Selecting the Correct Control Arm & Ball Joint for 2014-2019 Chevy & GMC 1500 Trucks

Material Matters

When replacing chassis parts on 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks or 2015-2020 SUVs like the Chevy Suburban, Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon, selecting the right part is crucial for a successful repair. Choosing the wrong part can lead to improper fitment causing premature wear, steering instability, and uneven tire wear. Double-checking the qualifiers in the MOOG part finder is key to ensuring a proper fit. Before you can properly interpret the qualifiers in the catalog, there is some basic information that you'll need. 

GM used different materials for control arms and steering knuckles, each requiring compatible components to ensure proper fit and performance. For example, upper and lower control arms may be made of stamped steel, cast iron or aluminum, while steering knuckles can be cast iron or aluminum. Since there's no set pattern for material selection in vehicles, identifying the specific material used in your vehicle is crucial to ensuring you get the right part. 

Inspection Procedure

To ensure that you get the right part for your repair, it is necessary to ascertain what material the control arms and steering knuckles are made of. Follow these inspection procedures: 

Control Arms 

A visual inspection is the best way to identify whether the control arms are aluminum, stamped steel or cast iron. Start by cleaning off any dirt and grime, as buildup can obscure the material. To determine if the control arm is steel, use a magnet—if it doesn't stick, it's aluminum; if it does, it's either stamped steel or cast iron. To differentiate between the two, tap the control arm with a hammer—if it sounds hollow, it's stamped steel; if you hear a dull thud, it's cast iron. 

Ball Joints 

For the upper ball joints, the aluminum knuckle upper ball joint boss is approximately two hundred-thousandth of an inch longer than the cast iron. Measure the knuckle boss using calipers or a micrometer. 

Steering Knuckles 

Just like with control arms, a magnet is the best tool for identifying whether a steering knuckle is made of cast iron or aluminum. After cleaning off any dirt, simply run a magnet over the knuckle—if it sticks, it's cast iron; if it doesn't it's aluminum. 

No Guesswork – Getting the Right Part

Armed with the information about the material makeup of the ball joints, control arms and steering knuckles, you can feel confident that you'll get the right part. Use the MOOG part finder or drivparts.com and review the qualifiers carefully – they provide crucial details to help you select the right parts for your application. 

MOOG Part Numbers 

MOOG has control arms and ball joints for 2014-2019 Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks and 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban/Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. 

Learn more about premium steering and suspension parts, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. DRiV and its affiliates (including Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC) will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.