Anyone do this themselves? Repair shop wants $1000. But I think I can do this myself. I have access to a lift for $16.00 an hour.
Any help would be appreciated.
Any help would be appreciated.
Lower Control Arm Replacement
- Thread starter Kanewpadle
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DWalt
Member
There are numerous how-to videos on YouTube. I have never done that job, but it does not seem that it would be very difficult. But different vehicles might have different levels of difficulty.
Parts and labor for two new lower control arms?
If that’s just labor for one, I’d be calling around or doing it myself
If that’s just labor for one, I’d be calling around or doing it myself
OP
LVSteve
Member
What kind of vehicle?
Fishinfool
Member
Not that difficult - depends on the car. I have done a few front end re-builds on older cars. Best advice would be to watch a video or two featuring your particular vehicle. Might need a hammer / pickle type pry bar.
Usually best to replace both at the same time. May or may not need a front end alignment afterwords if you find it pulling to one side or the other.
Larry
Usually best to replace both at the same time. May or may not need a front end alignment afterwords if you find it pulling to one side or the other.
Larry
$1k? Ive never seen any lower control arm that expensive to replace. OK..maybe a McLaren 720S...
OP
2001 Chevy Malibu. That’s both control arms.
Watching videos now. Doesn’t look too bad.
Watching videos now. Doesn’t look too bad.
riverrat38
US Veteran
Sounds like the shop owner has a boat payment due. The last work I had done, they charged $132/hr shop time. That was 4 months ago. If it is a more or less easy job, they should get it done in a couple of hours. Sounds like a $500. job. Plus tax and misc costs, which can add up.
73,
Rick
73,
Rick
Grayfox
US Veteran
Just be very careful of the springs. If you let it get away, it could seriously injure and possibly kill you. 
Many auto parts stores have spring compressors in their loaner tools.
When I was still working we put the car on a lift and then used a transmission jack under the control arm to slowly relieve the pressure and remove the springs. Reverse to put back together.
Many auto parts stores have spring compressors in their loaner tools.
When I was still working we put the car on a lift and then used a transmission jack under the control arm to slowly relieve the pressure and remove the springs. Reverse to put back together.
JJEH
Member
I'm not familiar with that vehicle but get yourself a helper, the special tools, double check on youtube and/or a repair catalog (do we still have those?) and you'll be fine. Remember to get an alignment afterwards.
Rich Richardson
Member
If the car is very rusty you might have the bolts siezed in the bushings. Try loosening the bolts first.
Getting the rear bushing to slide into the frame can be difficult. It won’t go in straight due to the end hitting the the hub and knuckle. I sometimes remove the axle nut to swing the knuckle out of the way.
If the bolts are seized they’ll have to be torched out. If so, call different shops for estimates. Should be about 2 hours labor per side.
Call Rock Auto and others to price out the part so you can look at the estimates with some knowledge.
Make sure the estimates give you parts and labor individually.
Getting the rear bushing to slide into the frame can be difficult. It won’t go in straight due to the end hitting the the hub and knuckle. I sometimes remove the axle nut to swing the knuckle out of the way.
If the bolts are seized they’ll have to be torched out. If so, call different shops for estimates. Should be about 2 hours labor per side.
Call Rock Auto and others to price out the part so you can look at the estimates with some knowledge.
Make sure the estimates give you parts and labor individually.
How about shop around at other garages/other mechanics?
It's been 25 years since I did that for a living...I have no clue on current pricing...I would ask for an itemized estimate, then compare it to other itemized estimates from other shops...Ask if you're buying new or used parts, is a 4 wheel alignment included?...If you feel competent to do the work safely yourself, you'll save the labor...
...Ben
...Ben
OP
Thanks for all the replies. I think I can do this easy enough if I plan ahead.
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I removed and replaced the lower and upper control arms in my 1966 Corvette about 10 years ago, but I did send them out for powder coating and the riveting of new ball joints. Don't think I would attempt that now.
pantannojack
US Veteran
I went for e250 alignment at a chain mech shop. They wanted 600 for tie rod ends. I priced parts at 500 . Took a close look and just tightened f wheel bearings. Problem solved.
Does your estimate include alignment?
Does your estimate include alignment?
