Parts for your 1997 Daihatsu Gran move-Control arms

1997 Daihatsu Gran Move Control Arms

Yes — control arms are used on the 1997 Daihatsu Gran Move. Technical sources including the Daihatsu Gran Move/Pyzar (M100/M110 series) workshop manual and Daihatsu EPC list a MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms (also called lower wishbones) and a front ball joint. The rear is a torsion beam/trailing arm setup, so there aren’t conventional rear control arms on this model.

On the Gran Move, the front lower control arms locate each front wheel, keep camber in check, and let the strut do its damping without the hub wandering about. The arms pivot on two rubber bushes at the subframe and connect to the steering knuckle via a ball joint, so they soak up vibration while still giving crisp steering. When the bushes or ball joints wear, the whole front end can feel a bit loose, and tyres can start scrubbing out.

As part of routine servicing on a 1997 Daihatsu Gran Move, it’s worth giving the control arms a proper once-over. Look for cracked or oil-swollen bushes, torn ball joint boots, and any rust or deformation in the arm itself. A road test helps too — listen for clunks over speed humps and feel for steering wander or shimmy under brakes.

• Common symptoms: clunks on bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and a pull or vibration at 80–100 km/h.
• Basic checks: pry-bar test for bush movement, wheel-off-ground check for ball joint play (12-and-6 o’clock), and visual inspection of dust boots.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic, but it’s a job where doing both sides pays off. Many Gran Move owners opt for complete arms with pre-fitted bushes and ball joints — it saves pressing time and usually lasts longer than just swapping bushes. If reusing hardware, inspect bolts and nuts, replace any single-use fasteners and always torque at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. After fitting, a full wheel alignment is non-negotiable to protect those tyres and restore proper handling.

Quality parts matter on our rougher Aussie and Kiwi roads. OE-equivalent or reputable aftermarket arms with high-grade rubber (or quality urethane if you can live with a firmer ride) will keep the little Daihatsu tracking straight for many more kilometres. If any step feels sketchy, a trusted workshop can press bushes, set torque to spec, and align it all spot on.

Q: Does the 1997 Daihatsu Gran Move have front or rear control arms?

It has front lower control arms as part of its MacPherson strut setup. The rear uses a torsion beam/trailing arm arrangement, so there aren’t typical multi-link rear control arms to service or replace.

Q: How do you tell if the Gran Move’s control arm bushes or ball joints are worn?

Look for cracked or leaking bush material and torn ball joint boots. On a test drive, clunks over bumps, wandering steering, and uneven tyre wear are red flags. With the wheel lifted, any play at 12-and-6 o’clock can point to a tired ball joint.

Q: Should you replace just the bushes/ball joint or the whole control arm?

For many owners, a complete arm is the best value — new bushes and ball joint pre-fitted, less downtime, and reliable results. Replacing bushes alone can work if you’ve got the right press tools and the arm is otherwise in top nick.