If you’re like most drivers, you probably take your vehicle’s control arm bushings for granted. After all, they don’t seem to do much – until they start to wear out. At that point, it becomes painfully obvious how important these little pieces of rubber and metal are!
The chassis and wheel-carrying hub are connected by control arms, which are crucial components of vehicle construction. To make a flexible connection, one or two rubber bushings are used to join the control arm (referred to as A-arm) to the chassis, whilst ball bearings connect it to the wheel assembly.
This article explores how long you can drive with bad control arm bushings, how long they generally last, the effects of bad control arm bushings, how to identify them, and how to replace or repair them.
What are the Control Arm Bushings?
The control arm bushings, also known as A-arm bushings, are located between the control arms and the chassis of your vehicle.
There are normally one or two rubber bushings in this connection, which help to provide a flexible and durable link between the two components.
The control arms are connected to the chassis at the control arm bushing, and they provide support for the wheels.
The bushings allow the control arms to pivot and move, which helps to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road.
The bushing itself is normally composed of tough rubber or synthetic materials, which allows it to absorb impacts from the road without wearing down or breaking.
However, over time, these bushings can become worn or damaged due to normal wear and tear, as well as from exposure to the elements.
How Long Can You Drive with Bad Control Arm Bushings?
How long you can drive with bad control arm bushings depends on the severity of the issue. If the bushing is simply worn down, you might be able to get by for about 60 miles. However, if the bushing is severely damaged or broken, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible, as the steering might become unpredictable.
You might, depending on the severity of the control arm bushings, be able to drive further or shorter than the 60 miles mentioned above. However, you shouldn’t risk your safety by driving with bad control arm bushings.
How Long Do Control Arm Bushings Last?
The lifespan of a control arm bushing varies significantly depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as driving conditions. In general, however, you can expect your control arm bushings to last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced, with an expected lifespan of 80,000 miles.
When you think about how long the bushings will last, it’s reasonable to expect them to wear down gradually and slowly.
Uneven bushing wear is caused by the road surfaces you’re driving on, such as potholes and speed bumps.
Logically, the control arm bushings won’t wear out evenly across the vehicle’s four control arms.
It’s not necessary to replace all of the bushings as one wears out or breaks, but it’s recommended to replace them in pairs to save time and money by visiting the mechanic twice in a short time.
If you suspect that your control arm bushings are starting to fail, it’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
Otherwise, you risk damaging other components of your vehicle and incurring costly repair bills.
The mechanic will be able to tell you for sure whether the bushings need to be replaced and can do so quickly and easily.
6 Symptoms of a Bad Control Arm Bushing
Control arm bushings are designed to wear over time, so it can be difficult to tell whether they are in good condition or not.
However, there are some warning signs that you can look out for, such as a rattling noise when driving over bumps or a feeling of looseness in the steering.
Here are 6 symptoms of a bad control arm bushing:
1. Loud Clunking/Banging Noises
One of the most common symptoms of a bad control arm bushing is a loud banging or clunking noise coming from underneath the car.
This noise is most noticeable when driving over bumps, potholes, or other uneven surfaces.
The noise is caused by the metal control arm hitting the chassis of the vehicle as it moves up and down.
As the bushing wears down, it becomes less able to cushion the impact, resulting in a loud noise.
If you hear this noise, it’s important to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible as the control arm could eventually break, causing even more damage to your vehicle.
2. Vibrating Steering Wheel
Another symptom of a bad control arm bushing is a vibrating steering wheel.
When the control arm bushings got worn on my daily driver, a Subaru Legacy, the vibration was so bad that it shook the entire car.
The bushings act as a link between the control arm and the chassis, so when they’re worn out, there’s nothing to absorb the vibrations from the road.
These vibrations are transferred to the steering wheel, resulting in a shake that can be quite noticeable, especially at higher speeds.
If you notice this symptom, it’s important to take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
If the bushings are damaged or worn, they will need to be replaced right away to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
3. Unresponsive Steering Wheel
Another symptom of a bad control arm bushing is an unresponsive steering wheel.
When the bushings are worn, they can cause the control arm to move more freely and become disconnected from the chassis of the vehicle.
This can lead to a lack of responsiveness in the steering, as well as an overall feeling of looseness or play in the steering.
If you notice that your vehicle is not responding as quickly to your inputs from the steering wheel or that it feels unresponsive and loose, a control arm bushing is most likely worn or broken.
4. Wheels Shaking while Driving
Wheels shaking is a common symptom of control arm bushing wear.
As the bushings get worn, they lose their ability to properly connect the control arm to the chassis.
This can cause the wheels to shake, especially at higher speeds or when accelerating hard due to excess play in the system.
If you notice that your wheels are shaking while driving, it could signify that your control arm bushings are worn and need to be replaced.
5. Unstable Breaking
A symptom of a bad control arm bushing that is often overlooked is unstable breaking.
When the bushings are worn, they can cause the control arm to move more freely.
Although the control arm bushings are not part of the braking system, they can indirectly cause braking problems.
If the control arm is not properly secured to the chassis, it can cause the brakes to feel unstable or unresponsive.
If you notice that your brakes feel loose or unresponsive, it could be a sign that your control arm bushings need to be replaced.
