Picture this:
You’re gliding along the highway, reveling in a smooth, responsive ride that feels effortless. Well, it’s all thanks to the control arm, the unsung hero connecting your suspension to your wheels.
Unfortunately, road grit and corrosion can wear down the control arm, leading to odd sounds, shaky steering, and uneven tire wear.
If these symptoms sound familiar, your control arm probably needs a hand.
Let’s break down the average control arm replacement cost and factors influencing it so you’re ready to roll out confidently.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Control Arm Replacement Cost?
- Is it Worth Replacing the Control Arm?
- 6 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 Much Does a Control Arm Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to fork over for a control arm replacement:
A. Range
You’ll likely spend around $670 to $760 to replace a bad control arm. This range includes:
- Parts: $510 to $560
- Labor: $160 to $200
B. Factors Affecting Cost
From the type of control arm to the make and model of your vehicle, here are the key factors that can influence the total cost of replacing a faulty control arm:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury and high-performance vehicles often feature complex suspension systems, such as multi-link independent rear suspensions. These systems include multiple control arms, which can significantly increase parts and labor costs. Meanwhile, 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 more budget-friendly but can have quality issues.
- Type of control arm: Lightweight aluminum arms, common in luxury or performance cars, are pricier than standard steel ones. Those with integrated ball joints or bushings also cost more, as these parts may need replacing.
- Number of control arms: If damage is limited to one side due to an isolated impact, such as hitting a curb or pothole, only one control arm may need replacing. But if wear or corrosion is present, multiple control arms may need attention, increasing costs.
- Additional repairs: A failing control arm may indicate other suspension or brake component issues. This is also a chance to rotate tires and check brakes, potentially adding to the total cost. For example, tire rotation and balancing typically range from $110 to $135.
Is it Worth Replacing the Control Arm?
Yes, replacing a faulty control arm is worth it.
Ignoring a damaged control arm makes emergency steering less reliable, especially at high speeds and rough roads. A bad control arm also increases the risk of costly repairs, like replacing tires due to uneven wear.
Swapping out a worn control arm helps maintain control, prevents bigger issues with your suspension, and keeps you and others on the road safer.
6 Vital Signs You Need a Control Arm Replacement
Here are six 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.
- Bumping or 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 or wobble 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.
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 wear signs and ensure your control arm performs optimally for as long as possible.
How to Diagnose and Replace a Control Arm
Diagnosing and fixing a control arm issue requires specialized tools, a secure lifting setup, and a precise alignment afterward. So it’s best to leave the job to a professional mechanic.
A mechanic usually begins with a test drive to feel 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 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 gain safe access to the suspension system.
- Remove the wheel and tire to reach the control arm.
- Detach the control arm from the ball joint as well as from the vehicle’s frame or strut tower, depending on whether it is a lower or upper control arm.
- Replace the bushings if necessary, as some control arms come with bushings pre-installed, while others require new bushings to be pressed in before installation.
- Securely attach the new 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, and replace any worn parts to ensure the entire suspension system operates smoothly.
- Perform a wheel alignment to guarantee proper positioning and optimal handling.
Leave Your Control Arm Replacement to AutoNation Mobile Service
If your control arm shows signs of wear, it’s time to act before those small issues become major headaches.
AutoNation Mobile Service is here to bring the shop to you, providing a seamless auto repair experience right from your driveway.
Whether you need a new control arm, torque converter, or wiper blades, our skilled mechanics are available seven days a week. With our mobile repair service, you also get the added peace of mind of a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty and upfront pricing, so there are no surprises.
Schedule an appointment for your control arm replacement today.