Control Arm Replacement Cost: Symptoms, Parts & Labor

Reviewed by Eric Shepherd, ASE-Certified Technician (and Gemba’s Accidental Social Media Star!)

You’re driving along I-17, enjoying a beautiful day in Arizona, when suddenly you start to hear some weird clunks. Pushing it out of your mind, you continue along your drive until you start to hear more weird noises and notice that your vehicle is starting to drive a little weird. Maybe you hit some road debris or a pothole, maybe you’re on uneven pavement. One thing is for certain: You can no longer ignore the issue.

After you have arrived at the repair shop, the technician starts to tell you that you are in need of some new control arms. How much is that going to cost? Next, you start to wonder how long the repair can wait.

The good news is that the national average, per RepairPal, is $791 to $909 and that includes parts and labor. Before you hand over your credit card, it’s important to know that it’s a national average and the actual cost to replace a single control arm can vary significantly, depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and if you need an alignment after the fact, and if other components are damaged as well.

How Much Does Control Arm Replacement Cost?

While RepairPal's national average ranges from $791 to $909, the cost of just the parts can range from $571 to $587 while labor makes up the difference and runs anywhere from $220 to $322. But remember. This is just an estimate. The actual cost will depend on your situation and if you need an upper control arm, a lower control arm, both or just some bushings. And of course, what the setup is and how easy it is to actually replace. Taxes and other fees also aren’t included in the national average. Your vehicle also makes a difference. For example, replacing a control arm on a Honda Civic can cost considerably less than replacing one on a Ford F-150. Replacement costs for a Honda Civic range from $502 to $656, while a Ford F-150 can cost between $1,032 and $1,106.

Below are some national averages to help you understand how the costs stack up.

These estimates represent national averages for the listed repair categories, not a guaranteed price for replacing a specific upper or lower control arm. Actual costs depend on the vehicle, the components being replaced and the work involved. Parts and labor estimates are calculated separately and may not add up to the exact total repair range. All figures are national estimates, not guaranteed prices or quotes from Gemba Automotive.

What Is a Control Arm, and What Does It Do?

Control arms help keep your vehicle planted on the ground. They connect the wheel-side suspension components to the vehicle's frame, body or subframe while helping to maintain the correct wheel position as the suspension moves with the road. While it can vary by vehicle, most control arm assemblies include rubber bushings, a ball joint and of course, the actual metal control arm itself.

You might be wondering why you would need bushings or a ball joint if the control arms are bad. The bushings allow you to have controlled movement while isolating the road vibrations. Ball joints on the other hand, when used, allow the suspension and the steering components to move through their range of motion. Both are wear items, and as they deteriorate, they can allow unwanted movement that affects handling, alignment and tire wear.

How Much Does Lower Control Arm Replacement Cost?

Lower control arms can share a lot of the same elements as upper control arms, and when it comes to the cost of replacing them, like upper control arms, it depends on your vehicle and its design as to whether it includes the bushings and ball joint or if you need a complete assembly. The difference is that lower control arms help keep the position of the lower portion on the wheel assembly and allow the suspension to move as you drive around town, across all different surfaces.

On many vehicles, front lower control arms experience significant forces during braking, cornering and everyday driving. Over time, bushings can deteriorate, ball joints may develop excessive play and the control arms themselves can become damaged by road impacts.

So, how much should you expect to pay for a lower control arm replacement? There isn't a universal price because the cost depends on the vehicle, whether you're replacing a front or rear control arm and whether the repair involves a complete assembly. Some lower control arms come with bushings and ball joints already installed, while others require additional components or labor. The best way to determine whether an estimate is reasonable is to compare the cost of the replacement parts, labor and any additional services required.

Upper vs. Lower Control Arm Replacement Cost

When the technician tells you it’s time to replace the control arms on your vehicle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and start calculating that you need uppers and lowers on all four corners. Before you get too ahead of yourself, take a deep breath. Not every vehicle has both upper and lower control arms.

There are a lot of vehicles with MacPherson strut front suspension that use lower control arms without a conventional upper control arm. Other suspension designs use both, like double-wishbone configurations.

On vehicles that do have both, while the upper and lower control arms do similar jobs, their locations and the mounting arrangement can affect the cost of replacement. An upper control arm might be easy to access on one vehicle while it will be incredibly difficult to remove on another. The same goes for lower control arms depending on your vehicle's design. And it’s not automatically cheaper to replace one or the other.

Front vs. Rear Control Arm Replacement Cost

Front and rear control arms often serve two very different purposes. For example, front control arms work with the steering and suspension components for movement while the rear control arms, or in some cases suspension links, work to maintain the wheel positioning and alignment.

