Part explained
Control arm replacement: price and symptoms
The lower control arm (wishbone) carries the wheel and holds the ball joint, steering rod, and damper mount in place. Worn bushings or ball joints feel directly in the steering. This page covers symptoms, price, and how to find a fitting arm.
By the onderdelen.autos editorial team · Updated
What does the control arm do?
It connects body to wheel assembly via two silentblock bushings and a ball joint. Road impacts, salt-summer-winter cycles harden the rubber, crack the ball-joint boot, or wear the joint itself.
Symptoms
- Thudding or knocking over bumps.
- Vague steering — car pulls to one side.
- Irregular tyre wear.
- Clicking on turns (often linked ball joint).
- Visual: cracked silentblock or grease around the ball joint.
When to replace
Indicative 100,000 – 180,000 km. MOT-failure-grade play on the ball joint or bushings. Replace per axle (both sides) unless the other side is fresh.
Typical interval: 100,000–180,000 km
What does it cost?
New: € 70 – € 280 per arm. Used: € 25 – € 90. Workshop labour: 1 – 2 hours per side + wheel alignment (€ 60 – € 100).
| Condition | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| New | € 70 | € 280 |
| Used / refurbished | € 25 | € 90 |
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DIY?
Difficulty: Medium
Half-day work. Critical: silentblock bolts must be torqued with the wheel on the ground (otherwise the bushings sit pre-tensioned wrong).
- Jack + axle stands
- Ball joint splitter
- Torque wrench with wide range
Frequently asked questions
How long does a control arm last?
100,000 – 180,000 km. Salted winters shorten it.
Bushings only or the whole arm?
Pressing new bushings is possible but tedious; a complete arm is often cheaper.
Wheel alignment after?
Always.
Can I buy a used control arm?
Yes, provided bushings and joint are intact.
Total workshop cost?
€ 250 – € 700 per side including alignment.
Related parts
Control arms from Dutch inventory
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