Are control arms worth replacing?
Yes. Replacing worn or damaged control arms is typically worth it to restore safe handling and proper alignment. If the arm is bent or the bushings or ball joints are severely worn, replacement is usually unavoidable. In some cases, you can replace just the bushings, but that isn’t always advisable when the arm itself is compromised.
What a control arm does
In most passenger vehicles, control arms connect the suspension to the vehicle frame and help maintain wheel alignment while allowing vertical movement. They house bushings and, in many designs, a ball joint, which together control camber, toe, and overall steering feel. Front suspensions commonly use lower control arms, while multi‑link setups may include both upper and lower arms. A damaged or worn arm can throw off alignment and degrade handling security.
Key components and roles
The control arm framework itself provides a mounting point for the wheel hub, while the bushings cushion motion and the ball joint (where present) acts as a pivot. Together, these parts govern how the wheel moves through suspension travel and how the tire contacts the road.
Signs your control arms may need replacement
Watch for indicators that the arm or its joints are failing. The list below highlights common symptoms you might notice while driving or during inspection.
- Clunking or knocking noises when going over bumps or potholes
- Excessive wheel play or looseness when the wheel is jacked up
- Steering pulling to one side or a misaligned steering wheel
- Uneven tire wear that isn’t explained by alignment alone
- Vibration or shudder felt in the steering wheel or chassis
- Visible damage, bending, rust, or cracks on the control arm
These signs often point to worn bushings, a failing ball joint, or a bent arm. If you notice them, have a qualified technician inspect the suspension to confirm whether replacement is needed. Driving with a compromised arm can aggravate other suspension components and affect safety.
Costs, options, and what to expect
Costs for control arm replacement vary by vehicle, region, and whether you’re replacing one arm or both. The figures below reflect typical ranges and factors that affect price.
- Part price: Front lower control arms commonly run roughly $60–$350 per arm; upper arms are similar or slightly higher. OEM parts are often more expensive than aftermarket equivalents, with wide variation by model.
- Labor: In most shops, expect about 1.5–4 hours per arm for replacement, plus possible alignment. Labor costs can range from roughly $100–$300 per hour depending on location and shop.
- Additional parts and services: You may need new ball joints, bushings, bolts, or coated hardware. After replacement, a wheel alignment is almost always required to restore proper geometry.
- Alternatives: If the arm itself is sound but the bushings or ball joints are worn, some mechanics offer bushing replacement or ball joint replacement separately. In some designs, replacing just the bushings is cheaper than a full arm replacement, but this isn’t always feasible if the arm is bent or heavily corroded.
Quote expectations can vary widely. For a typical front arm replacement with alignment in the United States, the total may fall in the range of several hundred to around a thousand dollars per arm, depending on parts and labor rates. Always request a diagnostic estimate that separates parts, labor, and alignment so you can compare options clearly.
When it’s worth replacing
Making the call to replace a control arm depends on structural condition, safety implications, and overall costs in relation to the vehicle’s value and remaining life. Use the criteria below to guide your decision.
- Structural integrity: If the arm is bent, cracked, or severely corroded, replacement is necessary.
- Joint and bushing wear: Severe wear that causes play, noise, or misalignment typically justifies replacement of the arm (or the joint/bushing assembly) to restore performance.
- Safety and handling: If handling, steering precision, or alignment cannot be reliably restored without replacing the arm, replacement is prudent.
- Cost vs. vehicle value: For older cars with multiple suspension issues, weigh the total repair cost against the vehicle’s value and how long you plan to keep it. If life expectancy is limited, you might prioritize essential maintenance or staged repairs.
After evaluating these factors, many drivers conclude that replacing worn control arms is worthwhile for safety and predictable handling, especially when multiple parts would otherwise wear out in quick succession.
DIY considerations and safety
Replacing control arms is a moderately advanced task that often requires specialty tools for pressing bushings or ball joints and a proper alignment afterward. Consider these points before attempting the job yourself.
