Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Control arms

1987 Suzuki Swift control arms — what they do and when to service them

Referencing technical sources — the Suzuki Swift (SA/413) Factory Service Manual, Suspension section (1986–1988), and the Haynes Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro repair manual covering the era — confirms that the 1987 Suzuki Swift uses control arms. Up front it runs a MacPherson strut layout with lower control arms (wishbones) and a stabiliser link, while the rear uses a coil-sprung beam set-up with trailing arms and a lateral locator. So control arms are very much relevant on this model.

On a 1987 Swift, the control arms locate the front hubs, set camber and caster geometry, and let the suspension articulate via rubber bushes while the ball joint allows steering and vertical movement. When they’re in good nick, the car tracks straight, turns crisply, and looks after tyres. When they’re tired, the steering can feel vague and the Swift can chew through tyres faster than it should.

Common signs they’re due for attention include:

• Clunks over bumps or when braking/accelerating
• Wandering, tramlining, or vague steering feel
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear, especially on the inner edges
• Shimmy through the wheel or instability under hard braking

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front lower control arm bushes and the lower ball joints every 10,000–15,000 km (or at each service). Look for torn or oil-soaked rubber, cracked bush sleeves, and any play at the ball joint. A pry bar and a keen eye will usually reveal movement, any noticeable slop means replacement time. Always check fastener torque against the factory specs and recheck ride height on level ground.

Replacement tips for the 1987 Swift:

• Do both sides if one has failed — it keeps handling balanced.
• Get a wheel alignment straight after any arm, bush, or ball joint work.
• OE-style rubber bushes keep ride comfort, polyurethane sharpens response but can add NVH.
• The lower ball joint is typically serviceable separately on most 1987 Swift variants, replace it if there’s play, and consider a new arm if the bush sleeves or arm eyes are flogged out.
• If pressing bushes, use proper supports to avoid deforming the arm.

Given Aussie and Kiwi road conditions, many original bushes are long past their best. Fresh arms or quality bushes transform how these lightweight Swifts drive, help them sail through a WOF/rego check, and save money on tyres.

FAQs — 1987 Suzuki Swift control arms

Does a 1987 Suzuki Swift have front and rear control arms?
Yes. Technical manuals for the SA/413 platform specify front lower control arms in a MacPherson strut set-up, and rear trailing arms with a lateral locator. Both are forms of control arms that manage wheel position and geometry.

How long do the control arm bushes last?
It varies with roads and driving, but 80,000–150,000 km is typical. Age, oil contamination, and potholes shorten life. If the Swift feels floaty or is wearing tyres unevenly, it’s time for an inspection regardless of kilometres.

Can the lower ball joint be replaced without changing the whole arm?
On most 1987 Swift variants, yes — the lower ball joint is a separate, serviceable part. If the arm’s bush housings are ovalled or the arm is bent, replacing the complete arm is the better fix.