Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Control arms

1998 Ford Falcon control arms — what they do and how to look after them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 1998 Ford Falcon. Technical sources including the Ford AU Falcon Workshop Manual (1998, Section 204-01: Front Suspension) and Gregory’s Ford Falcon & Fairmont 1994–1998 Service and Repair Manual confirm that 1998 Falcons (EL and early AU) run a short-long-arm/double-wishbone front end with upper and lower control arms and bushes. AU models fitted with IRS (selected XR and premium variants) also employ rear control arms as part of the multi-link assembly, while live-axle rears use trailing/control arms to locate the diff.

On this Falcon, the control arms keep the front wheels located correctly through suspension travel, maintaining camber, caster and toe so the car steers straight and the tyres wear evenly. The arms pivot on bushes and connect to the steering knuckle via a ball joint, letting the wheel move up and down without shaking the steering or braking stability. When things are in good nick, it feels planted and confident, when they’re tired, it can wander and chew tyres.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control-arm bushes and ball joints every 20,000 km or 12 months. Look for cracked or oil-soaked bushes, split dust boots, and play at the ball joint. Many owners choose to replace worn bushes with quality rubber for OE ride and noise control, or polyurethane for sharper response. Complete arm assemblies are available and can save time versus pressing bushes, especially where the ball joint is integrated.

If replacement is needed, torque the pivot bolts with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. Always follow workshop-manual procedures, and book a proper wheel alignment afterwards — the Falcon’s front end relies on correct camber, caster and toe to behave. Expect a noticeable lift in steering feel and braking stability when the arms and bushes are fresh.

• Tell-tales of worn control arms on a 1998 Falcon:
  • Clunks over bumps or when braking
  • Steering wander or tramlining at highway speeds
  • Uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear
  • Brake shimmy or vibration
  • Visible bush cracking or ball joint play

Does a 1998 Ford Falcon have control arms?

Yes. The front suspension uses upper and lower control arms in an SLA/double-wishbone layout, as noted in the Ford AU Falcon Workshop Manual and Gregory’s Falcon/Fairmont manual. Some AU variants with IRS also use rear control arms as part of the multi-link setup.

What are common signs the control-arm bushes or ball joints are worn?

Clunks over potholes, steering wander, brake shimmy, and uneven tyre wear are the big clues. A visual check for cracked bushes or split ball-joint boots helps confirm it. Any looseness should be addressed promptly for safety and to protect tyres.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Absolutely. The Falcon’s camber, caster and toe are affected when arms or bushes are changed. A professional alignment restores straight-line stability, steering feel and even tyre wear.