6. Uneven Tire Wear
Finally, one of the last symptoms of a bad control arm bushing is uneven or premature tire wear.
As the bushings wear down and the control arm becomes loose, it can cause the suspension to become misaligned.
This can lead to uneven or premature tire wear as the tires will not be able to make full contact with the road.
If you notice that your tires are showing signs of uneven wear, it’s usually due to an issue with the alignment but could be a sign that your vehicle’s control arm bushings are worn and need to be replaced.
Is It Safe to Drive with Bad Control Arm Bushings?
No, it’s not safe to drive with bad control arm bushings. Without properly functioning control arm bushings, your vehicle will not be able to drive safely as intended.
At some point in the life of your car or truck, you’ll likely experience problems with the control arm bushings.
These rubber pieces cushion the connection between the lower control arm and your vehicle’s chassis, so when they become damaged, they can compromise the handling and driving dynamics of your car.
If the bushings are damaged or worn, they will need to be replaced right away to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
Not only can worn-out or broken control arm bushings cause severe damage to the vehicle, but they could also cause the vehicle to lose control while driving, leading to an accident.
For these reasons, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of a bad control arm bushing and to take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection at the first sign of trouble.
What Should You Do If You Have Bad Control Arm Bushings?
If you think that your vehicle may have bad control arm bushings, the first thing you should do is take it to a mechanic for an inspection.
The mechanic will be able to assess the condition of your control arm bushings and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to get by just replacing the bushings.
However, if the control arm itself is damaged, you may need to have it replaced as well.
In any case, getting your vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that your car or truck is safe to drive.
Can You Replace Bad Control Arm Bushing Yourself?
Depending on your level of mechanical expertise, you may be able to replace the control arm bushings yourself.
It’s quite easy to replace the control arm bushings if you have the correct tools.
Hydraulic tools will make the job easier, but they can be done with hand tools as well.
You’ll need to remove the control arm from the vehicle to access the bushings.
There are plenty of tips on how to remove these bushings from the control arm by using, for example, C clamps.
Once the old bushings are removed, you’ll need to press the new ones into place.
Again, hydraulic tools will make this job easier, but you can use hand tools if necessary.
Once the new bushings are in place, you’ll need to reinstall the control arm and make sure that it is properly secured.
If everything is installed correctly, your vehicle should be back to driving as normal.
However, if you’re not comfortable replacing the control arm bushings yourself or are unsure about doing it correctly, it’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic for assistance.
How Much Does a Control Arm Bushing Replacement Cost?
Control arm bushings cost no more than $5 to $20 for common vehicles and up to $50 to $100 for high-end vehicles. The labor cost at a mechanic is typical $100 to $300, averaging at $150.
The cost of replacing control arm bushings will depend on the specific vehicle, the type, and the extent of the damage, as well as whether or not the entire control arm needs to be replaced.
In most cases, the total cost of replacing control arm bushings will be between $100 and $300.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to get by just replacing the rubber bushings. However, if your control arm is damaged, you may need to replace the entire arm, which will cost more.
It’s also important to note that the cost of replacing control arm bushings will vary depending on the specific vehicle.
For example, the cost of replacing control arm bushings on a luxury car or SUV will be higher than the cost of replacing them on a standard car or truck.
Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of replacing your control arm bushings is to take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
There, they will be able to assess the condition of your control arm bushings and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Once they have finished inspecting your vehicle, they will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the total cost.
Is the Control Arm Bushing Replacement Cost Worth It?
Unless your vehicle is on its last days before visiting the junkyard, it’s worth it to replace your control arm bushings.
Not only is this a relatively inexpensive repair, but replacing the control arm bushings will help ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Additionally, if you ignore the damage to your control arm bushings, there is a chance that it will get worse and lead to further damage.
As a result, the total cost of replacing your control arm bushings is likely to be much higher if you wait until the damage is more severe.
For these reasons, it’s best to replace your control arm bushings as soon as you notice any damage.
How to Prevent Control Arm Bushing Damage?
There are several things you can do to prevent control arm bushing damage.
First, make sure to have your vehicle regularly inspected by a mechanic.
During these inspections, the mechanic will be able to identify any damage to your control arm bushings or any other components of your suspension system.
In addition to getting regular vehicle inspections, you should also avoid driving on rough roads whenever possible.
Potholes, speed bumps, and other obstacles can put stress on your control arm bushings and lead to damage.
What is a Control Arm?
A control arm is a vital component that helps keep your wheel assembly attached to the vehicle.
The control arm consists of two parts: the upper control arm and the lower control arm.
The upper control arm is attached to the frame of the vehicle, while the lower control arm is attached to the steering knuckle.
Between the vehicle’s frame and the control arm, there is a rubber bushing and a ball joint that allows the control arm to pivot and also helps reduce vibration and noise.
Summary
If your control arm bushings are bad, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Not only is this a relatively inexpensive repair, but replacing the control arm bushings will help ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Additionally, if you ignore the damage to your control arm bushings, there is a chance that it will get worse and lead to further damage.
As a result, the total cost of replacing your control arm bushings is likely to be much higher if you wait until the damage is more severe.
For these reasons, it’s best to replace your control arm bushings as soon as you notice any damage.
To prevent control arm bushing damage, make sure to have your vehicle regularly inspected by a mechanic and avoid driving on rough roads whenever possible.
