How Long Does It Take to Replace a Control Arm?
Quick Answer
1–3 hours per side for most vehicles. Upper control arms are typically faster at 1–2 hours, while lower control arms take 1.5–3 hours due to their larger size and additional hardware.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Replacing a control arm takes 1–3 hours per side at a professional shop. The job involves removing the old control arm, pressing in new bushings or installing a complete assembly, and performing a wheel alignment afterward. Upper control arms are generally quicker to replace, while lower control arms require more labor due to their size and connection to the steering knuckle.
Time Estimates by Vehicle and Type
| Vehicle Type | Upper Control Arm | Lower Control Arm | Both (Same Side) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car (Civic, Corolla) | 1 – 1.5 hr | 1.5 – 2 hr | 2 – 3 hr |
| Mid-size sedan (Camry, Accord) | 1 – 1.5 hr | 1.5 – 2.5 hr | 2.5 – 3.5 hr |
| Full-size truck (F-150, Silverado) | 1 – 2 hr | 2 – 3 hr | 3 – 4.5 hr |
| SUV (4Runner, Tahoe) | 1.5 – 2 hr | 2 – 3 hr | 3 – 4.5 hr |
| Luxury / European (BMW, Mercedes) | 1.5 – 2.5 hr | 2 – 3.5 hr | 3 – 5 hr |
| Heavy-duty truck (2500/3500) | 1.5 – 2.5 hr | 2.5 – 3.5 hr | 3.5 – 5 hr |
Times are per side. Multiply by two if replacing both left and right.
Upper vs. Lower Control Arm Replacement
| Factor | Upper Control Arm | Lower Control Arm |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Top of the knuckle | Bottom of the knuckle |
| Size | Smaller, lighter | Larger, heavier |
| Typical labor time | 1 – 2 hr | 1.5 – 3 hr |
| Ball joint | Usually integrated | Often separate or pressed in |
| Spring interaction | Minimal | Supports coil spring (some designs) |
| Difficulty (DIY) | Moderate | Moderate – Difficult |
| Parts cost | $50 – $250 | $80 – $400 |
| Labor cost | $100 – $300 | $150 – $400 |
Step-by-Step Process
1. Preparation (10–15 minutes)
The vehicle is lifted on a hoist, the wheel is removed, and the suspension is inspected. The technician identifies which control arm needs replacement and checks for additional worn components.
2. Remove the Old Control Arm (30–90 minutes)
This involves disconnecting the ball joint from the steering knuckle, removing the mounting bolts from the frame or subframe, and extracting the control arm. Corroded or seized bolts are the most common cause of delays.
3. Install the New Control Arm (20–45 minutes)
The new control arm (or rebuilt arm with new bushings) is positioned, mounting bolts are torqued to specification, and the ball joint is reconnected. Most shops install complete assemblies with pre-pressed bushings to save time.
4. Reassemble and Test (15–20 minutes)
The wheel is reinstalled, lug nuts are torqued, and the vehicle is lowered. The technician performs a bounce test and visual inspection to confirm proper installation.
5. Wheel Alignment (30–45 minutes)
A wheel alignment is required after any control arm replacement. Camber and caster angles change when control arms are replaced, and driving without an alignment causes uneven tire wear and handling problems.
Factors That Increase Repair Time
- Rust and corrosion: Vehicles in northern or coastal climates often have severely corroded bolts that require cutting, torching, or drilling. This can add 30–90 minutes.
- Pressed-in bushings: If replacing bushings only (rather than the complete arm), pressing out old bushings and pressing in new ones adds 30–60 minutes per bushing.
- Spring-over-lower-arm designs: Some vehicles (trucks, older designs) have the coil spring seated on the lower control arm, requiring a spring compressor and extra precautions.
- Subframe removal: Certain European vehicles require partial subframe removal to access control arm mounting points, adding 1–2 hours.
- Additional worn parts: Ball joints, sway bar links, and tie rod ends are often worn alongside control arms and may need replacement at the same time.
DIY vs. Professional
| Consideration | DIY | Professional Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Time required | 2 – 5 hr per side | 1 – 3 hr per side |
| Tools needed | Floor jack, jack stands, ball joint separator, torque wrench | Full lift, air tools, press |
| Alignment | Must visit a shop afterward | Included in service |
| Cost (parts + labor) | $80 – $400 (parts only) | $250 – $700 per side |
| Skill level | Intermediate – Advanced | N/A |
Signs You Need a Control Arm Replacement
- Clunking or knocking over bumps
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tire wear (inner or outer edge)
- Visible cracks or damage to the control arm
- Excessive play in the ball joint or bushings
- Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds