Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Control arms

1997 Ford Falcon control-arms: what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 1997 Ford Falcon. The Ford EL Falcon Workshop Manual (1996–1998), Gregory’s Ford Falcon EF–EL 1994–1998 Service and Repair Manual (No. 270), and Ellery’s EF–EL Repair Manual all document a front double-wishbone layout with upper and lower control arms and ball joints. Sedan models run a live rear axle with trailing control arms and a Watts linkage, while wagons use a leaf-spring rear (so rear control arms don’t apply on wagons). Either way, the 1997 Falcon definitely relies on control arms up front.

On a ’97 Falcon, control arms are the unsung heroes that locate the front wheels, let the suspension move smoothly, and keep alignment angles where they should be. The bushes in each arm soak up vibration and road harshness, while the ball joints allow the hub to pivot for steering. Together, the arms set camber and, with the radius/caster rods, influence caster and stability. When everything’s healthy, the car tracks straight, steers cleanly, and wears tyres evenly.

As part of routine servicing, it pays to give the control arms a once-over. Look for split or oil-soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, and any play. Most OE-style ball joints are sealed, so there’s no greasing required, but aftermarket options can be greasable. If bushes or ball joints are flogged out, the owner will notice clunks over bumps, vague steering, or feathered tyres.

• Inspect at every service (10,000–15,000 km) or sooner if there are knocks, shudders, or pull under braking.
• Replace arms or components in pairs across an axle to keep handling balanced.
• Always tighten arm-to-chassis bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes.
• Book a wheel alignment after any arm, bush, ball joint, or radius/caster rod work.

DIYers should use a proper ball joint separator, new nyloc/cotter hardware where specified, and follow workshop-manual torque specs. If the upper arm shims or caster rod bushes are disturbed, an alignment is non-negotiable. For higher-mileage Falcons, fresh rubber bushes restore ride comfort, polyurethane can sharpen steering feel, though it may add some NVH. With quality parts and correct setup, a 1997 Ford Falcon rewards the effort with steady steering, even tyre wear, and fewer surprises on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Popular questions

Do all 1997 Ford Falcons have rear control arms?
Front control arms are on every ’97 Falcon. For the rear, sedans use trailing control arms with a Watts linkage. Wagons run a leaf-spring rear setup, so they don’t have rear trailing control arms in the same way. Either body style still benefits from regular front control-arm checks.

How long do control-arm bushes and ball joints last on a ’97 Falcon?
Anywhere from about 100,000 to 200,000 km is common, depending on roads, loads, and driving style. Signs they’re due include clunks on take-off or over bumps, steering wander, and uneven tyre wear. Once movement or torn boots are found, replacement is the smart move.

Is a wheel alignment required after replacing control arms?
Yes. Changing arms, bushes, ball joints, or caster-rod bushes alters geometry. A professional alignment is essential to set camber and caster correctly, keep the steering wheel centred, and protect those tyres.