Control Arm Replacement
Also called wishbone replacement
The control arm, often called a wishbone, is the main arm holding the wheel hub to the car body, pivoting on bushes at one end and a ball joint at the other. Potholes bend them, and heat and rough roads destroy the bushes. Replacement is needed when the arm is bent or cracked, or when its bushes and joint are not supplied separately. Wheel alignment afterwards is part of the job.
What the job includes
- Inspection of the arm for bending, cracking and corrosion
- Bush and ball joint play tested under load on a lift
- Complete arm replacement with new fasteners where specified
- Bolts tightened at normal ride height to avoid preloading bushes
- Inspection of the strut, link and tie rod at the same corner
- Wheel alignment after fitting
Signs you need this
- Heavy knock from one corner after hitting a pothole
- Steering pulls to one side and alignment will not hold
- Tyre on one side wearing rapidly on an edge
- Visible bend, crack or damage to the arm
- Clunk when moving off or braking
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
How we do it
Inspect on a lift
The arm, its bushes and ball joint are examined and levered to separate genuine damage from normal movement.
Remove the old arm
The ball joint is separated from the hub and pivot bolts are removed, often with heat where corrosion is heavy.
Fit and torque
The new arm is fitted with correct fasteners and bolts are tightened at ride height, not with the suspension hanging.
Align and road test
Camber and toe are set on alignment equipment and the car is road tested for noise and pull.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book control arm replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
Before you book
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, ask it. We would rather answer honestly now than have you find out after booking.