How much does it cost to replace a control arm?
The cost to replace a control arm can vary significantly depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the specific parts and labor required. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 to replace a single control arm, with the total cost often falling somewhere in the middle of that range.
What is a Control Arm?
A control arm is a crucial component of a vehicle's suspension system. It connects the wheel hub to the vehicle's frame, allowing the wheels to move up and down and turn left and right. Control arms play a vital role in maintaining proper wheel alignment and ensuring a smooth, stable ride.
Factors Affecting Control Arm Replacement Cost
The cost to replace a control arm can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Vehicle Make and Model: Control arms can vary in design and materials based on the specific make and model of the vehicle. Luxury or high-performance vehicles may have more complex, and therefore more expensive, control arms.
- Labor Costs: The labor required to replace a control arm can vary depending on the vehicle's design and the mechanic's experience. Labor rates can also differ based on the location and the repair shop's pricing structure.
- Part Costs: The cost of the replacement control arm itself can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the quality and brand of the part.
- Additional Repairs: In some cases, replacing a control arm may require additional repairs, such as wheel alignment or the replacement of other suspension components, which can further increase the overall cost.
It's important to note that the cost to replace a control arm can also be influenced by the specific symptoms and underlying issues that led to the need for replacement. A thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic is recommended to determine the full scope of the repair and provide an accurate estimate.
When to Replace a Control Arm
Control arms are designed to last the lifetime of a vehicle, but they can wear down over time due to factors such as road conditions, driving habits, and age. Some common signs that a control arm may need to be replaced include:
- Excessive play or looseness in the wheel
- Uneven tire wear
- Difficulty steering or poor handling
- Clunking or creaking noises from the suspension
If you notice any of these issues, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to determine the root cause and the appropriate course of action.
Can I drive my car with a bad control arm?
Definitely. You should have this addressed as soon as possible. However, if the bushing are still in tact, even if dry rotted, it is safe to drive the vehicle the 200 miles for the cheaper repair. There is no immediate danger of the control arm failing completely. It would take some time before this happens.
What are the symptoms of a bad control arm?
6 Common Symptoms of a Bad Control Arm
- Noise:
- Wheel Alignment:
- Bad Handling:
- Poor Driving Stability:
- Vibration:
- Unresponsive Steering:
- Uneven Road Surfaces and Impact:
- Prolonged Overloading:
How much labor to replace a control arm?
The average cost for a Control Arm Replacement is between $677 and $758. Labor costs are estimated between $160 and $202 while parts are priced between $517 and $555. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
What does a bad control arm sound like?
Problems while driving you may notice the vehicle pulled 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.
Is a control arm an easy fix?
Replacing your lower control arm is fairly easy and straightforward in most passenger cars. It depends on the suspension design and the type of vehicle you own.
How do I know if my control arm or ball joint is bad?
Sound — Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be a faint, intermittent clunking noise that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle. The sound may be more pronounced when going over a bump or a dip or when going around a corner.
Is it worth replacing control arms?
A control arm should never need to be replaced, unless there was a crash and it's is some how damaged. Control arm bushings do wear out but you don't usually throw away the entire control arm.
How long does it take a mechanic to replace a control arm?
For a mechanic to do the job typically takes around 1.5 hours or so.
Is it legal to drive a car with one arm?
There is no law that explicitly prohibits you from driving a car with a broken arm. However, if you feel that you're finding it difficult to drive safely with your cast on, then you should refrain from getting behind the wheel.
How long does it take to fix a control arm?
around 1.5 hours
How long does it take to replace a control arm? For a mechanic to do the job typically takes around 1.5 hours or so. However, a DIYer should expect it to take longer to complete a control arm replacement.
