Lateral Control Arm Repair Cost Guide
Front Lower Control Arm
Labor time: 1.5-2 hours per side
Labor cost: $187-250
Parts cost: $80-200 per arm
Total estimated cost: $267-450 per side
Front Upper Control Arm
Labor time: 2-2.5 hours per side
Labor cost: $250-312
Parts cost: $90-225 per arm
Total estimated cost: $340-537 per side
Rear Lower Control Arm
Labor time: 1.5-2 hours per side
Labor cost: $187-250
Parts cost: $75-180 per arm
Total estimated cost: $262-430 per side
Rear Upper Control Arm
Labor time: 1.5-2 hours per side
Labor cost: $187-250
Parts cost: $70-175 per arm
Total estimated cost: $257-425 per side
*Note: Prices may vary based on vehicle make/model and parts quality. Additional costs may apply if related components need replacement. All estimates based on our shop rate of $125/hour.
Common Signs You Need Control Arm Replacement:
- Clunking noise when going over bumps
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Steering wheel vibration
- Loose or wandering steering
Lateral Control Arm Repair Procedures
Front Lower Control Arm
Steps:
- Raise and safely support vehicle on lift or jack stands
- Remove front wheel on affected side
- Inspect ball joint boot and control arm bushings for wear/damage
- Remove brake caliper and secure it (don't let it hang by brake line)
- Disconnect sway bar end link from control arm
- Remove ball joint nut from steering knuckle
- Use ball joint separator tool to disconnect from knuckle
- Remove control arm mounting bolts at subframe
- Remove old control arm
- Install new control arm in reverse order
- Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications
- Perform wheel alignment
Front Upper Control Arm
Steps:
- Raise and safely support vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Mark camber adjustment position (if applicable)
- Remove ball joint nut from steering knuckle
- Separate ball joint from knuckle using appropriate tool
- Remove control arm mounting bolts
- Remove old control arm
- Install new control arm
- Reinstall all components in reverse order
- Torque fasteners to specification
- Perform wheel alignment
Rear Lower Control Arm
Steps:
- Raise and support vehicle securely
- Remove rear wheel
- Support rear suspension to prevent spring tension issues
- Remove control arm mounting bolts at both ends
- Remove old control arm
- Compare new arm to old arm for proper fitment
- Install new control arm
- Torque bolts to specification with suspension at ride height
- Reinstall wheel
- Perform wheel alignment
Rear Upper Control Arm
Steps:
- Safely raise and support vehicle
- Remove rear wheel
- Support suspension assembly
- Remove control arm mounting bolts
- Note position of any camber/toe adjustment elements
- Remove old control arm
- Install new control arm
- Reinstall mounting bolts
- Set preliminary alignment adjustments
- Torque all fasteners to specification
- Perform wheel alignment
Important Notes:
- Always refer to vehicle-specific repair manual for exact procedures and torque specifications
- Wheel alignment is required after any control arm replacement
- Inspect related components while system is disassembled
- Use new hardware if specified by manufacturer
- Test drive vehicle after repair to ensure proper operation
Note: These are general procedures. Specific steps may vary by vehicle make and model.
Understanding Lateral Control Arms
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Common Failure Symptoms of Lateral Control Arms: Warning Signs to Watch For
Signs of Control Arm Failure & Maintenance Guide
Lower Control Arm
Signs of Failure:
- Clunking or knocking noise when driving over bumps
- Steering wheel vibration
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tire wear
- Visible bushing wear or rubber deterioration
Service Schedule:
Typically inspect every 50,000 miles. Replacement usually needed between 90,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions. More frequent inspections needed in areas with rough roads or severe weather conditions.
Upper Control Arm
Signs of Failure:
- Squeaking or creaking during turning
- Poor wheel alignment
- Loose or wandering steering
- Metal-on-metal sounds
- Visible ball joint wear
Service Schedule:
Inspection recommended every 40,000 miles. Replacement typically needed between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Ball joints should be checked during routine alignments. Heavy-duty use may require more frequent service.
Important Note:
Control arm maintenance is crucial for vehicle safety and handling. Regular inspections during routine maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, and driving conditions.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
