How do I know if my control arms are worn out?

The short answer: look for clunks over bumps, steering pull or wandering, uneven tire wear, and looseness or play in the suspension. A hands-on inspection of the bushings and joints—and sometimes an alignment check—will confirm if a control arm needs replacement.

In this article, we explain what control arms do, the common signs of wear, how to inspect them safely, when to replace, and what costs and options you can expect if you hire a shop or do it yourself. This information helps you diagnose suspension issues accurately and make informed maintenance decisions.

What control arms do in a modern vehicle

Control arms are curved or straight metal links that connect the wheel hub to the vehicle frame, allowing the wheel to move up and down while keeping proper alignment with the chassis. They work with bushings and often a ball joint to cushion impacts and maintain steering geometry. Over time, the bushings can crack or tear, and ball joints can wear, leading to looseness, noise, and handling changes.

Common signs that control arms may be worn

Before you replace anything, watch for several telltale symptoms that point to worn control arms or their joints.

• Clunking, banging, or metallic noises when you go over bumps or potholes.


• Steering that pulls to one side or feels loose or wanders at highway speeds.


• Uneven or accelerated tire wear on the inside or outside edges.


• Excessive play or movement in the suspension when the car is jacked up and you test the wheel or arm with a pry bar.


• Vibration or shuddering in the steering wheel, especially at certain speeds or during braking.


• Visible damage to the bushings (cracks, splits, or torn rubber) or a bent/cracked control arm.


• Boots on any ball joint are torn or leaking grease, indicating impending joint failure.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s advisable to have the suspension inspected by a qualified technician to confirm whether the control arms or related components are at fault and to rule out other causes such as tie rods, sway bars, or subframe mounts.

How to inspect control arms yourself (safety-first)

Here are the steps you can take to assess the condition of control arms and their joints. Use this as a preliminary check before a professional evaluation.

• Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Raise the vehicle safely with a jack and support it on stands at the designated lifting points. Remove the wheel to access the arm assembly.


• Inspect the bushings for cracks, tears, or excessive deformation. Look for dry rotting rubber, metal-to-metal contact, or signs of movement when you push and pull the arm near the mounting points.


• Check the ball joints (if the arm uses a separate ball joint) for boot damage, grease leakage, and play. With the wheel off, try to push and pull the joint and note any vertical or horizontal movement.


• Look for a bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged control arm itself. Any visible bend can indicate impact damage from potholes or curb hits.


• Observe for leaks or excessive rust around mounting points, as corrosion can weaken mounting fasteners and alignment.


• Reinstall the wheel, lower the car, and perform a cautious road test to note any steering drift, clunks, or changes in ride quality. If you detect issues, schedule a professional inspection for a precise diagnosis and alignment check.

Note: Some steps require air tools or a torque wrench and a proper alignment after replacement. If you’re unsure, consult a shop. Working under a car can be dangerous if you lack proper equipment or experience.

When to replace and what to expect for costs

Replacement decisions hinge on wear level, safety, and the vehicle’s condition. In many cases, replacing worn control arms along with any associated bushings or joints is the best path to restore handling and tire life. Here’s how to think about costs and what influences them.

• If bushings are cracked or torn or the ball joints are loose, replacing the arm is generally recommended.


• Many vehicles require replacement in pairs on the same axle to ensure balanced handling and even wear, though this depends on the model and the extent of wear.


• Parts costs vary by design: arms with rubber bushings are typically less expensive than arms with integrated or replaceable ball joints. Expect a broad range from roughly $50 to $300+ per arm for parts, depending on make/model and quality.


• Labor costs depend on the vehicle and shop rates. Front suspension work can be 1–4 hours per arm, with total labor often ranging from about $150 to $500+ per arm. Per axle, typical total costs (parts plus labor) commonly run from several hundred to around $1,000 or more, depending on the car and region.


• Additional costs may include wheel alignment after replacement, which is usually recommended to restore proper geometry and tire wear.

Because price variations are significant across models and regions, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes and ask whether the shop will also inspect related components (tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links) that can wear in tandem with control arms.

DIY or hire a professional?

Deciding whether to tackle control-arm replacement yourself depends on your mechanical skill, available tools, and comfort with safety-critical tasks. Alignment is a key consideration that typically requires professional equipment and expertise. If you’re not equipped for safe lifting, torque specs, and precise alignment, hiring a shop is the safer option.

When to hire a professional

Consider a professional if you suspect bent arms, complex ball-joint assemblies, or you don’t have the right tools for lifting, supporting, and performing an accurate alignment. A shop can also verify that no other suspension components are contributing to the problem and perform a road-test diagnosis after replacement.

