Can you drive with a bad control arm?
Not safely. A faulty control arm can compromise steering, handling, and braking and may fail suddenly. If you suspect a problem, stop driving and arrange a tow or roadside assistance to reach a repair shop.
What a control arm does and why failures are dangerous
The control arm is a key suspension link that connects the vehicle’s chassis to the wheel hub. It helps control wheel camber, steering geometry, and ride quality. When a control arm or its ball joint or bushings wear out or crack, the wheel’s alignment and movement can become unpredictable, increasing the risk of a loss of control, tire damage, and sudden failure under stress such as hard braking or hitting a pothole.
How failures develop
Control arms can deteriorate from age, corrosion, pothole impacts, and worn ball joints or bushings. Repeated stress can lead to looseness, clunking noises, or visible damage, all of which reduce steering precision and stability.
Symptoms and signs to watch for
The following indicators suggest a front suspension issue related to the control arm. If you notice any of these, limit driving and seek a professional inspection promptly.
- Clunking, creaking, or grinding noises from the front suspension when hitting bumps.
- Steering that pulls to one side or feels loose or vague.
- Unusual or accelerated tire wear on the front tires.
- Excessive vibration or wobble in the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds.
- The vehicle drifts or wanders on a straight road.
- Visible damage or excessive play in the front suspension components when inspected.
These signs point to potential issues with a control arm or associated suspension parts and warrant immediate professional assessment to prevent a breakdown or accident.
What to do if you suspect a bad control arm
If you think your control arm is compromised, follow these steps to stay safe and minimize risk while you get it addressed.
- Safely pull over to a secure location as soon as possible and avoid continuing to drive on a suspected fault.
- Do not attempt to diagnose or drive long distances with the issue. A tow or roadside assistance is recommended.
- Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic who can perform a road test and a physical inspection of the suspension, mounting points, bushings, and ball joints.
- If repair is needed, have the control arm (or arms) replaced as recommended, and insist on a wheel alignment after repair to restore proper geometry and tire wear patterns.
Driving a vehicle with a suspected control arm problem is unsafe and can be illegal in some jurisdictions. Tow it to a repair shop rather than risking a breakdown on the road.
Repair options and costs
Repair approaches and costs vary by vehicle design, the extent of wear, and local labor rates. Here is a general breakdown to help you plan.
- Front control arm replacement with integrated ball joint (a common setup): Parts plus labor typically range from about $350 to $1,000 per arm, depending on vehicle make/model and whether aftermarket or OEM parts are used.
- Control arm bushings replacement (without replacing the entire arm): Often about $200 to $600 total, depending on accessibility and whether the shop presses in new bushings.
- Replacing both front control arms (both sides) or replacing a complete arm assembly when multiple components are worn: Expect higher costs, roughly $600 to $2,000 or more per job, including parts and labor.
- Wheel alignment after replacement: Usually adds about $80 to $150, and is essential to prevent rapid tire wear and steering pull.
Note that prices can vary significantly by region, vehicle type, and whether additional suspension components are affected. Always obtain a written estimate before work begins and confirm whether the price includes alignment.
Safety, legality, and driving considerations
Summary
A bad control arm poses serious safety risks to you and others on the road. If you notice symptoms such as clunking noises, pulling, wandering steering, or uneven tire wear, treat it as urgent and seek professional service promptly. The remedy typically involves replacing the faulty control arm or its components, and a wheel alignment is usually required after repair to restore proper handling and tire life. Always prioritize towing the vehicle to a repair shop rather than driving it in a compromised condition.
What does a bad control arm sound like while driving?
Problems while driving you may notice the vehicle pull to one side either to the right the left or sometimes even. Both. This can make it difficult to maintain control. Especially at higher speeds.
How much does it cost to fix a control arm on a car?
Replacing a car's control arm typically costs between $220 and $1,000 or more, with the total depending on the car model, labor rates, and whether both the part and labor are included. The part itself can range from about $80 to $530, with labor adding another $150 to $200 or more, and it is crucial to get a wheel alignment afterward, which can add an additional $100 to $150.
Cost breakdown
- Parts: The cost for a single control arm can range from approximately $80 to over $530, depending on the vehicle's make and model.
- Labor: Expect to pay an additional $150 to $200 for labor, which can vary based on the specific job and your location.
- Wheel Alignment: A professional wheel alignment is necessary after the control arm is replaced to ensure proper suspension performance, which typically costs between $100 and $150.
Factors that influence the final cost
- Vehicle make and model: Some cars have more complex suspension systems or use more expensive parts, which can increase the overall cost.
- Type of control arm: Replacing a front control arm may have different costs than replacing a rear one, depending on the specific vehicle.
- Labor rates: Labor rates can vary significantly depending on your geographic location.
Is a control arm an easy fix?
Replacing control arms is a moderately complex task that requires specific tools and mechanical aptitude, and is not considered an easy job for a beginner. The difficulty can vary depending on your vehicle, but common challenges include rusted parts, especially seized ball joints, and the need for a final wheel alignment.
Factors that make the job more difficult
- Rust and corrosion: Rusted bolts and seized parts can make disassembly very difficult and time-consuming.
- Specialized tools: You will need a good socket and wrench set, a torque wrench, and a ball joint separator or pickle fork, notes AutoZone and CarParts.com.
- Vehicle-specific challenges: Some vehicles have design features, such as a torsion bar or engine components that are in the way, that can make the job much harder or require additional steps like cutting sheet metal.
- After-job alignment: After replacing a control arm, you must get a front-end alignment, as the new parts will change the suspension geometry.
When it might be easier
- If you are experienced with car maintenance, such as servicing your own brakes, you will likely be able to handle the job.
- On many modern vehicles, it is often easier to replace the entire control arm assembly, which comes with a new ball joint and bushings, rather than just replacing the bushings separately.
- If your vehicle's suspension is not heavily rusted, the job will be much smoother.
What to consider before starting
- Assess your skills and tools: Be honest about your comfort level and if you have all the necessary tools, especially a torque wrench and a ball joint separator.
- Check for rust: If the control arm bolts look heavily rusted, consider having a professional do the job.
- Factor in the alignment: Remember to budget for and schedule the final alignment after the installation is complete.
Can your control arm break while driving?
Yes, a control arm can break while driving, though it's not a common occurrence under normal conditions. This can happen suddenly if the car hits a large pothole, curb, or other obstacle with enough force. A break can also result from a lack of maintenance, rust, or fatigue over time, especially in areas with rough roads or high salt usage.
This video explains what happens when a control arm breaks while driving: 58sAutomotive affairsYouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Causes of control arm failure
- Impacts: Hitting large potholes, curbs, or other road hazards can cause a control arm to bend or break.
- Wear and tear: Over time, the bushings and ball joints can wear out. Once the arm is weakened by worn bushings or corrosion, it can break more easily.
- Corrosion: Rust can weaken control arms, especially in vehicles driven in areas with heavy road salt.
- Lack of maintenance: Not performing regular inspections or lubrication can accelerate the wear on the control arm's components.
What happens if a control arm breaks while driving
- Loss of control: You will likely lose steering control, making it difficult or impossible to steer the vehicle.
- Wheel failure: The wheel may fold upward or the entire wheel and hub assembly could detach from the car.
- Vehicle damage: The vehicle's frame will likely drop to the ground, potentially causing significant damage and even leading to a rollover at high speeds.
What to do if you suspect a bad control arm
- If you notice any signs of a failing control arm, such as uneven tire wear, a banging noise over bumps, or a vibrating steering wheel, do not drive the car.
- Have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for an inspection.
- It is crucial to replace a broken or damaged control arm immediately to prevent accidents.
