Is it OK to drive with bad control arm bushings?
Not safe to continue driving for long with worn or damaged control arm bushings. They affect steering precision, suspension movement, and tire wear, and can lead to more extensive repairs or a loss of control in certain conditions. This article explains what bushings do, how to spot problems, and what to do next.
What control arm bushings do
The control arm connects the car’s wheel hub to the vehicle frame, and its bushings cushion that connection. They isolate road shock, help maintain proper wheel alignment, and keep suspension components from rubbing together. When bushings wear or crack, the arm can move more than intended, altering toe, camber, and overall handling.
Signs your control arm bushings may be failing
The following indicators can point to worn or damaged bushings. If you notice any of these, have a professional inspect the front and rear control arms as appropriate for your vehicle.
- Clunking, banging, or creaking noises when going over bumps
- Loose or vague steering feel, or increased steering play
- Vehicle pulling to one side or instability at highway speeds
- Uneven or accelerated tire wear, especially on the inside or outside edges
- Visible cracks or deterioration in the rubber or polyurethane
- Vibration or misalignment symptoms that worsen with road irregularities
Worn bushings can also be difficult to diagnose visually and may require a road test or suspension inspection to confirm.
Safety implications of driving with bad bushings
Driving with compromised control arm bushings can compromise vehicle handling and safety. The risk isn’t always immediate, but it increases as the suspension components shift unexpectedly or misalign. In severe cases, other parts such as ball joints, tie rods, or the subframe mounts can experience abnormal stresses, potentially leading to sudden changes in steering response or tire damage.
What to do if you suspect bad bushings
If you suspect worn control arm bushings, take careful, prudent steps to avoid further damage or a dangerous situation.
- Limit driving to essential trips and avoid rough roads or high-speed driving if possible.
- Schedule a professional inspection as soon as you can, especially if you notice noises, steering play, or abnormal tire wear.
- Ask the shop to inspect both sides of the suspension and check related components for wear or damage.
- Obtain a repair estimate that covers bushings replacement and any related parts (ball joints, sway bar links, or control arms if needed).
- Decide between replacement of bushings only or replacing the affected control arm assembly, depending on wear, vehicle design, and cost.
- Proceed with the repair promptly to restore alignment, handling, and tire longevity.
Delaying repairs can allow additional suspension play to develop, which may shorten component life and worsen ride quality or safety.
Costs and replacement options
Costs vary by vehicle, the type of bushings used, and whether a full control arm replacement is required. Here is a general breakdown to help you plan.
- Rubber bushings (OEM or aftermarket): commonly $20–$150 per bushing, depending on vehicle and brand
- Polyurethane bushings: often $50–$200 per bushing, chosen for durability and sportier feel
- Labor: typically 1–3 hours per side for bushings, more if a control arm or ball joints must be replaced
- Full control arm replacement: parts and labor can range from roughly $300 to $1,000 per axle, depending on car and whether both sides are done together
Prices vary by region, shop, and vehicle model. A precise quote from a reputable mechanic after an inspection is the best guide.
Summary
Bad control arm bushings can compromise steering precision, handling, and tire life, increasing the risk of a safety incident. If you notice clunking noises, looser steering, or unusual tire wear, have the suspension inspected promptly. While you may be able to drive short distances to a shop, continuing to drive with worn bushings can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs. Replacing worn bushings or the affected control arm restores alignment and stability, helping to keep you safe on the road.
What happens if a control arm bushing goes bad?
Control arm bushings often dry rot or crack, causing noise and poor handling in affected vehicles. Dry rotted front lower control arm bushings cause looseness, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear. Inspect bushings for cracks or deformation. Driving with worn bushings risks suspension misalignment and further damage.
Is it safe to drive a car with a bad control arm?
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.
What happens if you don't replace lower control arm bushings?
Worn control arm bushings or bent arms are primary causes of death wobble. They allow excessive wheel oscillation, creating violent steering vibrations at speeds above 45 mph.
How long can you drive with bad control arm bushings?
You should not drive with bad control arm bushings for any significant amount of time, especially if the rubber is visibly cracked, crumbling, or missing. While a vehicle with slightly worn bushings might be drivable for a short, urgent trip (like 100-200 miles) to the repair shop, driving for an extended period is unsafe and can lead to further suspension damage, poor steering, uneven tire wear, and a high risk of a catastrophic failure.
Signs that you should stop driving immediately:
- Visible damage: The rubber bushing is visibly cracked, deteriorating, or completely missing.
- Audible symptoms: You hear loud clunking, rattling, or knocking sounds, especially when going over bumps or turning.
- Handling issues: The vehicle pulls to one side, the steering feels loose, or you notice vibrations in the steering wheel.
- Tire wear: Your tires are showing signs of uneven wear.
What happens if you continue to drive:
- Further damage: Driving on a worn bushing can cause additional damage to other suspension components and the control arm itself.
- Loss of control: The stability and control of your vehicle can be severely compromised, especially at high speeds or during turns, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Potential for failure: A complete failure of the bushing or control arm can lead to a sudden loss of control, as the wheel's connection to the vehicle can become unstable.
What to do if you have a bad control arm bushing:
- Limit driving: If you must drive, do so with extreme caution and keep trips to a minimum, only driving what is necessary to get the vehicle to a repair shop immediately.
- Seek professional help: It is best to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle as soon as possible to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.
- Consider replacing both sides: If one control arm is failing, the other is likely to fail soon as well, so it is often advisable to replace both control arms at the same time for safety and long-term reliability.