Summary

Worn control arms manifest as noises, steering irregularities, and uneven tire wear. A careful visual inspection of bushings and joints, combined with a controlled bounce/road test, can help you identify wear. Replacement is typically warranted when bushings crack or tear, joints are loose, or the arm is bent. Costs vary widely by vehicle and region, and a professional alignment is commonly advised after replacement. For safety and accuracy, consider professional service if you’re uncertain about inspection or installation.

Final notes

Regular suspension maintenance helps protect tire longevity and driving safety. If you’re unsure about the condition of your control arms, schedule a thorough inspection with a qualified technician who can pinpoint the exact cause and recommend the best course of action.

Which control arm goes bad first?

The lower control arm typically goes bad first because it handles the majority of the vehicle's weight and road impacts, making its bushings and ball joints more prone to wear. While upper control arms can also fail, the lower arm is under more stress and is usually the component that wears out first.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad lower control arm, including clunking noises and steering issues: 59sAuto V Fix YouTube · Nov 21, 2024
Why the lower control arm fails first

• Heavy load: The lower control arm supports a significant portion of the vehicle's weight, which puts more stress on its components. 
• Impact absorption: It takes the brunt of road impacts, leading to wear on its bushings and ball joints. 
• Ball joint abuse: The lower ball joint is generally where most of the suspension's abuse is concentrated, causing it to fail more often than the upper ball joint. 

Symptoms of a bad control arm

• Clunking or knocking noises: Especially when going over bumps or turning.
• Vibration: A shaking or vibration in the steering wheel.
• Uneven tire wear: Noticeable wear on the inside or outside of your tires.
• Poor handling: A steering wheel that pulls to one side or a general feeling of wandering or poor stability.
• Squealing or creaking: When the vehicle is stopped or turning. 

How much does it cost to replace control arms?

The average cost for a control arm replacement is between $350 and $1,000, though it can range from $80 to over $650 per arm depending on the vehicle, parts, and labor. This price includes parts and labor, and an alignment is often recommended afterward. Luxury or high-end vehicles typically have higher costs than standard models.
 
This video explains the factors that influence the cost of replacing a control arm: 58sLearnToDIY360YouTube · Jul 28, 2025
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The cost of a new control arm can range from approximately $80 to over $650, depending on the vehicle's make and model, as well as the type of part (e.g., OEM vs. aftermarket). 
• Labor: Labor costs are often the largest part of the total price, as control arm replacement can be a complex job that can take several hours per side. 
• Alignment: It is highly recommended to get an alignment after replacing a control arm to ensure your car's suspension is properly adjusted, which adds to the overall cost. 

Factors that influence cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury or high-performance cars have more expensive parts than standard models. 
• Parts Type: The cost varies depending on whether you choose Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or heavy-duty parts. 
• Labor Rates: Shop labor rates vary by location, with higher rates in some areas and for certain types of shops. 
• Additional Repairs: If other suspension components, such as ball joints, bushings, or shocks, need to be replaced at the same time, the total cost will increase. 

How to save money

• Shop around: Compare prices from different auto repair shops. 
• Consider aftermarket parts: These are often cheaper than OEM parts, but be sure to research the quality of the brand. 
• Ask for a combined quote: If you need other suspension work done, ask if it can be done at the same time to save on labor costs. 

How do you tell if your control arm is bad?

You can tell a control arm is bad by listening for clunking or knocking noises, especially over bumps, and by observing steering issues like a pulling sensation, vague steering, or excessive vibrations. You may also notice uneven or premature tire wear on the edges of the treads. 
Common symptoms of a bad control arm

• Noises: Clunking, banging, or knocking sounds when you drive over bumps, potholes, or when accelerating or braking. 
• Steering problems:
  • Vague or unresponsive steering: A feeling that the steering is loose or delayed. 
  • Pulling to one side: Your car may pull to the left or right even when the alignment is supposedly correct. 
  • Wandering: The steering wheel may feel erratic or the vehicle may seem to wander at moderate speeds. 
• Vibrations: Excessive vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel or throughout the car, often increasing with speed. 
• Uneven tire wear: Worn or premature wear on the inner or outer edges of the tires. 
• Poor handling: A general decrease in handling performance, making the vehicle feel less stable, especially at high speeds. 

What do bad upper control arms feel like?

A failing control arm can cause a continuous vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel. Changes in speed can cause the vibration to fluctuate. Worn bushings often causes wheel shimmy.