Suspension, tires and alignment
Control arm replacement (one side): what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $90 | $350 |
| Labor: 1.5 to 2.8 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $188 | $490 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $270 | $870 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
A control arm connects the wheel to the car frame. A worn arm or bushing causes clunks, wandering and uneven tire wear.
What is usually included
- New control arm with bushings and ball joint
- Hardware torqued to spec
- Inspect related parts
- Alignment recommended
What moves the price
- Upper or lower arm
- Arm with ball joint included
- Bushing-only repair
- Rusted bolts
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is the ball joint included in the arm?
- Do I need an alignment after?
- Is the other side worn?
- How long is the part and labor warranted?
Can you do it yourself?
A moderate to advanced DIY; rusted bolts and the need for an alignment make it less attractive.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What causes control arm wear?
Potholes, curbs and age wear out the rubber bushings and ball joints. Salt and moisture speed up the damage in New England winters.
Can I replace just the bushing?
Sometimes. Shops can press in new bushings on some cars, but on many it is cheaper and faster to replace the whole arm with the bushings and ball joint attached.
Should both sides be done?
Not required. If one side is worn the other is often close, so many shops offer to do both. Ask for the condition of the other side.
How much does control arm replacement (one side) cost?
A typical range in Boston is $270 to $870. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $270 to $870 |
| New York City area | $270 to $840 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $270 to $860 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $260 to $810 |
| Houston area, Texas | $240 to $790 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $240 to $790 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $250 to $800 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $260 to $810 |
| Miami area, Florida | $240 to $800 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $270 to $860 |