If the Struts and Shocks are the “muscles” that absorb impact, the Control Arms and Ball Joints are the “skeleton” and “sockets” that hold your wheels in the correct position. Without them, your wheels would have no way to move up and down or turn while staying attached to the car.

• Stamped Steel: The most common. It’s cheap and durable, but heavy. Feature: It’s designed to bend rather than snap during a curb impact, which can sometimes save other expensive suspension parts.

• Cast Iron: Found on heavy trucks. Feature: Incredible rigidity and “fatigue strength.” It won’t flex under the weight of a massive diesel engine or a heavy trailer.

• Cast/Forged Aluminum: Found on luxury and performance cars. Feature: It reduces “Unsprung Weight”