Acura TSX Control Arm Replacement Cost
Between $444 and $478
The average cost for an Acura TSX Control Arm Replacement is between $444 and $478. Labor costs are estimated between $129 and $163 while parts are typically priced around $315. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Decoding the Acura TSX Control Arm Replacement Cost
Your Acura TSX is a sophisticated machine, and its suspension system plays a crucial role in its handling, ride comfort, and overall safety. At the heart of this system are the control arms. When these components wear out or become damaged, they can significantly impact your driving experience and potentially lead to more serious issues. Understanding the Acura TSX control arm replacement cost is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
The Acura TSX control arm replacement cost can fluctuate based on several factors. Here's a look at what influences the final price:
Pricing Comparison Table
| Component | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Control Arm (Part) | $150 – $350 |
| Labor (per arm) | $70 – $120 |
| Alignment (Post-Repair) | $80 – $150 |
| Total (per arm) | $300 – $620 |
Note: These are general estimates and can vary significantly.
Regional Cost Variations
The cost of living and labor rates differ dramatically by region. You might find that the Acura TSX control arm replacement cost is higher in major metropolitan areas compared to rural settings. For instance, a repair in California or New York will likely be more expensive than in a state with lower operating costs.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts Costs
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Shop Type Differences (Dealership vs. Independent)
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Factors Affecting Cost
Several elements can influence the final Acura TSX control arm replacement cost:
Vehicle Mileage Impact
As your Acura TSX accumulates mileage, components like control arms naturally wear down. Higher mileage vehicles may require more frequent replacements or might have other suspension components that are also nearing the end of their lifespan, potentially leading to combined repair costs.
Geographic Location Effects
As mentioned, your physical location is a significant factor. Labor rates, parts availability, and even taxes can vary substantially from one state or city to another.
Additional Repairs Commonly Needed
Control arm replacement often goes hand-in-hand with other suspension work. When a control arm is worn, it can put extra stress on related components such as:
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Factor these potential additional repairs into your overall budget.
Seasonal Pricing Variations
While less common for routine maintenance like control arm replacement, some shops might offer promotions or discounts during certain times of the year, like end-of-year sales or specific service campaigns.
Diagnostic & Repair Process
Understanding how control arm issues are diagnosed and repaired can help you appreciate the associated costs.
How are control arm issues diagnosed?
Diagnosing a worn control arm typically involves a combination of methods:
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
How is a control arm replaced?
The process for replacing a control arm on your Acura TSX generally involves these steps:
- Vehicle Lifting and Support: The vehicle is safely lifted onto a hydraulic hoist, and the affected wheel and tire are removed.
- Component Disconnection:
- Lower Control Arm: The lower control arm is disconnected from the steering knuckle (where the ball joint is located) and from its mounting points on the vehicle's frame or subframe.
- Upper Control Arm: The upper control arm is disconnected from the strut tower (on the body) and the top of the steering knuckle.
- Bushings: Some control arms come with pre-installed bushings, while others require the bushings to be pressed into the new control arm before installation. This pressing process requires specialized tools.
- Installation: The new control arm is fitted into place, and all bolts and nuts are tightened to manufacturer specifications.
- Reassembly: The wheel and tire are reinstalled.
- Wheel Alignment: A professional wheel alignment is performed to ensure all suspension angles are correct.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Can I replace the control arm myself?
Replacing a control arm is generally considered an intermediate-level DIY (Do-It-Yourself) project.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Given the complexity and safety concerns, many vehicle owners opt to have this repair performed by a professional.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a failing control arm is crucial for timely Acura TSX control arm replacement cost management and safety.
Early Detection Indicators
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Performance Impacts
A worn control arm directly affects your vehicle's:
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Dashboard Warning Signals
While there isn't a specific "control arm warning light," issues with the suspension can sometimes trigger other related warning lights, such as the ABS or traction control lights, due to sensor input being affected by the faulty suspension geometry.
When to Seek Immediate Repair
If you notice any of the following, it's best to stop driving and have your vehicle inspected immediately:
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Minimizing the Acura TSX control arm replacement cost without compromising quality is achievable with a few smart strategies.
Getting Multiple Quotes
Never settle for the first quote you receive. Contact several reputable repair shops in your area, including dealerships and independent mechanics, and request detailed estimates for the control arm replacement. Compare not only the total cost but also what is included (e.g., alignment, specific parts used).
Best Timing for Repairs
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
Warranty Considerations
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are parts made by Acura or its authorized suppliers. They are designed to meet the exact specifications of your TSX, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. OEM parts generally come with a higher price tag.
- Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. While they can offer significant cost savings, the quality and longevity can vary. It's crucial to choose reputable aftermarket brands to ensure reliability.
DIY Feasibility Assessment
If you are mechanically inclined and have the necessary tools and a safe workspace, consider tackling the repair yourself. However, carefully assess the complexity, especially the need for a hydraulic press for bushings and the critical requirement of a professional wheel alignment afterward. The cost of tools and the risk of error might outweigh the savings for many DIYers.
FAQ Section
How much does Acura TSX Control Arm Replacement Cost?
The average Acura TSX Control Arm Replacement Cost ranges from $444 to $478, with parts typically costing around $315 and labor between $129 and $163. This estimate can vary based on your location, the specific parts used (OEM vs. aftermarket), and whether additional related repairs are needed.
Can I drive with this problem?
While you might be able to drive with a worn control arm for a short period, it's not recommended. A failing control arm compromises your vehicle's handling, braking, and stability, increasing the risk of an accident. It can also lead to accelerated tire wear and damage to other suspension components. It's best to get it repaired as soon as possible.
How long does Acura TSX Control Arm Replacement take?
The time it takes to replace a control arm can vary depending on the specific vehicle, the shop's efficiency, and whether additional components need to be replaced. Typically, replacing one control arm can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. This estimate often includes time for the post-repair wheel alignment, which is essential.
What causes this issue?
Control arms wear out due to normal driving conditions. The rubber bushings that connect the control arm to the vehicle's frame deteriorate over time from constant stress, flexing, and exposure to road contaminants. Hitting potholes, curbs, or even rough roads can accelerate this wear or cause the control arm itself to bend or break.
Ready to get your Acura TSX's suspension checked? Find a trusted mechanic near you and get a personalized quote today to ensure your vehicle handles safely and smoothly.
