Parts for your 1998 Subaru Forester-Control arms

1998 Subaru Forester Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace Them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 1998 Subaru Forester. Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SF-series Forester (1997–2002), the Subaru parts catalogue for the same model years (listing “Front arm complete, lower” and the separate front lower ball joint), and the Haynes Repair Manual (Subaru Impreza & Forester 1993–2008) all document a front MacPherson strut suspension with a lower control arm (also called a transverse link). The rear suspension uses struts with lateral links and a trailing arm, which function as control arms for wheel location and alignment control.

On this Forester, the front lower control arms connect the body to the steering knuckle, keeping the wheel located precisely while the strut manages vertical motion. The arm’s rubber bushes isolate vibration and let the arm pivot smoothly, and the lower ball joint lets the knuckle steer and move with suspension travel. Together they hold camber and caster in check under braking, cornering, and bumps, which protects tyre wear and keeps the steering feel tidy.

When servicing a 1998 Forester, it’s worth giving the arms, bushes, and ball joints a once-over at regular intervals—especially if it’s seen gravel, corrugations, or beach work. Typical tell-tales that the control arms or associated parts are due include:

• Clunks over bumps, front-end shimmy, or a vague/wandering steering feel
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear, pulling under braking, or poor self-centring
• Torn or oil-soaked bushes, split ball joint boots or grease leakage

Replacement advice is pretty straightforward. If the arm is straight and corrosion-free, fresh bushes and a new ball joint can restore it nicely. If the arm is bent, cracked, or badly rusted, swap the complete assembly. Always torque arm-to-body bolts with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes, and replace the ball joint pinch bolt and nut if they’re corroded. Because alignment can shift (camber/caster) when arms are disturbed, a wheel alignment is recommended straight after the job. Expect to recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres on rough roads.

Maintenance-wise, rinse the underbody after beach trips, inspect every 20,000 km or annually, and avoid jacking under the arm’s thin sections. Quality parts and fresh hardware go a long way to keeping an SF Forester tight and predictable on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Does the 1998 Forester have rear control arms?

It doesn’t use a single rear “A-arm” like some cars. Instead, it has lateral links and a trailing arm per side. These components do the control-arm job: locating the hub and controlling toe and camber through suspension travel.

Should the bushes be replaced, or the whole control arm?

If the arm is straight and solid, pressing in new bushes and fitting a new ball joint is cost-effective. If the arm is bent, cracked, or heavily corroded, replacing the complete arm is the smarter, safer call.

Is a wheel alignment required after control arm work?

Yes. Disturbing the arms or ball joints can alter camber and caster. A proper alignment protects tyre life and restores the intended steering feel.