Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Control arms

1999 Subaru Forester control arms — purpose, maintenance, and when to replace

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 1999 Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester (SF series) Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension section) and Subaru parts catalogues specify a MacPherson strut front suspension that uses a steel lower control arm (A‑arm) on each side, with inner rubber bushes and a separate lower ball joint at the knuckle. The rear uses lateral links and a trailing arm, which function as control arms for wheel location. So, yes — control arms are relevant to this model.

On the Forester, the front lower control arms locate the wheel fore‑and‑aft and side‑to‑side, keeping alignment steady while the strut handles vertical movement. The inner bushes allow controlled flex to manage noise and vibration, while the outer ball joint lets the wheel steer and move through its arc. When they’re in good nick, the car tracks straight, the tyres wear evenly, and steering feels tight and predictable.

Typical signs it’s time to check or replace control arm bushes or ball joints include:

• Clunks over bumps, or a knock when braking or taking off
• Wandering or tramlining, vague steering, or a pull under brakes
• Uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear
• Vibration through the wheel or a “loose” front end feel

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control arms every 10,000–15,000 km. Look for cracked or oil‑soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, rust around the bush sleeves, and any play at the ball joint. Coastal and outback conditions can speed up wear and corrosion, so keep an eye on them after off‑road trips or a kerb strike.

When replacement rolls around, there are two common paths: press in new bushes and fit a new ball joint, or install a complete arm assembly. Refurbishing keeps OE arms but needs a press and care to align the bushes correctly, full arm assemblies can be quicker and often cost‑effective. Either way, have the pivot bolts torqued at ride height to avoid pre‑loading the bushes, and always book a wheel alignment afterwards.

For comfort and factory feel, OE‑style rubber bushes are the go. For a sharper, sportier response (with a bit more NVH), quality polyurethane bushes are an option. Given how much they influence safety and tyre life, this is one job that’s worth doing properly.

What control arms does a 1999 Subaru Forester have?

It runs a front MacPherson strut layout with a steel lower control arm on each side, using two inner rubber bushes and a separate lower ball joint. At the rear, lateral links and a trailing arm handle wheel location duties.

How often should the control arm bushes and ball joints be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval — check them at every service. Many Foresters see bushes and ball joints last well past 120,000–200,000 km, but harsh roads, off‑road use, and age can bring that forward. Replace at the first sign of cracking, torn boots, or play.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Absolutely. Changing arms, bushes, or the ball joint can shift camber and toe. A proper alignment restores handling, reduces tyre wear, and makes the steering feel right. Ensure the arm bolts are torqued at normal ride height before the alignment.