Control Arm Bushing Replacement Cost: Parts, Labor and Alignment

Worn control arm bushings are one of the most common front end repairs on high-mileage vehicles, and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to price. Quotes can vary wildly because some shops replace bushings while others replace the whole arm. Here is how control arm bushing replacement cost is built up, what drives it higher, and how to make the money last with durable polyurethane control arm bushings. 

Average Cost to Replace Control Arm Bushings

Why Labor Is the Biggest Part of the Bill 

Most control arm bushings are pressed into the arm, so the arm has to come off the vehicle first. The old bushing is then pressed out with a hydraulic press or a dedicated bushing tool, the bore is cleaned and the new bushing is pressed in. On some vehicles, the subframe, steering components or sway bar links need to be loosened before the arm will come out. 

That is why lower control arm bushing replacement cost varies so much between vehicles. Our own kits range from under an hour for a single position or insert renewal to more than six hours for a full vehicle master kit covering every position. A front lower control arm bushings repair cost on one vehicle can be very different from another simply because of access. 

Bushings Only vs a Complete Control Arm 

Many shops quote a complete control arm instead of bushings because it saves them pressing time. That can make sense if the ball joint is also worn or the arm is bent or rusted. If the arm and ball joint are in good condition, replacing only the bushings keeps the factory arm and usually costs less in parts. 

Bushings are also the smarter long-term choice when you fit polyurethane. A new arm almost always comes with rubber bushings that will wear out again, while our polyurethane bushings resist the tearing, cracking and oil damage that end the life of rubber. Most of our control arm bushing products carry a limited lifetime warranty. 

What Else Adds to Control Arm Bushing Replacement Cost? 

A few extra items commonly appear on the invoice: 

Control arm bushings replacement cost climbs quickly when several of these extras are added. Ask your shop to list each position being replaced and any related parts separately. That makes quotes easier to compare and shows you exactly what you are paying for. 

How to Save Money on Control Arm Bushing Replacement 

Replace bushings on both sides of the same axle at once so the vehicle behaves evenly and you only pay for one alignment. If several positions are worn, a complete kit for the axle or vehicle saves repeat labor. Bundle the job with other front end work that is due, since the arms are already off. 

If you are confident with tools, many owners replace bushings at home with a press or a bushing tool. Our guide on how to replace control arm bushings walks through the process. If you are not yet sure the bushings are the problem, check our list of bad control arm bushing symptoms first.