Parts for your 1998 Daihatsu Gran move-Control arms

1998 Daihatsu Gran Move Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace Them

Yes, the 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move (also known as the Pyzar, G301/G303 series) uses control arms. Technical sources including the Daihatsu workshop manual for the G3-series front suspension, the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for Gran Move/Pyzar, and aftermarket catalogues that list complete front lower arm assemblies with bushes and ball joint for 1996–2002 models all confirm a MacPherson strut front end with pressed-steel lower control arms. The rear is a torsion-beam layout, so the “control arm” term mainly applies to the front.

On this Gran Move, the front lower control arms locate the hub and strut in the right spot so the tyres track straight, steer cleanly, and keep their camber and caster where they should be. Each arm carries two rubber bushes and a ball joint, soaking up bumps and keeping vibration out of the cabin. When the bushes or ball joint wear, you’ll often get clunks over potholes, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and a bit of shimmy under braking.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control arm bushes and the ball joint every 20,000–30,000 km, or at each WOF. Look for torn or oil-soaked rubber, cracked bush shoulders, and any play in the ball joint. If the bushes are shot, you can press in new ones, but many owners go for complete arm assemblies to save time and get fresh bushes and a new joint in one go.

When replacing, support the hub, crack fasteners with the vehicle safely raised, and torque the pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. It’s good practice to replace both sides if wear is similar, and always book a wheel alignment afterwards — new arms can tweak camber and toe. If the vehicle has a pull or the tyres are feathering, ask the aligner to check the strut tops and sway bar links too, as they can mimic control arm issues.

• Typical signs to act on: knocking on rough roads, steering wander, brake shudder not caused by discs, and inner/outer tyre edge wear.
• Use quality arms/bushes to keep NVH low and geometry stable, especially if the car carries family or loads often.

Popular questions about 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move control arms

Does the 1998 Gran Move have control arms front and rear?
Up front, yes — a MacPherson strut with a lower control arm and ball joint. The rear is a torsion-beam arrangement with trailing arms, not conventional “control arms”, so most servicing talk about control arms relates to the front only.

How often should the control arm bushes and ball joint be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, as it depends on roads and loads. Many last well beyond 120,000 km, but they should be inspected every service. Replace if there’s play, torn bushes, or knock/noise. City kerbs, rough corrugations, or fluid contamination can shorten life.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Absolutely. New arms and bushes can shift camber and toe. A post-repair alignment protects your tyres and restores proper steering feel.