Depending on the vehicle, rear suspension designs can range from relatively simple arrangements to complicated independent multi-link systems. While some vehicles have only a few major suspension components, others use several individual arms and links to maintain proper wheel positioning. And the difference matters a lot when it comes to the cost to repair. Something simple will most likely cost less than if you have a more complicated system and replacing one suspension link is not the equivalent of replacing a complete front lower or upper control arm assembly.

Control Arm Bushing Replacement vs. Complete Control Arm Replacement

In the saga of control arm replacement, here is where things can get interesting. If your control arm has developed a problem, it doesn’t automatically mean the entire assembly is damaged or has gone bad. Sometimes you can get away with just replacing the rubber bushings that allow the control arm to pivot while still absorbing the same vibrations transmitted through the suspension. Over time, the rubber can crack, deteriorate or separate from the mounting sleeve.

If you are just replacing the bushings, RepairPal estimates the cost around $321 to $437 for a national average. This includes parts and labor. The estimate is of course considerably cheaper than if you were to replace the entire control arm or the control arm assembly. However, some vehicles might require the mechanic to remove the control arm and use specialized equipment to replace the bushings. And sometimes that can get pricey.

Depending on the vehicle, replacing the complete control arm assembly might actually be more cost-effective than replacing the bushings alone. Some assemblies come with new bushings and ball joints already installed, eliminating the additional labor required to remove and press in individual components. However, if the control arm itself is in good condition and the bushings are available separately, replacing only the worn components may be the better option.

What Affects Control Arm Replacement Parts and Labor Costs?

Several factors can determine how much you'll pay for control arm replacement.

Vehicle Make and Model

Do you drive a GMC Hummer EV with CrabWalk mode, or are you driving a simple commuter car? Different vehicles with different capabilities have different suspension designs. The cost can also fluctuate depending on if the replacement parts are widely available or not.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed to be a direct replacement and meet the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. Aftermarket components on the other hand can have different pricing, materials and design features that depend on what you’re trying to do. Neither option is automatically cheaper or a better choice. It really depends on the fitment, warranty, and how you’re trying to use your vehicle. For example, if you drive a 4x4 truck or SUV and you want to start doing pre-runner things, you might want something more heavy-duty than an OEM replacement.

Labor Time and Repair Complexity

When it comes to costs, sometimes the replacement part isn’t always the most expensive part. Labor can add significantly to the bill and that can fluctuate heavily depending on how easily the technician can access the control arm. Corroded fasteners, complicated suspension setups and components requiring specialized tools can increase the amount of work involved, adding to the final labor bill.

Ball Joints and Related Components

Not every vehicle uses the same suspension design. Some control arms have integrated ball joints, while others have ball joints that can be replaced separately. If a ball joint is worn, replacing the complete control arm assembly may be the best option, but it isn't always necessary. Depending on the vehicle and manufacturer specifications, replacing just the ball joint may be possible.

And replacing a control arm or ball joint doesn't automatically mean every other suspension component in the area needs replacement.

Wheel Alignment After Control Arm Replacement

Because control arms help maintain proper wheel positioning while you're driving, it is safe to assume that replacing one might affect the suspension alignment. It’s a common recommendation to have your vehicle aligned after control arms have been replaced. In some cases, it might even be a manufacturer requirement.

Skipping a necessary wheel alignment could contribute to pulling, uneven tire wear and other handling problems.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Control Arm?

How do you know if your control arms are bad? They don’t typically just fail suddenly and in most cases, you may experience symptoms of worn bushings or ball joints before the problem becomes severe.

Some common warning signs include:

Clunking or knocking noises: You may hear unusual sounds when driving over bumps, entering driveways or traveling across uneven pavement.

Changes in steering feel: Excessive suspension movement can make steering feel less precise.

Vehicle wandering or pulling: Worn suspension components may affect how consistently the vehicle tracks down the road.

Uneven tire wear: Changes in wheel positioning can contribute to abnormal tire wear patterns.

Unusual vibrations: Worn bushings may allow additional vibrations to travel through the vehicle.

Visible damage: Cracked bushings, bent control arms or damaged mounting points may be identified during an inspection.

It's important to remember that these symptoms aren't exclusive to control arms. Worn struts, damaged sway bar links and steering components can cause similar symptoms. However, severe ball-joint failure or suspension damage from a hard impact can occur suddenly, sometimes without obvious warning signs. If your vehicle has developed unusual suspension noises, understanding the symptoms and strut replacement cost can help you determine what might be going on.