- Experience and tools: Ensure you have the right tools (jack stands, torque wrench, ball joint press, or bushing press) and mechanical experience to avoid improper installation.
- Safety: Work on a flat surface with the battery disconnected, wheel chocks, and secure stands. Never rely on a jack alone to support a vehicle.
- Alignment: An alignment is almost always required after replacing control arms to prevent uneven tire wear and handling issues.
- Warranty and reliability: Improper installation can lead to premature wear or failure. If in doubt, have a professional perform the work.
If you choose to DIY, follow the manufacturer service manual precisely and replace any components that show signs of wear. In many cases, professionals may offer a safer, faster, and more reliable outcome, especially when alignment and corner-specific torque specs are critical.
Summary
Control arms are foundational to suspension geometry, steering feel, and overall safety. Replacing worn or damaged control arms is typically worth it, since failure can lead to degraded handling, poor alignment, and accelerated wear on other components. Compare the cost of a full replacement against options like bushings or ball joints, and factor in the need for an alignment. For most drivers, a timely replacement when wear or damage is evident helps preserve vehicle safety and handling, even as you weigh overall repair costs against the car’s value and remaining time on the road.
What's the average cost to replace a control arm?
The cost of replacing a control arm usually ranges between $80 and $650 per arm, depending on labor and part prices. Can you drive with a bad control arm? It's unsafe and can lead to further damage to parts of your suspension.
Can I drive a car with bad control arms?
No, you should not drive with a bad control arm because it is extremely dangerous and can lead to a complete loss of steering control, especially at high speeds or during turns. While minor wear may allow for very limited short-distance driving, any symptoms like clunking noises, steering wheel vibration, or poor handling mean you should avoid driving and have the vehicle repaired immediately to prevent further damage and accidents.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad control arm: 1mFixITYouTube · Jul 26, 2024
Dangers of driving with a bad control arm
- Loss of control: A bad or broken control arm can compromise your ability to steer, making it unsafe to drive, especially when turning or driving at high speeds.
- Component failure: Continued use can lead to complete failure, which could cause wheel detachment from the suspension system, leading to a serious accident.
- Further damage: Driving with a bad control arm can cause other suspension components, such as ball joints and the steering rack, to wear out prematurely and fail, leading to much more expensive repairs.
- Vibration and instability: You may experience vibrations, "death wobble" (violent steering wheel shaking), and poor handling, which are all signs of a compromised suspension system.
What to do
- Do not drive: If you suspect your control arm is bad, do not drive the vehicle.
- Get it towed: Have the vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic for inspection and repair.
- Have it inspected: A professional can properly diagnose the problem and replace the necessary parts to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive again.
Do I really need to replace control arms?
If a control arm is excessively worn, damaged or bent, the vehicle is NOT SAFE to drive. There are a few reasons why a control arm may need to be replaced. A worn-out ball joint that cannot be replaced separately is one of the most common reasons. A ball joint is an extremely important component.
How many miles do control arms last?
Control arms typically last between 90,000 and 100,000 miles, but their lifespan can vary significantly based on driving conditions, vehicle type, and component quality. Factors like driving on rough roads, hitting potholes, and aggressive driving can shorten their lifespan, while heavy-duty vehicles like trucks may have a shorter interval (60,000–80,000 miles).
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad control arm: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · May 7, 2021
Factors affecting control arm lifespan
- Driving conditions: Hitting potholes, speed bumps, and driving on rough roads can cause premature wear.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, such as hard braking and cornering, puts more stress on the control arms and their bushings.
- Vehicle type: Heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks experience more strain and may need replacement sooner than sedans.
- Component quality: High-quality, well-made control arms will generally last longer than cheaper aftermarket parts.
- Climate: Exposure to road salt and extreme temperatures can accelerate corrosion and degrade rubber bushings.
Signs of a worn-out control arm
- Clunking or knocking sounds over bumps
- Uneven or premature tire wear
- Steering wander or a feeling of looseness in the steering wheel
- Vibrations felt through the steering wheel or chassis
- Poor handling or an unstable ride
