Control Arm Replacement Cost

What Is a Control Arm?

Control arms are fundamental suspension components that connect your vehicle's wheels to its frame. They pivot on bushings at the frame end and connect to the steering knuckle via a ball joint at the wheel end. This design allows the wheels to move up and down over bumps while maintaining proper alignment.

Depending on your vehicle's suspension design, you may have:

• Lower control arms only (MacPherson strut suspension)
• Upper and lower control arms (double-wishbone suspension)
• Multiple control arms per wheel (multi-link suspension, common on luxury vehicles)
• Rear control arms (independent rear suspension)

Upper vs Lower Control Arm Replacement Cost

Cost varies significantly between upper and lower control arms:

Why lower control arms cost more: Lower control arms are larger, heavier, and bear the vehicle's weight. They require more labor to remove and install, especially on trucks and SUVs.

Rear Control Arm Replacement Cost

Vehicles with independent rear suspension (common on sedans, SUVs, and many modern trucks) have rear control arms:

• Standard rear control arm: $150-$400 per arm
• Toe link or camber arm: $120-$300 per arm
• Multi-link rear (3-5 arms per side): $400-$900 per side

Rear control arms are often easier to access but may have more arms in multi-link designs. European luxury vehicles frequently have 5 or more control arms per rear wheel, significantly increasing total replacement cost.

Factors That Affect Control Arm Replacement Cost

1. Control Arm Type and Location

The specific control arm dramatically impacts cost:

• Lower front control arms are most common and expensive
• Upper control arms are smaller but require similar labor
• Rear control arms vary widely by vehicle design
• Multi-link systems multiply the number of arms needed

2. Vehicle Make and Model

Your specific vehicle affects replacement cost:

• Economy cars typically have simpler, single-arm designs
• Trucks and SUVs use heavier-duty components
• Luxury and European vehicles often have complex multi-link systems
• Sports cars may use aluminum control arms (higher parts cost)

3. Labor Rates in Your Area

Shop labor rates vary by region:

• Rural areas: $70-$90/hour
• Suburban areas: $90-$120/hour
• Urban areas: $120-$150/hour
• Dealerships: $150-$200/hour

Control arm replacement typically takes 1.5-3 hours, so labor rate differences have significant impact.

4. Parts Quality

Control arm quality options:

• Budget aftermarket: $40-$100 per arm
• Quality aftermarket (Moog, Mevotech): $80-$200 per arm
• OEM (Original Equipment): $150-$400 per arm
• Performance/Adjustable: $200-$500 per arm

Quality aftermarket control arms often include new ball joints and bushings pre-installed, providing good value.

5. Additional Repairs

Control arm replacement often reveals other needs:

• Wheel alignment: $80-$150 (required)
• Ball joint replacement: $150-$350 per side
• Sway bar links: $75-$200 per side
• Bushings: $50-$150 per set

6. Rust and Seized Bolts

In rust-belt areas, corroded bolts can add 0.5-1.5 hours of labor:

• Heat, cutting, or drilling may be required
• Hardware replacement adds $30-$80
• Some bolts may damage surrounding components

Warning Signs of Worn Control Arms

Watch for these symptoms indicating control arm problems:

1. Clunking or knocking sounds - Especially over bumps or when turning
2. Uneven tire wear - Camber-related wear on inside or outside edges
3. Vibration in steering wheel - Particularly at certain speeds
4. Vehicle pulls to one side - May worsen over bumps
5. Loose or wandering steering - Delayed response to inputs
6. Visible damage - Cracked bushings, bent arm, or play in ball joint

Safety Warning: A control arm with a severely worn ball joint can separate while driving, causing complete loss of steering and wheel control. If you hear metal-on-metal sounds or notice significant handling changes, stop driving and have the vehicle inspected.

Control Arm vs Control Arm Bushing Replacement

Sometimes only the bushings are worn while the arm itself is fine:

When to replace bushings only:

• Arm is not bent or damaged
• Ball joint is in good condition
• Vehicle design allows bushing pressing
• Aftermarket bushing kits are available

When to replace the complete arm:

• Ball joint is worn
• Arm is bent or damaged
• Bushings cannot be separated
• Labor savings are minimal vs. complete replacement

Many shops prefer replacing the complete arm because it ensures all components are new and warranty coverage is clearer.

DIY vs Professional Replacement

DIY Considerations

Control arm replacement is challenging because:

• Components are heavy and awkward
• Bolts are often seized from rust
• Ball joint removal requires special tools
• Spring tension may need management
• Proper torque specifications are critical
• Alignment is mandatory afterward

Professional Advantages

• Proper tools for seized bolts and ball joints
• Experience with your specific vehicle
• Liability coverage if something fails
• Alignment typically included or discounted
• Faster completion time

How to Save Money on Control Arm Replacement

1. Get multiple quotes - Prices vary 30-50% between shops
2. Replace in pairs - Saves on alignment and future labor
3. Consider complete arm assemblies - Pre-assembled with new ball joint and bushings
4. Use quality aftermarket parts - Brands like Moog and Mevotech offer excellent value
5. Ask about bushing-only replacement - If applicable to your vehicle
6. Bundle with other suspension work - Saves labor overlap costs
7. Shop independent mechanics - Often 25-40% less than dealerships