Is replacing a control arm expensive?
If just a single control arm needs replacing, it will typically cost between $50 and $100. If the damage is to the whole system, you would need to purchase a control arm kit for around $100 to $250 . Ask a certified auto mechanic for an accurate assessment of the problem and the full cost including labor.
How do you replace the front control arms on a Honda Civic?
Install the new control arms. Front: The lower control arm is held in place with two pivot bolts, sway bar end-links, and a lower ball joint. Use a pickle fork to remove the ball joint. Loosen the sway bar end-links and pivot bolts.
How does the suspension work on a Honda Civic?
The suspension system on your Honda Civic uses the control arm to hold the steering knuckle and axle housing in position as the wheel moves up and down on the road. If the control arm bends due to an accident or components on the assembly wear out, your ability to steer the vehicle will be impaired.
How do you install a lower control arm?
Unscrew the bushings mounting bolts from the back of the lower control arm. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket. Apply a coat of silicone grease to the bushings of the new lower control arm. Set the new control arm in place and fasten the bushings using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
How do you jack up a Honda Civic?
(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Civic – Honda-Tech.com) The upper control arm has a castle nut with a cotter pin in front of it. Use the pliers to remove the cotter pin. Then, use a 17mm socket to loosen the castle nut. Once the nut is off, grab your pickle fork to pry the upper ball joint off.
Install the new control arms. Front: The lower control arm is held in place with two pivot bolts, sway bar end-links, and a lower ball joint. Use a pickle fork to remove the ball joint. Loosen the sway bar end-links and pivot bolts.
Where does the lower control arm connect to?
Thus the lower control arm connects to the subframe at the front and back, to the suspension fork, stabilizer linkage and to the steering knuckle via the lower ball joint. First break the front 19mm bolt free with a breaker bar. Note all the cracks on the bushings, due for replacement.
(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Civic – Honda-Tech.com) The upper control arm has a castle nut with a cotter pin in front of it. Use the pliers to remove the cotter pin. Then, use a 17mm socket to loosen the castle nut. Once the nut is off, grab your pickle fork to pry the upper ball joint off.
How much does it cost to replace a lower control arm?
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.
How long should control arms last?
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. Various parts of the assembly may wear out as well, such as the bushings or ball joints.
How much does it cost to repair lower control arm?
From our research, the average professional repair costs, including parts, will be in the $175 to $425 range. Keep in mind that this is the price for the control arm only and will not include additional parts if needed.
What are the symptoms of a bad control arm?
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with bad control arms is steering wheel vibrations. If the bushings or ball joints in the control arm become excessively worn it can cause wheel shimmy, which may cause vibrations felt in the wheel.
How do you install lower control arm?
How to Install Control Arm Bushings Step 1 – Take off the Wheels Step 2 – Place Jack Stands Step 3 – Remove the Wheels and the Nuts Step 4 – Take out the Lower Control Arm Step 5 – Remove the Control Arm Bushings Step 6 – Center the New Control Arm Bushings on the Bracket Step 7 – Install the Control Arm Bushings Step 8 – Place Everything Back
When do the control arms need to be replaced?
Test drive the car on the freeway. Torn and worn out control arms or bent control arms will cause a car’s steering to vibrate.