How Much Does A Control Arm Replacement Cost? – A Complete Guide

1 What Is A Control Arm And What Does It Do?

The control arm, also known as an “A-arm” because of its shape, is a part that connects the wheels and suspensions to the frame of the vehicle. A typical control arm features three mounting points. One ball joint connects the steering knuckle on the wheels to the control arm and two bushings connect the control arm itself to the frame. Other than connecting the suspensions and the wheels, the other function of the control arm is to offer a smooth ride by allowing the wheels to move up and down over bumps. The control arm bushings play an important role in offering a smooth movement of control arms and reducing noise and vibrations.

A control arm can be A-shaped or L-shaped, depending on the vehicle. Some control arms also feature a simple shaft with a bushing at one end and a ball joint on the other. Most passenger cars today use a lower control arm on the front axle, but their quantity can vary. Some vehicles use two control arms: upper control arm and a lower control arm. A vehicle that uses a lower control arm uses MacPherson strut suspensions, whereas a vehicle with two control arms uses a wishbone suspension system.

2 What Is The Cost Of Replacing A Lower Control Arm?

The cost of replacing your lower control arm can be somewhere between $500 to $700 and, sometimes, it can reach up to $1000 as well. This includes the labor costs for control arm replacement, which can range between $100 to $150 depending on your vehicle and location. Usually, the control arm is not an overly expensive part of your vehicle. You can head to PartsAvatar can buy a new lower control arm for $200 to $500. It is also necessary to get your wheels and suspensions aligned after replacing your control arms. Generally, most mechanics and auto-parts shops will do this for a fee of approximately $100 to $150.

Some sample costs of replacing a lower control arm for some popular car models are mentioned in the table below. These prices are an estimate and are subject to change. They do not include taxes, diagnostics, and other charges.

3 Factors That Effect The Cost Of Control Arm Replacement

The cost of a control arm depends on various factors such as the upper and lower control arm, the material it comprises, makes and models, and OEM or aftermarket parts.

A. Design And Vehicle Type

The cost of a control arm depends on your vehicle’s make and model. The control arm can cost as low as $20 for a Toyota, $100 for a Chevy, and over $250 if you own a BMW. Additionally, the cost also depends on the design of your vehicle’s control arm. Some vehicles have control arms that can be replaced individually, whereas others feature an integrated control arm with ball joint assembly. If your vehicle has the latter, the replacement cost can go up. 

B. Individual Control Arm Vs Control Arm Kits

Another factor that affects the cost of replacing control arms is whether you choose to buy an individual control arm or control arm kit. The kit comprises other components related to the control arm to ensure a complete replacement so you don’t have to worry about replacement in the future. It can consist of lower and upper control arms, bushings, bolts, etc. We recommend you choose a full control arm kit and replace both the upper and lower control arms. However, if just the lower control arm is damaged, choosing a single control arm is a viable option. This will help you save money and keep your replacement costs to a minimum.

C. OEM vs Aftermarket

The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) control arms cost more compared to aftermarket ones. Also, the total cost of replacing your control arms at a dealership is way more when compared to a local workshop. Aftermarket control arms are the best option to go for, if you want a perfect fit and function, and save money on your repair costs. Refer to our comprehensive control arm buying guide, which will help you select the best control arm specifically for your vehicle.

D. Material

Usually, control arms are made using iron, aluminum, and steel. Most cars feature control arms that are made using cast iron or steel. Cast-iron control arms are sturdier than steel ones and can withstand heavy loads during heavy-duty tasks. However, aluminum control arms are lighter compared to steel and cast iron arms and contribute to reduced unsprung mass and weight of the vehicle. This allows the control arms to absorb vibrations and also makes them resistant to corrosion. Based on the material, the cost of control arms can vary. Aluminum control arms are costly compared to steel and cast-iron control arms and are mostly used in luxury and performance cars.

E. Brand Choice

When choosing an aftermarket control arm, there are several brands to purchase from. A benefit of choosing an aftermarket control arm over OEM ones is the benefit offered by the brands at a significantly cheaper price. Some brands even offer warranties on their control arms and their prices are mentioned below.

