Ever wonder what keeps your ride smooth and your steering precise?
The credit goes to your control arm, which seamlessly connects the suspension to the wheels.
However, over time, road debris and wear can damage your control arms, leading to clunking noises, wobbly steering, and uneven tire wear.
If you notice any of these issues, you’ll need to replace them immediately.
Let’s break down the average control arm replacement cost, the factors that can affect it, and how it’s done so you can get back on the road safely and confidently.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Control Arm Replacement Cost?
- Can You Drive with a Bad Control Arm?
- 7 Vital Signs You Need a Control Arm Replacement
- How Long Does a New Control Arm Last?
- How to Diagnose and Replace a Control Arm
- How to Save Money on Control Arm Replacement
How Much Does a Control Arm Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to shell out for a control arm replacement:
A. Range
You’ll likely spend around $360 to $750 to replace a bad control arm.
This range includes:
- Parts: $200 to $550
- Labor: $160 to $200
NOTE: Labor time can range from 1 to 1.5 hours per control arm.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Along with local labor rates and your choice of repair shop, these factors can affect your lower and upper control arm replacement cost:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury and high-performance cars often feature complex suspension systems, such as multi-link independent rear suspensions. These systems include multiple upper and lower control arms, which can increase parts and labor costs. Meanwhile, parts for standard vehicles are generally more affordable due to simpler suspension systems.
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match your vehicle’s original quality and fit, but are more expensive. Aftermarket parts are budget-friendly but can sometimes have quality issues.
- Type of control arm: Lightweight aluminum arms, commonly found in luxury or performance cars, are pricier than standard steel ones. Arms with built-in control arm bushings or ball joints also carry a higher cost, since these components can’t be changed separately, requiring complete assembly replacement. Additionally, rear control arm replacement costs are higher than those for the front ones, as they are more challenging to reach, thereby increasing labor costs.
- Number of control arms: Depending on the vehicle, there can be around 2 to 8 control arms. If an isolated impact, like hitting a curb or pothole, causes damage, only one control arm may need replacement. However, if wear or corrosion affects multiple arms, you may need to replace all of them, which can increase repair costs.
- Additional repairs: When replacing a control arm, your mechanic will typically check other suspension components and brakes, and perform a wheel alignment if needed. This can add another $50 to $200 to the repair bill.
NOTE: This is a good opportunity to rotate tires and inspect brakes, although any required repairs may add to the overall cost.
Can You Drive with a Bad Control Arm?
No, it’s risky to drive with a damaged control arm.
Ignoring a faulty control arm makes emergency steering less reliable, especially at high speeds and on rough roads. It also increases the risk of costly repairs, like replacing tires due to uneven wear.
Swapping out a worn control arm helps maintain control, preventing more serious suspension issues and keeping you, as well as other drivers, safe on the road.
7 Vital Signs You Need a Control Arm Replacement
Here are seven symptoms that point to a bad control arm:
- Steering wheel vibration while driving: A worn control arm can cause your steering wheel to shake, especially at higher speeds or when braking.
- Uneven tire wear: Damaged control arms disrupt wheel alignment, causing one side of your tires to wear down faster.
- Unresponsive steering: If your car doesn’t respond immediately when you steer, it could be due to a loose or failing control arm.
- Strange noises over bumps: Clunking or banging sounds when driving over bumps often indicate a worn control arm or loose suspension parts.
- Wheel shaking while driving: Feeling a shake in your wheels while driving suggests your control arm might be compromised, affecting stability.
- Excessive movement of the suspension system: A healthy suspension should settle quickly when you press down on the car’s corners. More than two bounces can signal issues with the control arm or other suspension parts.
- Visible damage: Cracks, bends, or corrosion on the control arm are clear signs that it needs replacing.
How Long Does a New Control Arm Last?
Under normal driving conditions, a new control arm typically lasts between 90,000 and 100,000 miles. However, frequent drives on rough roads, exposure to salt or road chemicals, and aggressive driving can reduce its lifespan.
Regular inspections can help you catch early signs of wear and ensure your control arm performs optimally for as long as possible.
How to Diagnose and Replace a Control Arm
Diagnosing and replacing a control arm issue requires specialized tools, a secure lifting setup, and a precise wheel alignment afterward. Even a minor mistake can lead to poor steering, uneven tire wear, suspension damage, and significant safety risks.
So it’s best to leave the job to a professional mechanic.
A mechanic typically begins by conducting a test drive to identify loose or wobbly steering, excessive body roll when turning, or unusual vibrations and noises while driving. They may also perform a bounce test by pressing down on a vehicle’s corner to observe the suspension’s movement. A four-wheel alignment check can further reveal any misalignment due to a bent or damaged control arm.
Once they determine that you have a bad control arm, a mechanic will:
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist to safely access the suspension system.
- Remove the wheel and tire to reach the control arm.
- Detach the control arm from the ball joint and the vehicle’s frame, strut tower, or steering knuckle (which connects control arms to the wheels). The connection points can differ depending on whether it’s an upper or lower control arm.
- Replace the control arm bushings if necessary. Some control arms come with bushings pre-installed, while others require new bushings to be pressed in before installation.
- Securely attach the new lower or upper control arm to the frame and the ball joint or steering knuckle.
- Inspect related components such as ball joints, sway bar links, and tie rod ends. Replace any worn parts to ensure the entire suspension system operates smoothly.
- Perform a wheel alignment to guarantee proper positioning and optimal handling. Then take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure everything feels smooth and responsive.
How to Save Money on Control Arm Replacement
Here are some smart ways to reduce upper and lower control arm replacement costs:
- Check prices at multiple auto repair shops or online stores. Many offer seasonal deals or discounts on bulk purchases.
- OEM parts are dependable, but quality aftermarket alternatives can be more budget-friendly. Just make sure they meet quality standards.
- If your mechanic suggests other suspension work, such as replacing shocks or struts, doing it all at once can help reduce labor costs.
- Some vehicles come with extended warranties that cover suspension components, which can save you a significant amount.
Leave Your Control Arm Replacement to AutoNation Mobile Service
Whether it’s a lower or upper control arm, spotting signs of wear means it’s time to address the issue before a minor problem turns into an expensive repair.
AutoNation Mobile Service is here to bring the shop to you, providing a seamless auto repair experience right from your driveway — seven days a week. Our hassle-free mobile repairs also come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty, simple online booking, and clear, upfront pricing.
Schedule an appointment for your control arm replacement today.