Suspension and steering · Car
Control arm cost
By vehicle type
| Parts | Labour | Independent garage | Main dealer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City car | £45 – £120 | £60 – £180 | £105 – £300 | £155 – £495 |
| Family car, SUV | £65 – £165 | £60 – £180 | £125 – £345 | £175 – £555 |
| Premium | £110 – £330 | £60 – £180 | £170 – £510 | £225 – £770 |
Total incl. VAT · United Kingdom
By country
| Country | Hourly rate | Independent garage | Main dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €65 – €140 | €135 – €360 | €175 – €515 |
| Belgium | €60 – €125 | €130 – €355 | €165 – €490 |
| Switzerland | CHF 110 – CHF 210 | CHF 205 – CHF 545 | CHF 260 – CHF 735 |
| Germany | €80 – €190 | €150 – €420 | €200 – €615 |
| Austria | €85 – €185 | €155 – €435 | €210 – €610 |
| Spain | €45 – €90 | €115 – €305 | €140 – €405 |
| Italy | €40 – €80 | €110 – €295 | €135 – €390 |
| Portugal | €35 – €75 | €105 – €275 | €130 – €375 |
| Netherlands | €75 – €150 | €145 – €395 | €185 – €540 |
| United Kingdom | £60 – £170 | £125 – £345 | £175 – £555 |
Family car, SUV. Method
What changes the price
The hourly rate: it can double between a small-town independent and a city-centre dealer.
Parts quality: genuine, original-equipment brand or aftermarket.
Access: on some engines other parts must come off before the mechanic can reach the job.
Related problems
Frequently asked questions
How much does a control arm cost?
At an independent garage, expect £125 to £345, parts and labour included. Main dealer: £175 – £555.
Why is the dealer more expensive?
Dealer hourly rates run 40 to 60% higher on average, and genuine parts cost more than their original-equipment equivalents. Under EU rules, servicing outside the dealer network does not void the manufacturer warranty.
What is book time?
It is the reference time set for a given job. Garages bill that time even if they work faster. If a quote shows far more hours than book time, ask why. Book time: 1 – 2 h.
Data updated October 2026. Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.