4 Should You Replace Your Control Arm Bushings?

While checking your control arms for damage, you might observe that the bushings are damaged too. If the bushings are not included as a part of the control arm assembly kit, purchase new bushings. If one of your existing bushings is worn or damaged, it’s most likely that the other will fail too. Usually, OE (Original Equipment) bushings are made from rubber, but you can also choose aftermarket control arm bushings made from materials like polyurethane that last longer.

5 Cost Of Replacing Control Arm Bushings

The lower control arm bushing replacement cost highly depends on the make and model of your vehicle. The cost of control arm bushing is minimal and ranges between $5 to $15, but the major cost of replacement goes into the labor charges. To install control arm bushings, one has to remove the control arms themselves, which calls for increased labor changes. The labor charges can vary somewhere between $100 to $300. This comes to a total of approximately $105 to $450.

6 When Should You Replace Your Vehicle’s Control Arms?

Proper functioning of your vehicle’s control arm is necessary to ensure your vehicle performs efficiently. The control arm is subjected to a great deal of movement and is a significant component that keeps the wheels in place. If damaged, these control arms can render the vehicle underivable. Therefore, it’s necessary to check them periodically, especially if they start affecting the steering, handling, and driveability of the vehicle.

The control arm is always exposed and can get damaged due to a hit from a bump or a sudden impact by hitting a curb or a collision with another vehicle. Often control arm bushings can wear out, leading to issues like vehicle wandering to the right or left, poor steering control, vibrations in your steering wheel, steering wheel wobble, and grinding or clunking noises while driving over bumps. If the control arm of your car is equipped with an integrated ball joint, you have to replace the control arm if the ball joint fails.

7 How To Replace A Lower Control Arm?

The control arm replacement process could be different for different vehicles depending on their design and the manufacturer. The whole replacement process requires technical expertise and some special tools. If you have replaced your ball joints yourself or the suspensions of your vehicle, you might be able to do this as well. Here is a stepwise guide on how to replace your control arm and the tools required.

Tools Required

• Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Torque Wrench
• Pry Bar
• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Wrenches
• Rubber Mallet
• Ball Joint Separator Tool Or Ball Joint Press

Step 1: Removing The Upper And Lower Control Arms

• Park your car on a leveled surface, secure the rear wheel of the vehicle using wheel chocks and engage the parking brakes.
• Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Do not remove the lug nuts completely.
• Place the jack under the car to lift it off the ground. Install the jack stands under the vehicle.
• Remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel from your car.
• Remove the brake calipers and secure the brake fluid lines to avoid any damage. You might also have to remove the sway bar if clear access is required.
• Spray the penetrating fluid or WD-40 on nuts and bolts. This allows you to remove the nuts and bolts easily.
• Spot the lower ball joint and lose the castellated nut or the pinch bolt to free the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Use a pitchfork tool between the ball joint and the steering knuckle and use a hammer to tap it from the back. This will get the control arm with ball joint out from the steering knuckle assembly.
• Separate the control arm bolts from the cradle or the frame using a ratchet and socket. The frame is where the control arm is attached via bushings to the vehicle. Use a wrench if the space is limited.
• Take out the bolts and slide the lower control arm out completely.
• Similarly, remove the upper ball joint to free the upper control arm from the knuckle. Use a rubber mallet or hammer to get the bolt out holding the ball joint.
• Use a pry bar to lift the control arm and take out the ball joint from the knuckle. 
• Undo the bolts, holding the upper control arm with the chassis. Use the breaker bar to break loose the nuts.
• Slide the bolts out and take out the upper control arm.
• Use a ball joint press to safely remove the ball joints from the lower and the upper control arm if you don’t want to replace them. Control arms with integrated ball joints don’t allow you to replace them separately.

