Parts for your 2006 Subaru Tribeca-Control arms

2006 Subaru Tribeca Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2006 Subaru Tribeca. Technical documentation including the Subaru Factory Service Manual (2006 B9 Tribeca, Chassis/Front & Rear Suspension) specifies a front MacPherson strut setup with a lower control arm, and a rear multi-link/double-wishbone arrangement that uses multiple control arms (lateral links and upper arms). Subaru’s OEM parts catalogue and common aftermarket catalogues list complete arms and bush kits for both front and rear, confirming the Tribeca uses control arms as key suspension links.

On a 2006 Tribeca, control arms do the heavy lifting of locating the wheels and letting the suspension move smoothly while keeping alignment angles where they should be. The front lower control arm ties the hub to the subframe, working with the strut and lower ball joint to manage steering precision and ride quality. At the back, the wishbone-style arrangement uses several control arms to keep the rear wheels planted and predictable through corners and over bumps.

Because the arms pivot on bushes and ball joints, they cop a fair bit of punishment over Aussie and Kiwi roads. Worn bushes or joints can lead to vague steering, clunks, and uneven tyre wear. Typical tell-tales include:

• Clunking or knocking over speed humps or potholes
• Shimmy through the wheel under braking or on coarse chip
• Wandering, tramlining, or a pull to one side
• Feathered or rapidly wearing tyres at the inner or outer edges

During servicing, it’s smart to inspect front and rear control arm bushes for cracking, oil saturation, or separation, and check the ball joints for play or torn boots. On the Tribeca, the front lower arm typically has a large rear bush and a forward bush, with the lower ball joint attaching at the knuckle. If bushes are shot, you can press in new ones or fit a complete arm—often the cleanest fix if the arm is corroded or if the ball joint is tired too.

When replacing arms or bushes, tighten pivot bolts at ride height to avoid preloading the rubber. A wheel alignment is a must afterwards—small changes at the arms make a big difference to camber and toe. Consider quality bushes (including hydro or heavy-duty options) if you tow or rack up big kilometres. Reuse hardware only if it’s in good nick, otherwise, new bolts and nuts are cheap insurance. A periodic underbody wash helps slow corrosion, especially near the coast.

How often should control arm bushes be replaced on a 2006 Tribeca?

There’s no fixed interval, it depends on kilometres, road conditions, and load. Many owners see bush wear between 120,000–200,000 km. If you notice clunks, steering vagueness, or uneven tyres, get them checked sooner. Regular inspections during service will catch early cracking before it becomes a safety issue.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Yes. Even if you mark everything, tolerances shift when arms or bushes are changed. An alignment resets toe and camber to spec, protecting your tyres and keeping the Tribeca tracking straight. Skipping this step often leads to rapid tyre wear and a crooked steering wheel.

Can I replace just the bushes, or should I fit complete arms?

Both approaches work. Pressing new bushes is cost-effective if the arm and ball joint are good. If the arm is bent or rusty—or the ball joint is worn—complete arms can save time and deliver a longer-lasting result. Factor in labour, press tools, and downtime when choosing.