FORD Explorer Control arm replacement

The cost varies by year, engine size, and your location. Use the estimator above for an accurate breakdown of parts and labour specific to your FORD Explorer.

Common parts for this repair include: Control arm (wishbone) – front, Control arm – rear, Control arm bushing.

Control arm replacement on a FORD Explorer typically takes 1.5–4.5 hours of labour at a garage.

For a FORD Explorer, control arm replacement is typically needed as needed—typically every 80,000–150,000 miles; bushings wear before the arm itself.

Control arm pricing depends on whether the arm is replaced complete or just the bushings are pressed. Pressing new bushings is cheaper in parts but requires a press and more labour time — ask which option is being recommended and why. A wheel alignment is always required after control arm or bushing replacement; if it is not in the quote, add it. A quality aftermarket control arm with pre-pressed bushings costs $60–$200 depending on the FORD and position. If both sides are worn similarly, replacing both together saves a second alignment fee.

An independent with wheel alignment capability is the correct choice. A 4-wheel alignment after control arm replacement is mandatory — without it, the car will pull, tyre wear will be uneven and handling will be imprecise. Confirm alignment is included or quoted separately before booking. No dealer-specific tools are required for control arm replacement on most FORD models. Dealer pricing is substantially higher for the same quality parts and the same outcome.

Yes — quality aftermarket control arms are widely used and appropriate. Moog, Meyle-HD, TRW, Lemforder and Febi Bilstein are reputable brands with OEM-equivalent specifications. Meyle-HD arms use uprated polyurethane or reinforced bushing compounds that outlast standard rubber on vehicles used in wet or salty conditions — worth considering for a FORD operated year-round. Avoid cheap no-name control arms; bushing compound quality and ball joint preload vary significantly and directly affect handling precision and safety.

The control arm is the structural link between the wheel hub and the chassis. The ball joint is the pivot point at the end of the control arm that allows the wheel to steer and move vertically. On many FORD models, the ball joint is pressed into the control arm — when the ball joint is worn, the entire arm is replaced as a unit. On others, the ball joint is a separate bolt-in component and can be replaced independently. A mechanic should clarify which type your FORD has before quoting. Separate ball joints are cheaper; arm replacement is more expensive but includes fresh bushings at both ends.

At 1.5–4.5 hours of labour this repair requires a solid level of mechanical knowledge and the proper tools. Most owners prefer to use a professional to ensure the job is done correctly and backed by a parts-and-labour warranty.