- C -

Control Arm

A front suspension component that often is shaped like the letter A and also may be called an A-arm. Two points on the control arm (at the "bottom" of the A) attach to a vehicle's frame, while the third point attaches to the spindle. Rear control arms feature a different design but accomplish essentially the same purpose. Both types of high-performance control arms are designed to eliminate flex, which leads to more predictable and improved handling, as well as enhanced traction capabilities. Some rear control arms are adjustable, as well, to allow for adjustments to the vehicle's suspension geometry.

Control Cable

1. A rigid wire, generally sheathed, used for the remote control of a device, such as a parking brake. 2. An insulated wire used to supply electric current to a motor, controls, or other electrically operated circuits or devices.

Control Head

The master controls (such as temperature and fan speed) that the vehicle driver uses to select the desired system condition.

Control Link

A term used for control arm.

Control Plunger

A device that is regulated by the fuel-injection-system airflow sensor to regulated fuel delivery to the injectors.

Control Points

Holes, points, or flat surfaces that are used to align body parts during assembly or reconstruction.

Control Pressure

The fuel pressure required for a fuel-injection system to function.

Control Thermostat

A temperature-actuated electrical switch used to cycle the compressor clutch on and off thereby controlling the air conditioning system temperature.

Control Valve

1.The mechanism, located inside the power steering gearbox or on the steering relay rod, that controls the amount of power assist relayed to the steering linkage via a power piston. 2. A mechanical, pneumatic, or electric valve used to control the flow of coolant into the heater core.

Control Valve Assembly

The block of metal that contains the hydraulic passages and electric solenoids used to direct brake fluid during an ABS event.

Controlled Canister Purge

An ECM controlled solenoid valve that permits manifold vacuum to purge the evaporative emissions from the charcoal canister

Controlled-leak Governor

A governor assembly that reduces the leakage of line pressure as a vehicle's speed increases.

Convection

The transfer of heat by motion of the heated material, such as air or liquid.

Conventional Cab

A truck having a cab behind the engine.

Conventional Frame

A chassis frame that is separate from the body.

Conventional Strut

An assembly in which the coil spring that supports the vehicle weight sits on a lower-spring seat, which is part of the strut housing, to maintain vehicle height.

Conventional Theory

The original theory of electricity that electrical current would flow from the positive potential to the negative potential.

Conventional Tire

A term used for bias ply tire.

Conventional-frame Designs

One of several frame designs i.e. ladder, x-frame, hourglass or perimeter frame

Conversion

The substitution of one element or component for another, as in substituting R-134a for R-12 in an automotive air-conditioning system; changing the fuel-type requirements of an engine; or changing ignition systems.