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The suspension system of any vehicle consists of tires, wheels, shock absorbers, springs, joints, bearings, and bushings. The lower control arm, for example, has a lower control arm bushing which allows that arm to stay attached to the frame. The upper control arm has a similar bushing.
In respect to this, how much does it cost to replace a lower control arm bushing?
The cost to replace a control arm bushing will vary greatly depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The cost for a new bushing ranges between $5 and $150, while the average labor costs are between $100 and $300. This means you're looking at a total of between $105 and $450 for one bushing replacement.
Beside this, is it OK to drive with bad control arm bushings?
When bushings wear, they allow more movement. The driver may feel a shimmy from the front of the vehicle, or hear clunking or rattling noises on rough roads, when turning the wheel or in hard braking. Worn control-arm bushings can allow the vehicle's front end to slip out of alignment and cause premature tire wear.
Noise: A knocking or thumping noise — especially when going over bumps — can indicate a bad control arm bushing. This happens because the worn bushing no longer holds the control arm firmly in place. Instead, the arm bangs around, causing a noise. Bad control arm bushings can also make a car pull to one side.