How to Replace a Lower Control Arm and Bushings

Materials Needed

1. Ball joint separator tool.
2. Breaker bar optional.
3. Hammer.
4. Ratchet / sockets.
5. Replacement control arm(s)
6. Wrenches – open/box end.

Can I replace the control arm myself? Replacement of a control arm is generally an intermediate DIY repair. On some vehicles, the control arms come with the bushings already installed. On other vehicles, the bushings need to be pressed into their housings on the control arm before installation into the vehicle.

1. There is a video of this job being done at the bottom of this guide.
2. Release the Ball Joint.
3. Remove the Sway Bar Link.
4. Remove the Control Mounting Bolts.
5. Remove the Lower Control Arm.
6. Replace the Bushings.
7. Reinstall the Lower Control Arm.

If you are asking how long you can drive a car with a bad control arm bushing, you should know that it depends on how far the damage has gone. If you are talking on average, you should be able to go 96 kilometers to 128 kilometers. However, it is not safe to drive around with a damaged control arm bushing.

Yes. It doesn’t matter if there is a new part is installed on a vehicle. Vehicles need alignment on a regular basis to make sure the thrust line and all wheels are in proper alignment meeting all factory specifications. The alignment affects fuel consumption, tire wear and vehicle handling.

Bad Lower Control Arm Symptoms

• 1) Steering Wheel Pulling. A bad lower control arm may cause your steering wheel to pull too much to the right or left side as you’re driving.
• 2) Steering Wheel Vibrations.
• 3) Clunking Noises.
• 4) Wheel Wobbling.
• 5) Steering Wheel Wobbling.
• 1) Vibrations.
• 2) Pulling.
• 3) Wandering Steering Wheel.

If you need to have the lower control arm replaced in your car the average repair cost tends to be somewhere between $500 and $700. In some cases, this could cost you as much as $1,000. A control arm itself is not an overly expensive part of your vehicle.

Over time, the control arm assembly can become worn or bent. These assemblies normally wear out between 90,000 and 100,000 miles. They can wear out faster if you go over a large pothole or are involved in a car accident.

If you are only doing a 2 inch level you do not need new upper control arms. Once you go above 2 inches you need to consider it.

the 3 inch might pull the axle back a little bit but you don’t need new control arms.

If this is your first lift, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the lift kits affect on the vehicle’s control arms. When putting a 2.5 inch lift on a Jeep Wrangler it is wise to replace the control arms. New control arms may require some other modifications as well.

Sure you can do a 3 inch lift with the stock lower control arms, but you’re going to feel it because a lot of the stuff you drive over will be transmitted to the unibody framerail through the lower control arm being at an extreme angle. At 3 inches of lift, an adjustable trac bar is always a good idea.

If you’re adding a lift kit to your vehicle, remember that the upper control arm influences wheel travel, suspension durability, and wheel alignment. If you’re looking for a suspension modification that improves overall vehicle performance with no compromises, a replacement control arm is a good place to start.

Bottom Line. If your truck has stamped steel upper control arms and you want to level or 6″ lift your truck—you will need to install either an aftermarket upper control arm OR purchase the factory aluminum upper control arms to replace your stamped control arms.

Ride of the Month Winner Adjustable control arms are worth it even at 2″ of lift if you value suspension geometry and the ability to adjust things like pinion angle, caster, etc.

Adjustable control arms are necessary for lowered Jeeps and for rigs with higher ground clearances. Adjustable control arms allow drivers to properly calibrate caster and pinion angles, which improves performance and centers the axle.

They allow you to make the rear end straight in the car as well as locate it forward or back for tires. An adjustable PHB allows you to center the rear in the car (left/ right). You will want an adjustable TA if you legnthen the LCA much at all you can potentially change your pinion angle as well.