The Average Cost to Replace a Control Arm Bushing Is $242-$299, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance include control arm replacement, ball joint replacement, realignment, suspension spring replacement, sway bar link replacement, and tie rod replacement. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Cost at the Mechanic:
- Parts: $97-$116
- Labor: $145-$183
A control arm bushing replacement typically takes between one and two hours at a mechanic. If you need multiple control arm bushings replaced, multiply this time by the number of bushings. There’s no timeline for how often you should have a control arm bushing replaced, but they should be checked at 100,000 miles. Prompt control arm bushing replacement is important because problems can have adverse effects on your suspension system.
Cost to DIY:
- Difficulty level: Intermediate-Advanced
- Parts needed:
A DIY control arm bushing replacement can save you money if you have the necessary tools. If you don’t, it might be worth going to a mechanic for this repair, as the cost of the tools can be the same or more than having them do it for you.
It’s important to note that these costs are for one control arm bushing. Cars have multiple control arm bushings, and replacing more than one at the same time could lead to higher costs or savings if you choose to DIY.
Keep in Mind
Make sure you use the correct replacement control arm bushings for your particular car. Some are universal, meaning they’ll fit a wide range of makes and models, while others are specific to a particular make and model.
In some cases, it’s cheaper and easier to replace the entire control arm with a new one that already has new bushings pressed into it. If that’s the case, this becomes an easy repair, requiring no special tools, that you can certainly DIY This is especially worth considering if your original control arm is old and rusty.
What Is a Control Arm Bushing?
Control arms have soft bushings pressed into either end. These bushings are made of rubber, urethane, or some other soft yet durable material. The bolts that attach the control arm to the vehicle go through these bushings, which prevent any metal-on-metal contact between parts, and also enable the control arm to move freely as the suspension goes up and down. They also reduce vibrations between the road and the body of the vehicle.
Over time, these bushings can wear out. Most control arm bushings are rubber, which can get hard, brittle, and crack with age. When this happens, the failed bushings should be replaced.
What Does a Control Arm Bushing Replacement Include?
If you are replacing the control arms with new ones that have new bushings already pressed into them, the process is as simple as unbolting the old parts and bolting the new ones on. If you are replacing the bushings individually, you’ll need to cut or burn the old bushings out of the control arm, then press the new bushings into place. This usually requires a hydraulic press, which many DIYers won’t have in their home garage. In this case, the job is best left to a professional.
Depending on your suspension design, your vehicle may require a wheel alignment after the control arm bushings are replaced. This is another job that requires specialized equipment that only a shop is going to have, so you will need a professional to do this for you. However, you could replace your control arms yourself with new ones that have pre-installed bushings, then drive a short distance to the alignment shop to have this job done.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Control Arm Bushing Replacement?
The suspension system may rattle or squeak over bumps if you don’t replace a worn-out control arm bushing. You’ll also feel a rougher ride when traveling bumpy roads. If the control arm bushing wears out completely, it can damage your vehicle’s suspension system, leading to more expensive repairs. If your particular vehicle uses control arms to set the wheel alignment, worn bushings will let your alignment shift outside of manufacturer specifications, resulting in faster tire wear and undesirable handling characteristics.
How Often to Get Control Arm Bushing Replacement
There’s no set schedule for when you should have a control arm bushing replaced. Some control arm bushings last the life of the vehicle, whereas others wear down over time. Gentle driving can help prevent a control arm bushing from wearing out too fast. The control arm bushing should be checked at 100,000 miles.
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Common Symptoms You Need to Replace a Control Arm Brushing
Here are some signs that you need a control arm bushing replacement:
- Squeaky sounds when driving over bumps
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Vibrations
- Uneven tire wear and tear
- Clunking or rattling
- Banging noise underneath the vehicle
Related Maintenance Services
These jobs are often done at the same time as a control arm bushing replacement:
- Control arm replacement
- Wheel alignment
While you’re already working on your suspension, check and see if you need any of these other parts replaced at the same time:
- Ball joints
- Sway bar end links
- Tie rods
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