Control Arm Replacement Cost
Replace a worn control arm or its bushings.
Parts vs Labor
50% / 50%
Typical share of total cost
Labor Time
1.5 to 3 hours per side
At a typical shop
Difficulty
Advanced DIY
3 of 5
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Common Symptoms
Clunking over bumps
Steering wander or pull
Uneven tire wear
Vibration in the steering wheel
What It Is
Control arms are the suspension links that hold each wheel in proper position. They have bushings and ball joints that wear out.
Why It Matters
Worn control arms cause unsafe handling and chew through tires.
How to Save Money on Control Arm Replacement
- Loaded control arms (with ball joint and bushings preinstalled) cost a bit more but save hours of labor
- Always do an alignment after replacing a control arm
Often Done Together
Shops commonly pair control arm replacement with these jobs to save on overlapping labor:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the bushings instead?
Sometimes, but pressing bushings out requires special tools and the labor often costs more than buying a new loaded arm.
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