Parts for your 2006 Subaru Forester-Control arms

2006 Subaru Forester Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2006 Subaru Forester and are very relevant to servicing. Technical references back this up: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2006 SG Forester (Front Suspension – Front Arm/Transverse Link section) details the front lower control arm and its ball joint, Subaru’s parts catalogue lists complete front lower arms and rear lateral links for this model, and NHTSA Campaign No. 11V464 addresses corrosion of front lower control arms on 2003–2008 Forester models, further confirming their presence. Together, those sources make it clear the Forester runs control arms at the front, with rear suspension using lateral links and a trailing arm that function as control arms.

On the 2006 Forester, the front lower control arm (often called the transverse link or wishbone) locates the wheel hub to the subframe, lets the suspension pivot smoothly, and keeps wheel alignment steady under braking, cornering and over rough roads. Each arm houses rubber bushes for isolation and a ball joint to articulate with the steering knuckle. At the rear, the multi-link layout uses lateral links and a trailing arm to control wheel position through the suspension travel.

For day-to-day ownership in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to have control arms and bushes inspected at regular services or at least every 20,000 km, especially if the vehicle tows, sees corrugations, or drives near the coast. Tell-tales of wear include clunks over bumps, steering wander, vibration under braking, and uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer edges. Visual signs include cracked or oil-soaked bushes and split or loose ball joint boots. Surface rust is common on older steel arms, heavy corrosion or thinning metal is a replacement job.

• When replacing, consider doing both sides to keep handling even.
• Use quality arms or OEM bushes/ball joints, many prefer complete arm assemblies to avoid pressing bushes.
• Tighten arm bolts at normal ride height so the bushes aren’t preloaded.
• Book a wheel alignment straight after any arm or bush work.
• Check sway bar links, camber bolts and ball joints at the same time, and replace hardware if it’s stretched or corroded.
• After rough-road trips, re-check torque and keep an eye on tyre wear patterns.

Looked after, the Forester’s control arms keep the ride tidy, steering sharp and tyres wearing evenly for many years.

How long do Forester control arm bushes typically last?
On a well-maintained 2006 Forester, bushes often last 80,000–150,000 km, but it varies with road conditions, load and driving style. Lots of corrugations, potholes, or frequent towing will shorten their life. Regular checks catch cracking or softening early, before tyres and alignment suffer.

Can worn control arms cause vibration or tyre wear?
Yes. Loose bushes or a tired ball joint let the wheel shift under load, causing shudder on braking, vague steering, and feathered or uneven tyre wear. If these symptoms show up, inspect the arms, bushes, ball joints and alignment together.

Should the whole arm be replaced, or just the bushes?
Both approaches work. Replacing just bushes can be cost-effective if the arm is rust-free and straight, but it needs a press and correct bushing orientation. A complete arm saves labour, includes a new ball joint on many kits, and is often the better call when corrosion or multiple components are worn.