Parts for your 1996 Daihatsu Gran move-Control arms

1996 Daihatsu Gran Move control-arms

Based on technical references including the Daihatsu Pyzar/Gran Move workshop manual (G30 series, 1996–2002), the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and common aftermarket listings for bushes and ball joints (e.g., Nolathane/Autodata catalogues), the 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move is fitted with front lower control-arms as part of its MacPherson strut front suspension. The rear end uses a torsion-beam with trailing arms, so “control-arms” apply primarily to the front.

The control-arms on a 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move link the front wheels to the subframe, letting the struts move up and down while keeping the wheel’s geometry in check. Each arm carries a ball joint at the hub end and rubber (or polyurethane) bushes at the chassis end. Together they manage camber and caster through the suspension’s travel, keeping the steering feel tidy and tyre wear even. When the bushes crack or the ball joint loosens up, the Gran Move can start to feel vague, tramline over ruts, or clunk on take-off and braking.

Regular inspection is a smart move. At each service or WOF, look for torn ball joint boots, perished bushes, rust at mounting points, and any play. With the car safely lifted, lever the arm gently to check bush movement, and check vertical play at 12 and 6 o’clock on the wheel for ball joint looseness. Uneven front tyre wear, a shimmy under braking, or a pull to one side are common tells that the arms or their bushes are tired.

Replacement can be done two ways: press in new bushes and a separate ball joint, or fit complete new arms with the joint already installed. Complete arms often save time and can be cost-effective, while bush-only replacements let you choose stiffer aftermarket materials for crisper steering. Either way, always tighten the arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes, use new self-locking nuts where specified, and book a wheel alignment straight after. It’s good practice to do both sides together so braking and steering behaviour stays balanced.

On Aussie and Kiwi roads, control-arm bushes typically last anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 kilometres, but potholes, corrugations, and age can shorten that. If you’re hearing front-end knocks, noticing wandering at motorway speeds, or seeing fresh inner-edge tyre wear, it’s time to get those arms checked. Keep them healthy and the Gran Move will track straight, steer predictably, and look after its tyres.

• Common symptoms: clunks over bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, braking shimmy.
• Service tips: inspect at every service/WOF, torque fasteners at ride height, align after replacement.
• Parts choice: complete arms for convenience, bushes/ball joint only for cost or performance tuning.

Popular questions about 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move control-arms

Do Gran Moves have control-arms front and rear?
Yes at the front, the Gran Move uses MacPherson struts with lower control-arms. The rear is a torsion-beam with trailing arms, so there aren’t traditional upper/lower control-arms at the back. Most wear-and-tear work you’ll do is on the front arms, bushes, and ball joints.

How long do control-arm bushes last on a Gran Move?
Expect roughly 80,000–150,000 km, depending on road conditions, loads, and driving style. Heat, age, and rough roads accelerate wear. Keep an eye out for cracked bushes, steering wander, and inner-edge tyre wear—those are early warnings that the bushes are on the way out.

Can the bushes be replaced, or do the whole arms need doing?
You can do either. Pressing in new bushes (and a separate ball joint if needed) can save money and allows polyurethane upgrades. Complete arms are quicker to fit and include a new ball joint, which is great if everything’s worn. Always get a wheel alignment afterward.