear this on cobblestone roads, but over time also on normal roads.
Other warning signs are:
- Unusual vibrations in the steering wheel or interior that were not present before
- A loose feeling in the steering with more play when making steering corrections
- Rocking behaviour at higher speeds or while braking
- Uneven tyre wear due to deteriorated wheel alignment
- The car pulls to one side during acceleration or braking
Have these symptoms checked by a mechanic straight away. Defective rubber parts can worsen the wheel alignment, which leads to further damage and reduced control over the vehicle.
Brake wear in electric cars
Some ID.3 owners report problems with brakes that do not work properly. This seems contradictory, because electric cars often have less brake wear due to regenerative braking. With this system the electric motor brakes and charges the battery at the same time.
Yet this can actually cause problems. Because the mechanical brakes are used less, brake discs and pads can rust or corrode. This reduces braking performance when you really need it. In a few examples it has been found that the brakes were not functioning optimally, possibly due to standing still for long periods or little use of the mechanical brakes.
In addition, the high weight of electric cars puts more strain on the brakes when they are used. This requires high-quality brake components and regular checks.
‘ This prevents future repairs and saves labour costs. ’
Costs of repair and replacement
Replacing control arms costs between 300 and 800 euros per axle, depending on the type of part and the workshop. The mechanic usually replaces both control arms on one axle at the same time to keep the wheel alignment balanced.
When replacing, it is wise to check other components as well. Wishbones, driveshaft boots and anti-roll bar links can be replaced at the same time without much extra effort if you are working on the suspension anyway. This prevents future repairs and saves labour costs.
For brake maintenance the costs are lower, between 150 and 400 euros for new pads and discs per axle. On electric cars with little brake wear, a thorough cleaning and inspection may sometimes be sufficient.
Checks before buying a used ID.3
Before buying, take a test drive over different road surfaces. Listen for thumping noises, vibrations and pay attention to the steering behaviour. Ask the seller about the service history and recent repairs to the suspension.
A professional pre-purchase inspection can detect play in the control arms. During a test drive and on the lift, the mechanic checks whether there is any knocking or movement in the wheels. This provides clarity about the condition of the suspension.
Also check the braking performance. Test whether the car brakes in a straight line without pulling to one side. Ask when the brake pads and discs were last checked or replaced. For cars that have stood still for long periods, extra attention to the brakes is essential.
Look at the tyres for uneven wear. This often points to problems with wheel alignment, which can indicate worn control arms. Also check whether the car has recently had a wheel alignment.
Regular inspection prevents problems
Without a properly functioning control arm, your control over the vehicle decreases. This puts not only your driving comfort at risk, but also your safety. That is why you should have your suspension system checked regularly, especially on electric cars with their higher weight.
During the MOT test an inspector can detect play or knocking. Also schedule an inspection with your mechanic between tests, especially if you notice unusual noises or changes in driving behaviour. Early detection prevents more serious damage and higher costs.
The same applies to brake maintenance. Have the brakes checked annually, even if the wear indicator does not show any problems. On electric cars with regenerative braking, a visual inspection for rust and corrosion is important.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information about maintenance, common problems and practical tips for different car makes and models. Discover which points of attention apply to your car and stay up to date with important developments in the automotive world.
Frequently asked questions
You can often recognise early wear on your control arms by small thumping or creaking noises over speed bumps or cobblestones, slight vibrations in the steering wheel or interior and a somewhat ‘looser’ or floating feeling in the steering. For the brakes, pay attention to squealing or grinding noises when braking gently, reduced braking power and the car pulling slightly to one side under hard braking. Also visually check whether your tyres are wearing unevenly, as this can indicate both control arm wear and brake problems. If in doubt, have the suspension and brakes checked early during a service so that wear is detected before it really becomes a problem.
Wear on control arms causes play in the suspension, which means the car steers less precisely, leans more, can start to ‘float’ in corners and becomes less stable and predictable at high speed. With sporty driving, this increases the risk of unexpected steering or evasive reactions, uneven tyre wear and reduced grip. Worn brakes (pads, discs or uneven braking power) lead to longer stopping distances, fading under repeated hard braking and unstable braking behaviour, especially if one side brakes more strongly than the other. The combination of both types of wear significantly reduces overall control of the car and increases the risk of losing grip or the car breaking away in emergency manoeuvres.
Yes, by driving defensively, avoiding speed bumps and potholes as much as possible and keeping low speeds on bad roads, you greatly reduce shocks to the control arms and their rubber parts. Accelerating gently, braking early and progressively and keeping sufficient distance reduces peak loads on both suspension and brakes. Have your car aligned regularly and have the suspension and brakes checked in good time so that early wear does not worsen. Also avoid overloading (driving too heavily laden or frequently with a trailer) to extend service life further.
Performance brakes offer more braking power, less brake fading and more consistent performance during sporty driving or on track, especially on heavy or fast cars. Aftermarket control arms improve steering precision, camber settings and road holding, which is particularly noticeable on a lowered or heavily used suspension. An upgrade is sensible if your driving style (for example twisty B-roads, trackdays) clearly pushes the standard components to their limit or if they already show wear and need replacing anyway. It really becomes worthwhile only when you actively use the car as a hobby and accept the extra loss of comfort, higher costs and sometimes more maintenance.