Subaru Outback Control Arm Replacement Cost

Replace a worn control arm or its bushings.

$440 – $1,100

Typical labor: 1.5 to 3 hours per side

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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 for the Subaru Outback

Estimate based on Subaru Outback parts and labor adjustments versus the national average. Your exact cost depends on year, trim, mileage, and shop. Get a free personalized AI estimate above.

Why Subaru Outback Owners See This Pricing

Outback's flat-four AWD system makes some jobs (like head gaskets) more labor-intensive than competitors.

For reference, the national average for control arm replacement on a typical passenger vehicle is $400 to $1,000. The Subaru Outback runs about +10% versus that baseline.

Common Symptoms in the Subaru Outback

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 Subaru Outback 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:

Wheel Alignment

$88 – $220

Strut or Shock Replacement

$660 – $1,650

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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.