It began with a clunk coming from the front of your car. Every speed bump and turn brought it out of hiding, and before long, your steering started giving off tremors.
If this sounds familiar, your control arm bushings may be failing.
Driving with a bad bushing can impact your vehicle’s handling and alignment. That’s why you should get it replaced immediately.
Worried about the cost?
We’ll break down everything about the control arm bushing replacement cost, signs of damage, and also share tips to extend life.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Control Arm Bushing Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Control Arm Bushing?
- Should You Replace the Entire Control Arm While Changing the Bushing?
- How Long Does a Control Arm Bushing Last?
- 5 Key Signs You Need a Control Arm Bushing Replacement
- How to Extend the Life of Control Arm Bushings
- How Do You Replace a Control Arm Bushing?
How Much Does a Control Arm Bushing Replacement Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of the total cost:
A. Range
Changing a control arm bushing will typically cost you between $200 and $420.
This includes:
- Parts cost: $100 and $120
- Labor cost: $100 and $300
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The following factors can influence your final bill:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury and performance cars have expensive parts and higher labor costs due to complex suspension systems (that require additional handling hours).
- Location: Labor costs in urban areas are typically higher than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Material of bushings: Rubber bushings are cheaper but wear out more quickly. Polyurethane bushings last longer but are more expensive.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket alternatives: Using OEM parts ensures better fit and performance, but can be costly. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, but not as durable.
- Number of control arm bushings: If the left-hand control arm bushing is damaged, the right-hand one is likely experiencing similar wear. So your mechanic may recommend replacing both.
- Related repairs: Replacing bushings may uncover worn components, such as ball joints, control arms, shocks, or struts. For instance, replacing a ball joint could add $180 to $550 to your total bill.
Is It Worth Replacing a Control Arm Bushing?
Yes, it is.
When a control arm bushing wears out, it can cause uneven tire wear and potentially lead to unsafe driving conditions.
Worn bushings also allow excessive movement in the suspension system, throwing off your vehicle’s alignment and stability. As a result, your car may pull to one side during turns or respond unpredictably to steering inputs.
Replacing a bad control arm bushing helps maintain proper suspension function and prevents damage to other suspension components.
Should You Replace the Entire Control Arm While Changing the Bushing?
It depends on the control arm’s design. In some vehicles, the bushings are integrated into the control arms. If they wear out, you’ll need to replace the entire arm.
Even if your vehicle allows separate bushing replacement, changing the entire arm may be more cost-effective. New control arms often come pre-fitted with bushings and ball joints, which can simplify the replacement process and reduce labor time.
How Long Does a Control Arm Bushing Last?
This suspension system component typically wears out around 100,000 miles. However, aggressive driving or frequent travel on rough roads can shorten its lifespan.
5 Key Signs You Need a Control Arm Bushing Replacement
Some red flags that indicate control arm bushing failure include:
- Clunking or squeaking noises: This results from looseness in the suspension, where the control arm shifts and metal components knock against each other.
- Uneven tire wear: When a bushing deteriorates, it can disrupt suspension alignment and lead to irregular tread wear.
- Vibration in the steering wheel: When damaged bushings fail to absorb road shocks, these tremors travel through the frame and steering system.
- Poor handling during acceleration: This happens because excessive movement in the worn control arm reduces stability and responsiveness.
- Cracks or excessive movement in the bushings: Such visible damage shows that the bushing material can no longer securely hold the control arm.
How to Extend the Life of Control Arm Bushings
Here are a few tips to keep your control arm bushings in top condition:
- Lubricate components like ball joints and bushings using a high-quality lubricant to reduce friction and wear.
- Get a wheel alignment after any suspension work to ensure proper handling and prevent uneven tire wear.
- Drive carefully and steer clear of potholes and rough roads whenever possible.
- Avoid excessive loads that can strain your control arm bushings.
- Check your car’s control arm, bushing, and ball joint regularly. If you notice any cracks, rust, or looseness, it’s time to replace them.
How Do You Replace a Control Arm Bushing?
You shouldn’t try a DIY replacement because it requires specialized tools, precise torque settings, and mechanical expertise. That’s why it’s best to consult a professional to ensure the job is done correctly.
Before beginning repairs, a technician will take the vehicle for a test drive to check for clunking noises or instability. They may also perform a bounce test. This involves pressing down on a corner of the vehicle to observe how the suspension reacts, specifically, whether it exhibits excessive movement.
Once they confirm the need for replacement, here’s how they’ll proceed:
- Raise and support the vehicle using a jack and jack stands.
- Remove the wheel to access the suspension assembly.
- Locate and inspect the control arm and bushings for wear, rust, or damage.
- Remove the control arm by unbolting it from its mounting points.
- Remove the old bushing using a press or a bushing removal tool (if they’re not integrated with the control arm).
- Install the new bushing by carefully pressing it into the control arm.
- Reinstall the control arm and torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts properly.
- Perform a wheel alignment afterward to ensure proper handling and tire wear.
Drive Smooth and Safe with Reliable Control Arm Bushing Replacement
A worn-out control arm bushing can lead to poor vehicle handling, uneven tire wear, and serious suspension damage. Replacing it early can save you from dangerous driving conditions and costly repairs.
So, why wait for a roadside scare?
If you suspect a bad control arm bushing, contact AutoNation Mobile Service immediately.
Our expert mobile mechanics can come to you and replace the control arm bushing with precision. We are available seven days a week and offer upfront pricing. We also back our repairs with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Book your hassle-free repair now and stay safe on the road.