Parts for your 2005 Ford Falcon-Control arms

2005 Ford Falcon control arms — what they do and how to look after them

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2005 Ford Falcon. Technical sources including the Ford Falcon BA/BF Workshop Manual (Front Suspension 204‑01 and Rear Suspension 204‑02) and Gregory’s Ford Falcon BA–BF Repair Manual confirm the front suspension uses upper and lower control arms (short/long arm design). BA MkII and early BF sedans with Independent Rear Suspension (the “Control Blade” IRS) also use rear upper and lower control arms with a trailing blade and toe link. Utes and some wagons run a live rear axle (no rear control arms), but still have the same control-arm setup up front.

On a 2005 Falcon, the control arms locate each wheel in the correct position while allowing the hub to move up and down smoothly. The rubber (and often fluid‑filled) bushes in the arms isolate noise and vibration, while the ball joints let the wheels steer and articulate. Together, they hold camber and caster in spec, helping the Falcon track straight, steer crisply and wear tyres evenly.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but the BA/BF platform is known for wear in the front lower control arm rear bushes and upper ball joints. Ford service bulletins and the workshop procedures note checks for knocks over bumps, shudder under braking, tramlining, and inner-edge tyre wear. A visual inspection for torn bushes or leaking hydraulic bushes, plus a pry‑bar check for play, should be part of regular servicing (every 20,000 km or when tyres are rotated).

• Common symptoms: clunks over speed humps, steering wander, vibration under braking, uneven tyre wear, and squeaks at low speed.
• Best practice: replace worn bushes or complete arms with quality components, always do a wheel alignment afterwards.

DIY or workshop, a few BA/BF specifics matter. Torque the arm pivot bolts at ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. If the car has IRS, check rear camber/toe adjusters and look for worn toe links as well. A proper alignment (front, and rear on IRS models) is essential, even small camber/caster shifts can chew tyres quickly. Use a ball joint separator rather than hammering studs, and replace any single‑use self‑locking nuts. If chasing a brake shudder complaint, inspect the lower rear fluid‑filled bush closely — it’s a usual suspect on these Falcons.

Whether it’s a daily runabout or a weekend tourer, keeping the Falcon’s control arms healthy preserves that planted, Aussie large‑sedan feel the BA/BF is known for — exactly as detailed in the Ford workshop literature and Gregory’s service manual guidance.

Popular questions

Does a 2005 Ford Falcon have control arms front and rear?
Yes — all models have front upper and lower control arms. Sedans with IRS (most BA MkII/BF sedans) also have rear upper/lower arms with a trailing control blade and toe link. Utes and some wagons use a live rear axle, so no rear control arms there.

How long do BA/BF Falcon control arm bushes last?
Typically 80,000–150,000 km, but rough roads, heavy braking, and big wheels can shorten that. Signs include clunks, brake shudder and inner-edge tyre wear. Regular inspections during services help catch wear early.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Definitely. Any arm or bush change can alter camber/caster/toe. Get a full alignment — front on all models, and front plus rear on IRS sedans — to protect tyres and restore handling.