Can You Drive with a Bad Control Arm?

So how serious is a bad control arm? The answer really depends on what is wrong with it. If you catch it early on and there is just some bushing deterioration starting to occur, it’s a different situation than one with a bad ball joint or major structural damage from road debris or hitting a pothole at 80 miles an hour.

Minor wear and tear might not be immediately noticeable or affect drivability a whole lot, but over time those things can develop into larger issues that cause significant looseness and compromise the safety of the vehicle, especially if the control arm has become bent, cracked or separated altogether.

If you are experiencing a severe change in the steering stability, weird wheel movements or symptoms suggesting a serious suspension failure, you should stop driving and have it towed.

There isn’t a number of miles for when these things can occur or go bad.

How Long Does Control Arm Replacement Take?

The amount of time needed to replace your control arms depends on the vehicle and the amount of work involved. A replacement that is straightforward without many hiccups or complicated procedures can take a few hours, while the more complicated suspension designs can make the process longer, especially if there are seized fasteners or other issues that need to be addressed.

Technicians might also need to perform an alignment at the end of the install to check that the suspension components are in the correct place and everything works as it should before they sign off and return your vehicle to you.

Is Control Arm Replacement Worth It?

If the control arm is damaged or excessively worn, the replacement is generally worth it because of its importance to the vehicle’s steering, handling and suspension. If you let the problem go unattended, it can create additional problems and expenses. For example, if a worn control arm bushing allows excessive wheel movement, it could contribute to uneven tire wear. And the next thing you know, you're adding a new set of tires to the repair bill.

With that said, you don’t need to panic or assume that every aging bushing needs immediate replacement. Professional inspections can help determine whether the component has reached its service limit or if the repair needs to be promptly attended to. When it comes to older vehicles, you may also want to evaluate the overall condition of the car, the suspension and how much longer you plan to keep it on the road.

What Should Arizona Drivers Know About Control Arm Wear?

In colder climates, the salted winter roads can deteriorate control arms quickly. In Arizona, Phoenix drivers don’t really face that issue but that doesn’t mean control arms are safe. Whether you're navigating construction along Loop 101, hitting uneven pavement in Mesa, or driving over a pothole in Phoenix, a hard impact can damage suspension components or affect wheel alignment. Arizona's prolonged heat can also contribute to rubber bushing deterioration over time, although heat isn't necessarily the primary cause of control arm failure.

The most important thing to remember is that a pothole or a curb can cause damage to suspension components and change the geometry of the suspension, even if everything feels ok from the driver’s seat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Control Arm Replacement

How much does it cost to replace a lower control arm?

Lower control arm replacement costs vary by vehicle and suspension design. RepairPal estimates general control arm replacement at $791 to $909 nationally, including parts and labor, but that figure isn't specific to lower control arms.

Is it cheaper to replace control arm bushings or the entire control arm?

Replacing bushings may be cheaper, but not always. Additional labor and specialized equipment can make replacing the complete assembly more cost-effective.

How much does control arm replacement labor cost?

RepairPal estimates control arm replacement labor at approximately $220 to $322 nationally. Actual charges depend on labor rates, vehicle design and repair complexity.

Can I drive with a bad lower control arm?

It depends on the severity of the damage. Significant looseness, structural damage or unstable steering can make driving unsafe and should be addressed immediately.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing a control arm?

A wheel alignment is commonly recommended after control arm replacement because the repair can affect wheel positioning and suspension geometry.

How long does it take to replace a control arm?

A straightforward replacement may take a few hours, although complicated repairs, damaged fasteners and alignment requirements can increase the time needed.

Should control arms be replaced in pairs?

Not necessarily. Replacing both may make sense when both are worn or when the manufacturer's procedure requires it, but a damaged control arm on one side doesn't automatically mean the opposite side needs replacement.

Is replacing a control arm worth it?

Yes, when inspection confirms significant wear or damage. Properly functioning control arms are important for steering, handling, alignment and overall vehicle safety.

Hearing Clunks or Concerned About Your Suspension?

Nobody enjoys hearing an unfamiliar noise coming from underneath their vehicle, especially when it could mean an unexpected repair bill. But not every clunk means you need a new control arm, and not every worn bushing requires replacing an entire suspension assembly.

At Gemba Automotive, our ASE-certified technicians inspect steering and suspension components to identify the source of unusual noises, uneven tire wear, or changes in handling. We'll explain what we find and recommend repairs based on your vehicle's actual condition.

Call Gemba Automotive or book your appointment online to have your vehicle's suspension inspected at one of our Valley locations.