Step 2: Installing The New Control Arms

• Now the goal is to work in reverse order the way you removed everything. Start with installing the ball joints into the control arms using a ball joint press. If you purchased a control arm with ball joint assembly, skip this step.
• Slide in both upper and lower control arms back into their positions and replace the bolts holding them.
• Use a torque wrench and tighten the nuts according to the torque values specified in the user manual.
• Insert the ball joint end of the control arm back into the knuckle and attach the dust boots. You can also use a rubber mallet to guide the tapered shaft into the knuckle.
• Reinstall the castellated nuts or pinch bolts and tighten them back using a torque wrench.
• Reinstall the strut assembly if removed earlier.
• Reinstall the brake calipers. Make sure the brake line is not damaged in the process and working fine.
• Reattach the sway bar if removed earlier, and reattach the wheel as well.
• Lower down the vehicle and correct the wheel alignment before rolling out for a drive.
• Since you removed the brakes apart, make sure you pump the brake pedal a few times so the pads can re-seat to the rotor.

8 FAQs

Can I drive with a bad control arm?

It is not safe to drive with a bad control arm. The control arm is a crucial component of the vehicle’s suspension system that connects the wheel hub and the steering knuckle to the vehicle’s frame. When the control arm or the bushings are worn out or broken off, steering will become unpredictable and dangerous for you and other drivers. Your vehicle can pull to one side randomly even though you are keeping the steering wheel straight. Signs of a failing control arm include abnormal road noises, uneven tire wear, unresponsive or unstable steering, and excessive clunking or popping noises when going over bumps. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to take your vehicle to a repair shop and repair the problem immediately.

How many lower control arms does a car have?

The number of control arms in a car’s suspension system depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Most cars have two control arms in the front suspension, which are often called lower control arms. Some cars, such as the Honda Accord, and many trucks have four control arms, two upper and two lower arms. The control arm is an essential component of the vehicle’s suspension system that connects the wheel hub and the steering knuckle to the vehicle’s frame. If you suspect that your control arm is damaged or worn out, it is best to take your vehicle to a repair shop and repair the problem immediately.

How to change lower control arm bushings?

Here are some steps to change the lower control arm bushings:

1. Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove the lower control arm nut and bolt.
4. Remove the upper control arm nut and bolt.
5. Disconnect the ball joint from its mounting point on the car frame (or chassis).
6. Remove the control arm from the vehicle.
7. Remove the old bushings from the control arm.
8. Install the new bushings into the control arm.
9. Reinstall the control arm back into the vehicle.
10. Reconnect the ball joint to its mounting point on the car frame (or chassis).
11. Reinstall the upper control arm nut and bolt.
12. Reinstall the lower control arm nut and bolt.
13. Reinstall the wheel and tire.

Can you replace just one control arm?

Yes, you can replace just one control arm. However, it is recommended to replace both control arms at the same time to ensure that the suspension is balanced and the vehicle’s alignment is not affected. If you decide to replace only one control arm, make sure to replace the ball joint as well.

How long does it take to replace a control arm?

It typically takes a mechanic around 1.5 hours to replace one control arm. However, the time frame will depend on the experience level of the mechanic. If you are doing it yourself, you should expect it to take longer to complete a control arm replacement.

How to check the control arm?

Here are some steps to diagnose a faulty control arm:

1. Inspect your control arm, bushings, and ball joints for any signs of damage.
2. Check your control arm bushing and ball joint for play. On some cars, the bushings and joints are non-serviceable, meaning the entire control arm must be replaced when these items go bad.
3. Lift your car until the tires are free and clear from the ground.
4. Locate one of the control arms. You will see 2 bushings where the arm connects to the frame. Most control arms also have a ball joint near the wheel.
5. Have someone wiggle the tire side to side.

What does the lower control arm connect to?

The lower control arm is a part of the front suspension system that connects the wheel assembly to the framework of your car.. The wider end of the control arm (the lower part of the “A”) connects to the chassis, while the narrower part (the top part of the “A”) has a ball joint on it that connects to the steering knuckle. This enables the wheel to turn in any direction with the lower control arm connected to it.

What does the control arm connect to?

The control arm is a part of the front suspension system that connects the wheel assembly to the framework of your car. The upper control arm connects to the uppermost area of the front wheel and the lower control arm connects to the lowermost area of the front wheel, with both arms then attaching to the frame of the car. The ball joint on the narrower part of the lower control arm connects to the steering knuckle, which enables the wheel to turn in any direction with the lower control arm connected to it.